Hello! I'm Joe.
As a policy communicator, my personal and professional background informs much of the work I do. In addition to having experience in roles within academia, public service, and the non-profit space, my motivation to learn, improve and adapt to new circumstances and technologies allows me to help others navigate the challenges of communicating with impact in our overcrowded, ever-changing media landscape.
Joe Brecht
Communications Specialist
B.A. in Political Communication
The George Washington University
M.A. in Communication & Media
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Areas of Expertise:
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Social Media Management
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Content Editing & Strategy
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Website Administration
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Policy Communication
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Strategic Communication
EXPERIENCE
2022 - present
Public Relations Specialist II
RUTGERS CENTER FOR STATE HEALTH POLICY
In addition to managing the Center’s electronic mailing list and website content, I use analytics to inform digital content strategy with the goal of elevating the Center’s voice in important health policy conversations and enhancing the impact of the Center’s research through active communication and dissemination.
2022-2023
NEW JERSEY COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION
Public Relations Director
I was responsible for creating a unique visual identity and social posts promoting the 2023 NJCA conference. I developed and helped implement promotional campaigns soliciting submissions in response to the Call for Papers and sharing registration information, key dates, and deadlines. This included tracking outreach activities and liaising with the NJCA Executive Board.
2021-2022
Program Assistant
Master of Communication & Media (MCM) Program
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION (SC&I)
I worked with the SC&I Communications & Marketing team to address a pandemic-related lag in enrollment, particularly among international students. This included developing content for and promoting a new LinkedIn group for MCM students, alumni, and prospective employers. The group currently includes several hundred members. During my final semester, I published a limited blog series chronicling my experience working on a capstone project for the SC&I website and social media.
2019
Student Researcher & Consultant
LAST CALL FOR FOOD DC
This experiential learning opportunity allowed me to work and learn within a startup, alumni-led non-profit addressing food waste and insecurity on college campuses in and around DC. I was responsible for collecting and analyzing data regarding web traffic trends and user behavior. The experience culminated in the delivery of a formal proposal outlining new tactics for enhancing outreach and increasing engagement with the organization online.
2018
Summer Intern
OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN LEONARD LANCE
Working alongside a fellow intern and the congressman's district office constituent services staff, I was responsible for fielding phone calls from constituents and government agencies. This included documenting constituent concerns and responding to case work-related inquiries. I also maintained government and community-based contact lists and staffed a forum discussion the congressman led with local small business leaders in the district.
EDUCATION
2022
Master's Degree
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
Concentration: Public Relations
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GPA: 4.0
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Recognition: The Angela DiMartini Service Award
2020
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Bachelor's Degree
Major: Political Communication
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Minor: History
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GPA: 3.94
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Recognition: University Honors Program | Dean's List | Sigelman Undergraduate Research Enhancement (SURE) Award | Accepted Honors Thesis
2016
High School Diploma
Union County Magnet High School for Science, Mathematics, and Technology
EXPERTISE
COMMUNICATING WITH PURPOSE
My role is to help individuals and organizations identify their communication goals and understand why they are pursuing them. Purposeful communication requires a clear understanding of the what and the why, which both inform the engagement strategy and specific tactics that we will employ to engage your target audience(s) - also known as the how.
REACHING THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Once we articulate our purpose, I work with my clients to place people at the center of their messaging and outreach strategy. First, we learn more about the audience we wish to engage, identifying where and how they gather information as well as the types of content they consume. Armed with this knowledge, we are prepared to develop specific strategies and tactics which are likely to gain attention and spur action.
MESSAGING THAT MATTERS
Strategy and tactics are the bridge between a message and its recipient; think of the message, then, as the vehicle. Without a message which is timely, resonant and actionable, you're not going to get more than a few yards before the engine starts to sputter. It is my passion and professional purpose to help clients develop messaging that both embodies the client's values and speaks to the members of their community.
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SKILLS
Microsoft Office Suite of Programs
Social Media Platforms & Analytics
Adobe Acrobat, Premiere Rush, Photoshop
Google Suite of Programs
Data Collection & Survey Software
Hootsuite Platform Certified
in 2022