Denzel Russell

About Denzel Russell

I am a strategic communications, digital marketing, event planning, and brand development machine with over a decade of experience in elevating brand visibility and engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders at the intersection of technology, culture, politics, nonprofits, sports, and education. I look forward to connecting with you. My Approach: As a seasoned and innovative communications and marketing strategist, I have sharpened my inclusive, brand-building approach of transforming complex narratives into compelling, storytelling public relations messages by uplifting human truths and companies’ unique value propositions through a roaring, data-driven, assets-based megaphone.As Deputy Director of Communications of two national nonprofit organizations (c3 and c4), I lead the strategic and creative direction, execution, and outcomes for all internal/external media-facing communications and marketing initiatives for Black Futures Lab and Black to the Future Action Fund. In 2022, I successfully planned and promoted our 10th anniversary through earned and paid PR campaigns that significantly contributed to our organization’s impact and growth. I also spearheaded several high-profile, end-to-end integrated marketing and advertising programs in partnership with Smartsheet, McLaren, Disney: Wakanda Forever, and Comcast NBCUniversal, collectively reaching nearly 200 million viewers globally. In addition to planning, promoting, and executing six tentpole community events that attracted attendees nationwide, I organized and managed several cross-functional teams and external partners to host the grand opening celebration of our new sq. ft. national headquarters for a myriad of influential stakeholders. At my best, I am a creative, detail-oriented, and forward-thinking leader who thrives in navigating fast-paced, challenging, and ambiguous environments. Channeling the passion and energy of Michael Jackson singing \'Man in the Mirror\'(my favorite song!), I thrive on building, training, and leading high-performing teams that have consistently driven successful results. My superpowers: strategic communications | brand partnerships | social media | SEO | data analytics | media training | client relationship management | digital marketing | strategic planning | public speaking | youth development | media and entertainment | social impact | graphic design | fundraising | WordPress | project management | media relations | writing | pitching | advertising | email marketing | content creation | DEI | CSR

Experience

1. Deputy Director, Communications

   Black Futures Lab

   Jul 2024 — Present

Education

• Humboldt State University

  Business Administration, Management and Operations

• City College of San Francisco

  Business Administration and Management, General

• San Francisco State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Management

• Raise for Good: Okta for Good Capacity Strengthening Program

  Communication and Media Studies

• Northern California Grantmakers Communications Institute

  Participant of Inaugural Communications Cohort

Skills

• Leadership
• Team Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Management
• Program Management
• Community Outreach
• Social Media Marketing
• Teamwork
• Team Management
• Business Development
• Youth Development
• Event Planning
• Customer Service
• Nonprofits
• Communication
• Fundraising
• Strategic Planning
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Marketing