Strategic communications professional with extensive experience in higher education, journalism, banking, and marketing. Proven success in developing compelling, accessible content across digital and print platforms, managing media relations, and leading institution-wide communications initiatives. Deep understanding of brand storytelling, relationship management, academic culture, and research translation. Demonstrated commitment to editorial precision, creative leadership, and digital fluency to elevate clients and partners. Committed to ethical and effective AI usage.…

Paul Karns

Strategic communications professional with extensive experience in higher education, journalism, banking, and marketing. Proven success in developing compelling, accessible content across digital and print platforms, managing media relations, and leading institution-wide communications initiatives. Deep understanding of brand storytelling, relationship management, academic culture, and research translation. Demonstrated commitment to editorial precision, creative leadership, and digital fluency to elevate clients and partners. Committed to ethical and effective AI usage.…

Available to hire

Strategic communications professional with extensive experience in higher education, journalism, banking, and marketing. Proven success in developing compelling, accessible content across digital and print platforms, managing media relations, and leading institution-wide communications initiatives. Deep understanding of brand storytelling, relationship management, academic culture, and research translation. Demonstrated commitment to editorial precision, creative leadership, and digital fluency to elevate clients and partners. Committed to ethical and effective AI usage.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

Branding & Startup Consultant at Virago Spirits
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017
Led the development of brand identity, marketing strategy, and launch planning for Virago Spirits. Coordinated with architects, designers, and regulatory stakeholders to align the physical space with the brand message.
Co-Founder at Ardent Craft Ales
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2016
Developed and executed the business plan, brand identity, and go-to-market strategy for the brewery. Raised $750K in seed funding and led creative direction for the brewery, taproom, and launch campaigns. Surpassed first-year revenue projections by 50% through targeted storytelling, relationship marketing, and brand positioning.
Art Director at Capital One Brand Marketing
April 1, 2011 - February 28, 2013
Drove creative execution for direct mail and internal communications campaigns in multiple verticals. Developed visual campaigns supporting military and diversity recruitment initiatives. Redesigned internal publications contributing to the company’s Fortune 100 Best Places to Work ranking. Collaborated with stakeholders to launch major internal communications initiatives.
Art Director at Royall & Co.
April 1, 2008 - January 31, 2011
Created personalized direct marketing campaigns for higher education clients, resulting in measurable enrollment increases. Worked closely with strategy teams to ensure creative alignment with institutional voice and goals.
Communications Manager at Virginia Commonwealth University
August 1, 2004 - April 30, 2008
Developed award-winning marketing campaigns that increased student engagement by 40%, which were adopted by other universities and state agencies. Implemented workflow management tools to improve client communication and led university-wide adoption of content management systems and cloud collaboration. Conceived and collaborated on the creation of VCUInsider, a comprehensive digital and print resource for students and parents.
Writer/Editor at Indiana University
August 1, 2003 - August 31, 2004
Wrote press releases, op-eds, and internal communications for the Vice Provost of Educational Diversity. Researched and authored articles for Development and Alumni publications.
Freelance Writer
January 1, 2003 - Present
Current work includes a book-in-progress on fitness and mindfulness as a model for treating alcoholism and PTSD; a Substack focused on local food sourcing; creative consultant for Industry Lab; contributing writer for Richmond Magazine covering local culture, business, and education; developed web content for REI Co-op, Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board, Hodges Digital Partners, and others (SEO optimization); authored institutional reports and branding materials for various clients.
CONTRACT TEAM LEAD — LLM DEVELOPMENT at ALIGNERR
March 1, 2025 - Present
Managed teams and pipelines for AI model development, specifically in writing applications; Engineered prompts and constraints in both machine and hybrid data models.
FREELANCE CONTENT DEVELOPER
April 1, 2003 - Present
Creative consultant for Industry Lab, a tech and creative co-working space; Website and print design for Central Western Maine Development Board and Healthy Acadia; Staff photographer for the Boston Book Festival and other events; Authored institutional reports and branding materials for various clients.

Education

MFA at University of Arkansas — Fayetteville
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2003
BA at Brandeis University
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2001

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Manufacturing, Other, Financial Services, Government, Software & Internet

Skills

Experience Level