Kavontae K. Smalls

​Professional Summary:
A dynamic and well-rounded media professional in front of the camera and behind. Skilled at conveying information to key audiences across multiple platforms through traditional journalism practices as a journalist, and social media, new media, traditional media, news releases and marketing as a public relations professional. Ensures content is always accurate, ethical, relevant and consistent with brand. 

Core Qualifications:
  • Journalistic competencies
  • Video & Copy Editing
  • Works well under pressure and Resourceful
  • Great Interpersonal Skills
  • Brand Promotion and Awareness
  • Strong Communication Skills
    • ​Exceptional Writer
    • ​AP Style
    • Public Speaking
  • Media Relations
    • ​Press Releases, Media Alerts
    • Securing Press Coverage
    • Media coaching
    • Media strategy
  • Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization to improve SERP visibility, website traffic and boost conversions.
  • Email marketing
    • Newsletter content creation, dissemination, and performance tracking
  • Social media marketing
    • Multiplatform content creation designed to drive engagement and brand awareness and improve conversions.
    • Related skills include content calendar planning, performance monitoring, and paid campaign strategy
Experience:
Traditional & Digital News, Producing, Content Creation 
SurvivorNet
March 2023 - Present
Writer, Reporter, Editorial Content Lead

Atlanta Black Star
August 2021 - March 2023
Reporter, Host

All Rev'd Up, LLC 
April 2019 - Present 
Co-Producer, "All Rev'd Up Podcast"

WGBH, Boston, MA 
October 2018 – July 2021
Television Producer, "Basic Black"
Reporter, "Greater Boston"

Quinlan Report, Pensacola, FL 
April 2018 – July 2018
Freelance Digital Producer/Multimedia Journalist

WEAR, Pensacola, FL 
March 2013 – April 2015
Reporter

WKEF/WRGT, Dayton, OH 
June 2012 – March 2013
Multimedia Journalist

WJHG, Panama City, FL 
July 2011 – May 2012
Multimedia Journalist/Web Producer

WEAR, Pensacola, FL 
January 2011 – July 2012
Associate Producer & Video Editor

WRNE 980 Morning Radio, Pensacola, FL 
October 2010 – July 2011
Freelance Producer/On Air Talent
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Collective Responsibilities:
  • Covered a wide range of news stories daily across various formats, including online and live on-air, encompassing both breaking and investigative content.
  • Shot and edited stories for broadcast using professional cameras, Avid, Edius, Sony Vegas, & Adobe Premiere.
  • Oversaw social media channels for marketing and promotional purposes.
  • Developed and maintained numerous sources across several disciplines.
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Key Accomplishments:
  • 2021 N.A.T.A.S. Emmy Winner
  • 2021 NABJ Salute to Excellence Award 
  • 2020 N.A.T.A.S. Emmy Governor's Award
  • 2020 NABJ Salute to Excellence Award
  • 2018 Clarion Award, Assoc. for Women in Communications for a show focusing on women in politics
  • Massachusetts Psychological Assoc. Media Award
  • Uncovered assisted living facility endangered lives of patients through negligence, unsafe practices. Owners arrested.
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; Boston/New England 2020 Governors' Award
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Media Relations | Public Relations | Communications
Crime and Justice Institute
July 2024 - May 2025
Communications Specialist
  • Produced content for social media platforms, contributing to a growth of followers by 20% within 6 months by producing targeted and engaging content enhancing brand identity.
  • Organized and executed communications plan that included the creation of web landing page, authored press release for state governor, social media campaign, and more than a dozen favorable earned media spots by crafting compelling narratives and media pitches.
  • Authored internal communications materials including newsletters that saw a 60% increase in open-rates.
  • Authored and copy-edited ghost-written op-eds highlighting published research reports, policy issues and advocacy initiatives.​
WCP Communications
August 2022 - July 2024
Media Relations Strategist
  •  Increased media coverage by 25% for clients through targeted press release strategies and outreach.
  • Coordinated more than a dozen press conferences for clients with each securing media coverage.
  • Assisted in the development of comprehensive communication strategies, enhancing the clients public image through strategic storytelling.
  • Conducted media training for legal professionals and litigants enhancing effectiveness of public statements by 50%.

U.S. House of Representatives, Pensacola, FL 
January 2017 – September 2018
Communications/Digital Director
  • Collaborated with staff and other communications officials to create communication strategies aimed at promoting policy and legislation, resulting in more than 60 media hits within a single year.
  • Drafted, designed, and edited over 50 deliverables using Canva and video editing software, increasing the Congressman’s social media reach by more than 100% within a year.
  • Spearheaded more than 50 public relations events within the Congressional district, resulting in more than 100 news articles and broadcast news hits at local, state, and national levels.
  • Effectively handled more than 100 public inquiries and press at local, state, and national levels.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Largo, FL 
May 2016 – December 2016
Public Information Specialist
  • Drafted press releases and media advisories for on-the-record publications with more than 80 media outlets within the media market.
  • Reduced crisis communications response time by 15% by advocating enhanced internal protocols amid personnel misconduct, resulting in an improved perception of transparency.
  • Served as the official spokesperson for major crime scenes, resulting in more than 10 national news articles, including CNN.

Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama, Mobile, AL 
May 2015 – May 2016
Public Relations Director
  •  Increased brand awareness and media coverage by 50% through strategic brand storytelling and targeted press release strategies.
  • Boosted social media reach by 50% by implementing campaigns targeting specific zip codes where the organization has the most impact.
  • Developed promotional campaigns leveraging traditional media, raising more than $170,000, an increase of $50,000 from the previous year​
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Key Accomplishments:
  • Organized and managed national press coverage for sitting congressman.
  • Managed and served as spokesperson for major news conferences at state and national levels. 
  • Organically generated dozens of earned media spots (TV, radio, newspaper).
  • Increased social media brand awareness. 
Education:
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism Communications, May 2010
Major: Journalism and Communications, Minor: Political Science University of West Florida – Pensacola, FL

Digital Marketing and E-commerce Certification, Summer 2024
Skilled in email and social media campaigns by leveraging search engine optimization, search engine marketing, and digital advertising to attract customers and boost conversions, online sales, and web traffic, among other marketing goals. 

Broadcast work samples:
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