ted f. dahlstrom
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seattle, wa
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summary of qualifications
- Highly skilled communications strategist with a demonstrated history of architecting and delivering impactful messaging in the private sector, government, and nonprofit arenas
- Direct experience managing programs and initiatives, directing public relations, coordinating internal & external communications planning and strategy, issue advocacy, research, and project management. Effective at reaching and engaging diverse constituents at all levels in a highly effective manner
- Trusted partner and strategic advisor to executive leaders, corporate officers, elected officials, and media professionals
- Skills and Competencies - Internal & External Communications Strategy • Media Relations • Public Relations • Advocacy • Events Management • Stakeholder Engagement • Content Development • Web Design • Writing • Editing • Press Releases • Digital Content • Brand Compliance • Cross-Functional Leadership • MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint
work experience
GALLATIN PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Seattle, WA
September 2019 - November 2020
Associate
Project Management • Communications & Public Affairs Strategy • Research
Working remotely and intrgrating SaaS-based applications, seamlessly delivered superior client service for multiple high-profile organizations. Provide strategic public affairs counsel to high-level company executives. Specific responsibilities include media pitching and story placement, writing, editing, research, message development, media relations, state-level government affairs engagement, legislative and media tracking, political analysis, social and digital media strategy and operations management for a diverse client base.
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Seattle, WA
2014–Present
Communications Strategy • Media Strategy • Project Management
Direct creation and execution of multi-platform communications solutions as strategic partner to client C-level executives as independent consultant. Partner with clients to conceptualize, write, and deliver messaging to key internal and external stakeholders via full spectrum of integrated content, media plans, programs, presentations, press releases, collateral, web, social media, branding, and other content. Notable account engagements:
OPTIONS CLEARING CORPORATION
Washington, DC
2009–2014
Manager – Government Relations
Communications Outreach Strategy • Legislative Affairs • Advocacy • Compliance
Played central role in definition and execution of advocacy vision for world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Architected end-to-end outreach and advocacy solutions through leadership in shaping and delivery of internal/external messaging strategy; communication with legislators, staff, constituents, and other stakeholders on legislative and regulatory matters; creation of newsletters, memoranda, educational materials, and official correspondence; events; compliance reporting; and coordination of outside consultants.
FORWARD WASHINGTON FOUNDATION
Bellevue, WA
2007–2008
Executive Director
Operations Strategy • Non-profit Management • Communications & Public Relations
Managed strategy, day-to-day operation, and OPEX budget of nonpartisan educational foundation building awareness of state-level issues impacting small businesses in role reporting directly to the President. Directed messaging strategy, increasing foundation profile via leadership in communications architecture, public and media relations, handling of press inquiries, and other integrated multi-platform strategies.
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Washington, DC
2001–2007
Legislative Assistant – Office of Rep. Judy Biggert (2006–2007)
Legislative Aide – Office of Sen. Mike Crapo (2001–2006)
Writing and Research • Message Development • Public Policy
As a policy advisor, directly supported lawmakers in administration of political process via support in areas of communication, administration, policy research, and constituent relations. Served as point on matters of several high-profile issues, including financial services, housing, and transportation. Met with constituent groups, drafted speeches and briefing memos, developed talking points, shaped legislation, and promoted office agendas and programs.
Seattle, WA
September 2019 - November 2020
Associate
Project Management • Communications & Public Affairs Strategy • Research
Working remotely and intrgrating SaaS-based applications, seamlessly delivered superior client service for multiple high-profile organizations. Provide strategic public affairs counsel to high-level company executives. Specific responsibilities include media pitching and story placement, writing, editing, research, message development, media relations, state-level government affairs engagement, legislative and media tracking, political analysis, social and digital media strategy and operations management for a diverse client base.
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Seattle, WA
2014–Present
Communications Strategy • Media Strategy • Project Management
Direct creation and execution of multi-platform communications solutions as strategic partner to client C-level executives as independent consultant. Partner with clients to conceptualize, write, and deliver messaging to key internal and external stakeholders via full spectrum of integrated content, media plans, programs, presentations, press releases, collateral, web, social media, branding, and other content. Notable account engagements:
- Gradfin - Partner with CEO of student loan refinancing provider on 360º communications strategy architecture. Created templates for B2B/B2C messaging, including briefings, media kit, social media strategy, and press releases. Authored white paper, articles, fact sheets, and research projects.
- Magnolia Cooperative Preschool - Conducted a comprehensive communications audit, created interview and survey models with proposed questions, analyzed existing communications systems and organizational structure, recommended improvements to digital media strategy, troubleshoot and manage Wordpress-based website, and advise senior leadership on operations strategy.
