Lily Newton

Education

University of Illinois, class of 2020

Bachelor’s Degree in Fine and Applied Arts

Work Experience

Content Specialist, Brand Marketing & Communications - March 2022 - Current 

Easterseals, Chicago, IL.

  • Managing end-to-end social media campaign creation.

    • Developing and executing content calendars, adhering to deadlines and budgets. In 2023, following implementation of my content strategy plan, our social profiles saw a 296% increase in engagement. 

  • Orchestrating influencer social media collaborations to expand our reach and impact. 

    • Successfully orchestrated an influencer collaboration that resulted in a 1400% increase in engagement YOY for the yearly campaign. 

  • Led podcast launch for two Easterseals shows.

    • Currently managing podcast production for two Easterseals podcasts. Created a network of podcast guests that now collaborate and are associated with the Easterseals brand. Guests include Jameela Jamil (3.8 million followers), Spencer West (4.4 million followers), and Jillian Mercado (354k followers). 

  • Leveraged market research and social media reporting metrics to track success of campaigns.

    • Consistently measuring how Easterseals messaging resonates with varied audiences including Easterseals participants, caregivers, veterans, disability advocates, and donors.

  • Successfully navigated PR emergencies and implemented social media crisis communications plans. 

    • Protected Easterseals brand identity following targeted Twitter hate from an account with 3 million followers. Collaborated with a public and government relations agency partner. Strengthened knowledge of PR crisis de-escalation.

Neurodiversity Inclusion & Communications Consultant - January 2023 - Current

Freelance, virtual

  • Subject matter expert in neurodiversity inclusion for panels & brand advisory councils. 

  • Providing expert guidance to brands and developing communications strategies to engage with neurodivergent communities.

Delivery Co-Manager, Communications - August 2020 - February 2022

MedMen, Los Angeles, CA.

  • Managed a high-performing team, overseeing the successful launch of a new cannabis delivery department. 

  • Implemented internal communications plan and on-going staff development through a learning management system.

  • Fostered a unique brand identity by infusing elements of five-star hospitality and luxury into the retail experience. This approach differentiated the brand and elevated the overall customer journey, aligning with the values of excellence and purpose. 

Data Analyst - May 2015 - January 2020

AGR Health Consultants Inc., Champaign IL. 

  • Translated data analytics into compelling brand narratives to be used in internal and external communications. 

  • Collected and analyzed financial and inventory related data for 41 group homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Technical skills & references available upon request.