Rob Merritt

About Rob Merritt

Experienced writer, communications director and public speaker with a long history in both news media and in marketing and communications. My award-winning track record with video production and social media strategy has led to dramatic increases in online engagement at every organization I have worked with. My education includes a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Iowa; training in a wide variety of software applications; and years of real-world experience that allow me to make a significant impact.

Experience

1. Communications Specialist

   City of Cedar Rapids

   May 2024 — Present · Cedar Rapids, IA, US

   Handle communications for the city\'s Public Works, Building Services, and Community Development departments. This includes daily updates via press releases, social media, photos and more, as well as creating and delivering a long-term communication strategy for our events and programs, including documents, presentations, newsletters, magazine stories, website content, letters, and more. I also handle media requests; collaborate on public events; shoot event photography and video; and collaborate with other Communications staff to support telling the story of our city.

Education

• University of Iowa

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Journalism & Mass Communication and Theatre Arts

  1994 — 1998

Skills

• Fundraising
• Social Media
• Entertainment
• Newspapers
• Ap Style
• Facebook
• Creative Writing
• Event Management
• Editing
• Copy Editing
• Marketing
• Video Editing
• Event Planning
• Public Speaking
• Writing
• Newsletters
• Strategic Communications
• Blogging
• Playwriting
• Social Media Marketing
• Press Releases
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Nonprofits
• Advertising
• Acting
• News Writing
• Strategic Planning
• Copywriting
• Journalism
• Storytelling