As a passionate storyteller and skilled communicator, I specialize in bringing brands to life through the power of words. With over 16 years of experience, I’ve honed my ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and drive meaningful engagement. My journey has equipped me with a versatile communications and marketing skill set, blending creativity with strategic thinking. From writing engaging social media content to shaping high-level marketing strategies, I thrive in crafting messages that captivate, inform, and inspire action. Whether it's web copy, blog posts, opinion pieces, newsletters, or feature stories, I love adapting content across various channels to meet diverse goals. Beyond writing, my hands-on experience spans a wide range of areas, including media relations, content planning, crisis communications, brand management, event planning, and project management. I excel at overseeing integrated communications strategies that align with an organization’s broader objectives, all while ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact. I've had the privilege of working across diverse industries, including education (higher ed & K-12), government, trade associations, nonprofits, corporate sectors, and both B2B and B2C environments. This breadth of experience has deepened my understanding of various audiences and refined my ability to tailor communications that drive results.

Nicole E. Gum (Nikki)

As a passionate storyteller and skilled communicator, I specialize in bringing brands to life through the power of words. With over 16 years of experience, I’ve honed my ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and drive meaningful engagement. My journey has equipped me with a versatile communications and marketing skill set, blending creativity with strategic thinking. From writing engaging social media content to shaping high-level marketing strategies, I thrive in crafting messages that captivate, inform, and inspire action. Whether it's web copy, blog posts, opinion pieces, newsletters, or feature stories, I love adapting content across various channels to meet diverse goals. Beyond writing, my hands-on experience spans a wide range of areas, including media relations, content planning, crisis communications, brand management, event planning, and project management. I excel at overseeing integrated communications strategies that align with an organization’s broader objectives, all while ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact. I've had the privilege of working across diverse industries, including education (higher ed & K-12), government, trade associations, nonprofits, corporate sectors, and both B2B and B2C environments. This breadth of experience has deepened my understanding of various audiences and refined my ability to tailor communications that drive results.

Available to hire

As a passionate storyteller and skilled communicator, I specialize in bringing brands to life through the power of words. With over 16 years of experience, I’ve honed my ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and drive meaningful engagement.

My journey has equipped me with a versatile communications and marketing skill set, blending creativity with strategic thinking. From writing engaging social media content to shaping high-level marketing strategies, I thrive in crafting messages that captivate, inform, and inspire action. Whether it’s web copy, blog posts, opinion pieces, newsletters, or feature stories, I love adapting content across various channels to meet diverse goals.

Beyond writing, my hands-on experience spans a wide range of areas, including media relations, content planning, crisis communications, brand management, event planning, and project management. I excel at overseeing integrated communications strategies that align with an organization’s broader objectives, all while ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact.

