Eric Smith

About Eric Smith

I am a storyteller, educator, and connection-builder with extensive experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs across a range of sectors including international development, healthcare, defense, and education. With a proven track record of supporting high-level government initiatives and collaborating with key partners, I specialize in creating clear, impactful messaging that drives policy change, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and amplifies organizational priorities. Some of my career accomplishments include cultivating partnerships between USAID and three different universities; developing a curriculum for a Respectful, Inclusive, and Safe Environments training; increasing the open rate of front-office newsletters by over 50%; drafting a proposal for improved regional disaster relief and resilience in the Caribbean; successfully responding to over 700 queries on COVID therapeutics for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; and developing a class curriculum on Public Policy for the Brown Masters of Public Affairs program.

Experience

1. Senior Communications Analyst

   USAID

   Jun 2022 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Plans and organizes external outreach events and activities with partner organizations, including higher education institutions, non-profits, multilateral organizations, and the private sector Drafts and reviews talking points, briefers, speeches, policy proposals, and Congressional Testimony for Front Office principals Liaises with offices across USAID and interagency to coordinate messaging and internal event planning Develops and executes iterative, multi-faceted, and measurable communications and social media plans Works with the front office and stakeholders across the Agency to plan and execute internal/external web updates Mentors and manages interns and Foreign Service National Fellows Assists in building a new and growing office and developing knowledge management processes Facilitates and produces Respectful, Inclusive, and Safe Environments trainings for USAID staff

Education

• University of Massachusetts Amherst

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science

  2011 — 2015

• Brown University

  Master's degree, Public Affairs

  2019 — 2020

• University of Massachusetts Amherst

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Communication

  2011 — 2015