Richard Hooper

About Richard Hooper

Nationally recognized marketing and communications leader, with extensive experience…

Experience

1. Vice President Marketing Communications

   Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

   Mar 2020 — Present · Pittsburgh, PA, US

   Leading all marketing and communications efforts for a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to energizing Downtown Pittsburgh. Oversee strategic storytelling and audience engagement across social media, websites, newsletters, and all business and community-facing communications.Serve as the primary media contact, managing press releases, securing coverage, and orchestrating collaborative promotions. Spearhead data-driven strategies to expand digital reach—growing social audiences beyond 200K, newsletter subscribers to 24K, and website traffic to over 2 million annual views. Track earned media success through Critical Mention.Provide direction and strategic oversight to both internal and external teams, ensuring high-impact deliverables within budget and deadlines. Nationally recognized for excellence in design and communications.Manage high-profile campaigns that amplify awareness and engagement, including Picklesburgh, Oktoberfest Pittsburgh, Highmark Light Up Night, Peoples Gas Holiday Market, World Square, and the Night & Farmers Markets. Lead all aspects of ad strategy, media placement, creative production, and execution—driving Picklesburgh’s status as a regional powerhouse with 250K+ annual attendees.Oversee event programming, scripting, speaker coordination, and dignitary engagement for major initiatives. Conceived and executed standout campaigns like Gift Card Give Back, The Allegheny Overlook, PGH Opens, Pittsburgh Eats, and EDGE Card. Led branding efforts for Market Square, Mellon Square, and the Golden Triangle Ambassador initiative.Championed public art activations including Downtown Renown, People We Love, and Judah, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the city. Strengthened PDP Membership engagement to support small businesses and advance economic vitality in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Education

• King Edward VI College

  Advanced Level Certifications (A Levels), Advanced Art and English Literature

  1983 — 1985

• North Warwickshire College of Technology & Art

  Diploma in Art & Design, Art & Design

  1985 — 1986

• Nottingham Trent University

  BA (Hons), Information Graphics

  1986 — 1989

Skills

• Responsive Design
• Experience Design
• Proposal Generation
• Art Direction
• Contractor Liaison
• User Interface Design
• Competitive Analysis
• Creative Direction
• Team Leadership
• Marketing Communications
• Search Engine Optimization
• Interactive Marketing
• Graphic Design
• Project Management
• Visual Design
• Client Presentation
• Concept Development
• Collaboration
• Multimedia
• Social Media Consulting
• Creative Strategy
• Marketing
• Creative Problem Solving
• Brand Development
• Strategic Planning
• Brand Architecture
• Corporate Communications
• Advertising
• Information Design
• Web Design
• Packaging
• Adobe Creative Suite
• User Experience
• Information Architecture
• User Interface
• Logo Design
• Graphics
• Corporate Identity
• User Experience Design
• Team Management