I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse industries, including education (higher ed & K-12), government, trade associations, nonprofits, corporate sectors, and both B2B and B2C environments. This breadth of experience has deepened my understanding of various audiences and refined my ability to tailor communications that drive results.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Marketing & Communications Coordinator at Helping Harvest
February 1, 2025 - Present
Develop and execute marketing and communications strategies that advance the mission of Helping Harvest; oversee social media and website strategy, content creation, analytics, and reporting; maintain brand identity; manage print publications and promotional materials; coordinate external communications including a print newsletter and monthly E-News; pitch stories to media and arrange media visits; support executive communications; assist events.
Writer & Content Producer at Self-employed
November 1, 2024 - Present
Write and edit a variety of content for clients, including social media posts, opinion pieces, thought leadership, blog posts and more.
Brand Communications Manager at Advancing Women Executives
September 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024
Created and published content for bi-monthly newsletters and marketing materials; managed content calendars; guided voice and leadership style on behalf of the CEO; wrote original content for the AWE brand and clients; produced PR across multiple platforms; planned and executed high-profile events; maintained AWE website and SEO strategy; tracked audience metrics and produced monthly reports; supported events logistics.
Communications & PR Manager at National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP)
June 1, 2023 - September 1, 2023
Created, organized, and edited content for blogs, newsletters, emails, event materials and publications; managed earned media relations, drafting press releases and maintaining media lists; planned and executed social media content; supported national, regional and virtual events with materials, session titles, descriptions and panelist questions; coordinated contractor support.
Communications Specialist at Pennsylvania News Media Association
March 1, 2015 - June 1, 2015
Managed digital channels, content calendar, internal communications, and contractor workload; oversaw graphic design freelancers; supported evolving brand and communications efforts.
Senior Assistant Director of Communications / Assistant Director of Communications at Gettysburg College
October 1, 2010 - February 1, 2015
Raised the college’s visibility as media contact and spokesperson; pitched stories to local, regional, national and higher education media; collaborated with faculty to pitch expertise; wrote op-eds; managed press releases; oversaw media monitoring; contributed to campus communications for programs, events and initiatives; mentored students; managed interns.
Director of Communications at Gettysburg College
October 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
Led communications strategy, media relations, and editorial planning; produced PR content across channels; supervised campus media and events; ensured brand consistency.
Director of Editorial Services / Director of College Communications at Muhlenberg College
June 1, 2015 - December 1, 2017
Edited Muhlenberg Magazine (three times yearly); planned and produced major marketing pieces including annual report and community impact report; managed communications team, coordinated media outreach, and planned signature events; mentored students and interns; oversaw content strategy for college communications.
Adjunct Instructor of Media & Communications at Muhlenberg College
August 1, 2016 - December 1, 2017
Taught COMM 216: Communication and Public Relations; practical, practice-oriented instruction; guided students in media and communications concepts.
Staff Assistant at U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.
June 1, 2009 - October 1, 2010
Wrote press releases and media advisories; drafted talking points; pitched stories; responded to media inquiries; assisted with media monitoring and scheduling.
Freelance Writer & Content Producer at Self-employed
November 1, 2024 - Present
Wrote and edited content for clients including social media, op-eds, thought leadership and blog posts; managed content calendars and client approvals; delivered content across multiple platforms.
Manager, Brand Communications at Advancing Women Executives
September 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024
Created and published content for bimonthly newsletters and marketing materials; learned CEO voice to craft on-brand messaging; generated PR across platforms; coordinated speaking opportunities and managed the CEO’s public presence; maintained website and SEO.
Communication Specialist at PPL Electric Utilities (contract position)
April 1, 2022 - February 1, 2023
Managed digital channels (social, customer emails, blog and website); maintained a robust content calendar; developed engaging content; coordinated with internal teams and managed contracted freelancers; supported evolving brand after acquisition.
Communication Specialist at Upper Perkiomen School District
January 1, 2018 - April 1, 2022
Oversaw district marketing and brand; wrote and planned messages for district-wide audiences; crisis communicator and speechwriter when necessary; primary media contact; produced website content; supervised social media and district publications; liaised with community partners and sponsors.
Adjunct Instructor of Media & Communication at Muhlenberg College
August 1, 2016 - December 1, 2017
Taught COM 216: Communication and Public Relations, a practice-oriented course for students interested in media & communication.
Communications Director at Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association
March 1, 2015 - June 1, 2015
Oversaw the association’s communications strategy, including web content, publications, media relations and member communications; planned event coverage and produced newsletters; primary contact for media release services.
Press Assistant at U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.
June 1, 2009 - October 1, 2010
Wrote press releases and media advisories; drafted talking points; pitched stories; managed media monitoring; prepared the Senator for interviews and public engagements.
Staff Assistant at U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.
October 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
General office duties; managed high-volume communications, constituent requests and scheduling; supported staff with administrative tasks and logistics.
Communication Specialist at PPL Electric Utilities
April 1, 2022 - February 28, 2023
Managed digital channels, including social media, customer emails, blog and website; developed and executed content calendars; wrote and evaluated content effectiveness; coordinated with internal teams and managed contracted designers and freelancers; supported brand maintenance after acquisition.
Director of Editorial Services/Director of College Communications at Muhlenberg College
June 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017
Editor of Muhlenberg magazine; led production of marketing pieces (annual report, impact reports); promoted the college through web articles, media relations and op-ed placements; managed communications teams and projects; developed and refreshed brand and marketing materials.
Senior Assistant Director of Communications/Assistant Director of Communications at Gettysburg College
October 1, 2010 - February 28, 2015
Raised the college’s visibility through media relations, press releases and op-eds; managed media monitoring and marketing content; oversaw campus communications, advertising and signature events; supported crisis communications and internship programs.
Manager, Brand Communications at Advancing Women Executives (AWE)
September 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024
Created, designed, and published all content for bi-monthly newsletters, marketing materials, and social channels; learned CEO voice to craft on-behalf content; managed content calendars; generated PR across platforms; planned speaking opportunities; maintained website and SEO strategy; tracked engagement metrics and supported virtual events.
Communications Specialist at Upper Perkiomen School District
January 1, 2018 - April 1, 2022
Managed district branding and communications; worked with administration and board on key initiatives; wrote and produced district-wide messages; updated the district website and social media; coordinated community outreach and events.
Senior Communications Director at Pennsylvania News Media Association
March 1, 2015 - June 1, 2015
Administered communications strategy, drafted blog posts, newsletters, email campaigns, event materials; managed media relations, newsroom outreach, and website content; supported national and regional initiatives.
Director of Communications at Gettysburg College
October 1, 2010 - February 1, 2015
Overhauled campus communications; served as primary media contact; planned campaigns; managed website content and social media; supervised student staff and interns; coordinated media coverage for campus events; produced press materials.
Assistant Director of Communications at Gettysburg College
October 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
Directed communications operations; drafted press releases and media advisories; managed newsletters and blog content; maintained website updates; supervised interns; coordinated media coverage.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications and Political Science (Magna Cum Laude) at Muhlenberg College
January 11, 2030 - December 18, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in media & communication and political science at Muhlenberg College
January 11, 2030 - December 18, 2025
Bachelor of Arts at Muhlenberg College
January 11, 2030 - December 22, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in media & communication and political science at Muhlenberg College
January 11, 2030 - December 22, 2025

Qualifications

Magna Cum Laude
January 11, 2030 - December 18, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Government, Software & Internet, Energy & Utilities