Michael Cunningham
Phone: 919 616 9743
Email: cunninghammwc@gmail.com
With a passion for strategic communication and public engagement, I have built a career translating complex ideas into compelling narratives. From leading digital marketing and branding initiatives to executing high-impact public affairs campaigns, I excel at shaping messages that resonate. My background spans media production, content strategy, and executive support—whether managing company-wide rebranding efforts, crafting digital campaigns, or producing broadcasts for private and public sector audiences.
Combining this expertise with a Master’s in Political Science and Transatlantic Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I bring a global perspective to communication strategy and policy analysis.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Marketing Director
Hart & Jahoo
Raleigh Metro Area, NC
Played a vital role in establishment of company and development of business in association with CEO. Created and implemented marketing and public launch plans for successful production execution. Restructured company brand covering logos, business cards, stationery, and brochures to capture customer attention. Coordinated with outside vendors to deliver maximum exposure to upcoming developments. Manage promotional campaigns and video tours of properties for individual agents. Utilized several tools, such as audio and video production, graphic design, and search engine optimization for social media content.​
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Led two new residential real estate developments as a Marketing Campaign Project Manager.
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Conceptualized marketing/communications strategies and influenced operational and business decisions as an advisor to leadership team.
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Earned multiple public awards by achieving rapid growth.
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Increased visibility of marketing plans, media campaigns, and personal branding in liaison with agents.
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Enhanced market share by uncovering business development opportunities.
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Developed website, including content creation and cross-pollination with social media to optimize online presence of brand.
2020-2025
Marketing Director
Bold Real Estate Companies
Raleigh Metro Area, NC
Oversaw all facets of in-house print, signage, and digital marketing for two rapidly growing real estate firms. Steering efforts for re-branding and renaming firm by changing logo, slogan, copy, print/online media roll-out, and all signage redesign as a Project Manager. Managed social media accounts to shape positive reputations.​
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Increased annual growth in sales by successfully re-branding company.
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Advise leadership team on best marketing and advertising strategies in a rapidly changing environment
2015 - 2020
Real Estate Broker
Long and Foster Real Estate
Washington, DC
Generated real estate-related content for website, marketing campaigns, and weekly communications to promote business goals and objectives. Formulated marketing strategies for listings and produced marketing material for sales and listing transactions.
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Satisfied clients in highly competitive market by implementing purchase and sale strategies.
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Generated $50M in annual sales by implementing effective marketing strategies in coordination with Managing Broker.
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Increased personal sales via execution of digital marketing campaigns.
2012 - 2015
Senior Audio Engineer
NASA Television
Washington, DC
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Assisted Public Affairs office with promotion of NASA missions, policies, and updates.
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Assisted and directed media with access to NASA stakeholders and principals both at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC and at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida during mission launches and high profile events.
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Primary audio operator, editor, and producer for NASA television broadcasts out of Washington, DC, including direct communications with the International Space Station.
2007 - 2015
Imaging Director
Susquehanna Broadcasting
Atlanta, GA
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Primary producer for all imaging for a dynamic Top-40 radio station (Q100)
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Ensured the copy was voiced and produced in a timely manner
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Assisted the Production Director with paid-commercial production
2005 - 2006
Creative Services Director
Clear Channel Radio
Savannah, GA
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Primary contact and producer for all on-air commercial elements for a six-station radio cluster
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Primary producer for all non-urban radio imaging across multiple formats
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Liaison between sales staff and air-talent to ensure commercial production was delivered on-time
2002 - 2005
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Board Member and Communications Lead
Briar Chapel Community Association
Chapel Hill, NC
Elected to serve a two year term as integral member of volunteer leadership team for a 2,500-home community, leading key initiatives and moving the association’s mission forward with a progressive and strategic vision. Modernized and streamlined processes updating social media policy to allow members to directly communicate with residents, and reimagined meetings to be more inclusive and technology-driven.
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Tracked action items, and ensure open communication between board members.
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Monitored contract performance and resolved issues with management company.
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Formulated and executed $3 Million+ community budget.
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Created and implemented internal and community-wide policies and procedures.
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Actively promoted an environment of effective governance, unprecedented transparency, and compliance with extensive community bylaws and covenants, conditions, and restrictions.
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Communicated with a cross-functional team of fellow board members, committee members, contractors, and community stakeholders to solve problems and resolve disputes, emphasizing a balance in the diverse views and interests of residents.
2021 - 2023
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master’s in Political Science, Transatlantic Masters Program
Chapel Hill, NC
2021 - 2023
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary European Studies
Chapel Hill, NC
2019 - 2021
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Strategy and Policy
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Strategic Communications
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Public Affairs
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Stakeholder Engagement
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Internal Communications
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Crisis Communication
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Governance & Transparency
Content and Digitial
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Brand Messaging
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Social Media Strategy
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Digital Campaign Execution
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Copywriting & Public Relations
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Content Planning
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Multimedia Storytelling
Engagement and Outreach
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Community Engagement
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Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Media Relations
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Presentation Design
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Rebranding Initiatives
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Marketing Analytics