about me

Checking out the view from the CN Tower in Toronto

MY STORY

Hi, I’m Erin, and it’s lovely to meet you.

From a small town in Pennsylvania to the big city of Dallas, TX, I’ve chased my dreams across the states to do what I love most: build relationships and engaged communities and weave stories that leave a lasting impression.

I’ve worked with all types of companies from small non-profits to large Fortune 500 companies, advising them on strategic marketing plans, managing public relations, and executing communication strategies that put them in front of the audiences that matter.

Enjoyed my time at BlizzCon 2023 and the Overwatch World Cup

When I’m not busy professionally tweeting or crafting communication strategies, you can find me hiking or spending time outdoors, reading, playing video games or TTRPGs, learning new baking recipes or hanging out with my sweet chihuahua boys, Taco & Hermes.

I love traveling and exploring the world, attending events for my clients, and doing on-site coverage and event management. I thrive in environments that require a lot of moving pieces, finding peace in bringing organization to chaos.


Brand Strategy & Storytelling

Social Media Writing & Marketing

Content Marketing

Event Planning

Account & Project Management

EXPERTISE

Communication Strategy

Public Relations & Media Relations

Digital Marketing

Email Marketing

Graphic Design


Marketing Manager at AOE Creative
(2022 – Now)

As the marketing manager, I manage client accounts valued over $2M, direct social media and marketing strategies, and lead public relations strategies and earned media efforts. I craft brand launch strategies for our clients by developing campaign timelines, creating buyer personas, and conducting and documenting competitive market research. Internally, I worked on AOE’s internal marketing processes to create standardization across all clients.

I also managed a team of six social media coordinators and contractors and helped coordinate the launch of two TikTok accounts for Activision Blizzard’s esports Leagues, resulting in the two fastest-growing accounts across all of Blizzard's channels.

Additionally, I support the business development team through the writing and organization of RFP responses and pitch decks.

Social Media Manager at Nerd Street & Localhost
(2021 – 2022)


As the social media manager for Nerd Street and Localhost, I led social media strategies for eight esports titles and directed paid social media campaigns to support company marketing initiatives. Additionally, I created and organized all content for Nerd Street and Localhost’s nine social media channels (including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok), and managed the team of social media contractors by developing contractor scheduling and reviewing all contracted work. During my time at Nerd Street, total social followers increased by 39%, organization impressions grew by 79%, and web traffic increased by 70%.

Communications Director at Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
(2018 – 2021)

As the Communications Director at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, I developed and executed all communication and brand strategies for the organization. I also managed all marketing and digital strategies for the Chamber, including the Chamber’s website, all email marketing, social media and social media advertising, and content marketing. My efforts helped double the organization’s email marketing database from 5,000 to over 10,000 contacts, increase total social followers, and increase total Chamber & CREDC membership.

Additionally, I led the Chamber Business Women (CBW), increasing average attendance from 30 women a month to 80.

Account Executive, Communications at Merit Marketing
(2015 – 2018)

At Merit, I worked alongside our clients to develop strategic communication strategies that put themselves in the center of the conversations happening all around them, whether that’s in-person, online, or in print. In addition to communication efforts, I also acted as a project manager for certain clients, making sure all deliverables were met and managing all their unique needs. Responsibilities included writing press releases, managing earned media efforts, writing and designing content for social media, web, and email platforms, managing marketing budgets, coordinating events, and more.

RESUME


ACCOLADES

2020

HYP 20 In Their 20’s Honoree

Presented by Harrisburg Young Professionals

Presented to 20 rising stars from business, culture and civic life who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and workplaces.

2020

Harrisburg Regional Chamber CBW Lean In Circle Graduate

Presented by Harrisburg Regional Chamber

Lean In Circles curriculum consist of small groups that meet on a regular basis for leadership skill building, peer-to-peer mentorship, and support. These programs are designed to give women the opportunity to learn empowering practices they can employ in their professional and personal lives.

2019

Emerging Philanthropist Program Graduate

Presented by the Foundation for Enhancing Communities & HYP

The Emerging Philanthropists Program (EPP) seeks to engage Harrisburg’s emerging business and community leaders with the great possibilities that lie within philanthropic endeavors in our region. EPP provides resources and educational opportunities for those who wish to be actively engaged in philanthropic endeavors.


Volunteering

Pennsylvania Public Relations Society (PPRS)
Public Relations Committee Chair, Membership Committee Chair | Jan 2020 – Dec 2021

Help support public relations efforts for PPRS through social media channels, website, and traditional communication outlets.

United Way of the Capital Region’s LINC
Volunteer | November 2018 – Now

LINC is exclusive to individuals aged 30 and under who donate $250 or more to United Way of the Capital Region’s Community Impact Fund or pilot projects. Various volunteer opportunities are extended, such as packing food boxes, gift-wrapping books for students, and more.

Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP)
Marketing Committee Co-Chair | January 2020 – December 2020


Support HYP through all marketing, communication and public relation efforts, as well as manage a network of volunteers collaborate with other HYP volunteers and committees, and executive HYP’s vision.


B.A. IN PUBLIC RELATIONS, CONCENTRATION IN DIGITAL MEDIA
Messiah Univeristy | 2013-2016
Dean’s List, Member of Lambda Pi Eta and PRSSA

EDUCATION

Let's Create & Tell Your Story Together ❤

Let's Create & Tell Your Story Together ❤

Or send me an email at erin.zakin@gmail.com