OPTIONS CLEARING CORPORATION
Washington, DC
2009–2014
Manager – Government Relations
Communications Outreach Strategy • Legislative Affairs • Advocacy • Compliance
Played central role in definition and execution of advocacy vision for world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Architected end-to-end outreach and advocacy solutions through leadership in shaping and delivery of internal/external messaging strategy; communication with legislators, staff, constituents, and other stakeholders on legislative and regulatory matters; creation of newsletters, memoranda, educational materials, and official correspondence; events; compliance reporting; and coordination of outside consultants.
- Partnered internally to build and implement cohesive communications vision. Developed messaging strategy supporting corporate mission and agenda in legislative and public spheres.
- Strengthened messaging impact via external communications strategies. Attended hearings, monitored external political climate, interfaced with government officials, and synthesized findings into actionable briefings.
- Collaborated with Communications team on origination of content. Led creation of communications architecture and messaging cadences for both traditional and digital platforms.
- Streamlined and unified internal messaging via creation of monthly industry government relations newsletter. Built editorial plans, met with employees and external audiences to gather information for communication and advocacy campaigns, curated content, and produced articles highlighting key developments.
- Established a network of key working relationships. Served as a trusted resource while interacting with elected officials, subject matter experts, regulatory staff, and industry professionals.
- Elevated organizational commitment to compliance. Coached internal executives and other stakeholders on best practices, and directed completion of complex compliance reporting and official filings.
- Program managed execution of educational seminars, congressional briefings, and social events. Orchestrated initial planning, scheduling, communications, logistics, vendors, and run-of-show.
FORWARD WASHINGTON FOUNDATION
Bellevue, WA
2007–2008
Executive Director
Operations Strategy • Non-profit Management • Communications & Public Relations
Managed strategy, day-to-day operation, and OPEX budget of nonpartisan educational foundation building awareness of state-level issues impacting small businesses in role reporting directly to the President. Directed messaging strategy, increasing foundation profile via leadership in communications architecture, public and media relations, handling of press inquiries, and other integrated multi-platform strategies.
- Wrote press releases, media responses, policy papers, issue briefs, and other official communiques.
- Secured coverage in major print and online publications. Cultivated relationships with editors, journalists, and columnists, producing high-value copy placement.
- Directed 12-city “Idea Bank” statewide town hall tour. Developed schedule, coordinated visits, booked venues, generated community awareness, promoted events, and secured attendees.
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Washington, DC
2001–2007
Legislative Assistant – Office of Rep. Judy Biggert (2006–2007)
Legislative Aide – Office of Sen. Mike Crapo (2001–2006)
Writing and Research • Message Development • Public Policy
As a policy advisor, directly supported lawmakers in administration of political process via support in areas of communication, administration, policy research, and constituent relations. Served as point on matters of several high-profile issues, including financial services, housing, and transportation. Met with constituent groups, drafted speeches and briefing memos, developed talking points, shaped legislation, and promoted office agendas and programs.
- Represented office at events, meetings, hearings, and briefings. Spoke on behalf of Members in official capacity while meeting and interacting with company and trade association executives, labor unions, and constituent groups.
- Championed successful ratification of SAFETEA-LU transportation reauthorization bill. Worked with communities to identify causes, and partnered with committee staff to secure $75M in funding.
education
Gonzaga University
M.A. - Communication and Leadership Studies
2017 - 2019
4.0 GPA - Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society
University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education
Certificate in Public Relations and Strategic Communication
2014 - 2015
University of Montana
B.S. - Business Marketing / Political Science Minor
1996 - 2000
M.A. - Communication and Leadership Studies
2017 - 2019
4.0 GPA - Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society
University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education
Certificate in Public Relations and Strategic Communication
2014 - 2015
University of Montana
B.S. - Business Marketing / Political Science Minor
1996 - 2000
volunteer activities
Refugee Women's Alliance - Seattle, WA
Created strategic communication plan for immigrant-focused community outreach program
Jewish Family Services - Seattle, WA
Volunteered weekly for the Food Bank division
Catholic Community Services - Seattle, WA
Volunteered weekly for the Volunteer Chore Services division
Created strategic communication plan for immigrant-focused community outreach program
Jewish Family Services - Seattle, WA
Volunteered weekly for the Food Bank division
Catholic Community Services - Seattle, WA
Volunteered weekly for the Volunteer Chore Services division
Photo Credit: Atomic Taco