Claire Colbert

Atlanta, GA | cla.colbert@gmail.com | LinkedIn

Accomplished media professional recognized for creating impactful, engaging content for print, video, broadcast, and social media. Expertise in creating and launching communications for media enterprises, political campaigns, and non-profit organizations. Known for sharp writing, attention to detail, and quiet leadership. Communicates effectively at all operational levels, applying strong interpersonal skills to build cooperative relationships with partners and internal and external stakeholders. Organized with a demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and guide large-scale initiatives from concept through launch.

Areas of Expertise

Career Highlights

Corporate Communications and PR Strategy Certifications from Cornell University
Senior Producer for VP Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign
12+ years in CNN’s hectic newsroom, including working in various roles and departments
Received a Peabody Award for contributions to CNN’s coverage of the Arab Spring
Worked for former President Jimmy Carter for four (4) years
Earned a Political Science degree from the University of Florida and a minor in African Studies (cum laude)

Experience

Harris for President, Wilmington, DE September 2024 - November 2024

Senior Producer - Paid Media

Played a key role in creating a comprehensive paid media strategy for the Harris-Walz campaign, leveraging campaign data to devise compelling content that reached a range of diverse audiences.
Paid ads activated nearly 72k sustained donors, resulting in $49 million raised and over one million donations beginning in July 2024.
Produced paid ads for the Harris-Walz campaign that ran across various social media platforms, streaming services, and cable TV worth $200 million in spending.

Pre-production planning and organization, including hiring, location scouting, and working with agencies.
Creative team management, including overall project management and directing.
Strategic budget management to ensure high-quality results while effectively managing resources.
Quickly and effectively troubleshooting problems.
Post-production oversight, including managing video editors and graphic designers to ensure high-quality, quick turnaround of the final project.

CNN, Atlanta, GA November 2011 - August 2024

Producer, Editor, and Content Writer - CNN On-Screen Presentations

Collaborated with Newsroom partners to cover the day’s most important stories for the CNN Ticker on air

and web and mobile platforms. Worked closely with other CNN departments and executives to deliver high-quality reporting and information to the audience.

Responded quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines during fast-paced breaking news coverage.
Consistently demonstrated strong editorial and social judgment combined with excellent writing and communication skills.
Oversaw team of Writers to ensure high-quality reporting, leveraging audience insights and analysis to communicate key messages and elevate reporting.
Helped launch and fuel growth for CNN’s PM Plug-In newsletter on LinkedIn, resulting in nearly 650,000 subscribers in its first year, as well as generating future revenue opportunities.

Editor and Writer - CNN.com

Served as a Breaking News Editor and Writer for CNN.com; leveraged audience insights and analysis to cover the day’s most important stories with fast-paced turnaround and high quality.

Edited & wrote breaking news stories for CNN.com, which reaches millions of unique viewers every day.
Leverages audience insights while ensuring balance and sharp and clear writing to inform and educate the audience on complex topics.
Collaborated with internal and external partners to ensure accuracy and adherence with CNN Standards and Practices, AP Style, etc
Coached and mentored Writers to optimize work quality and offer key insights on managing rapidly evolving stories.

News Editor - CNN International Desk

Worked with international correspondents, clearing reporting and video elements. Ensured reporters' live shots made it to air across various CNN networks, working with Lives Desk Producer, Satellites, and teams in the field.

Confirmed breaking news and assisted in editorial production to get stories to air quickly.

Video-Journalist and Media Coordinator - CNN Image and Sound

Produced packages for CNN.com and CNN Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin and others, accountable for floor directing, prompting, and scripts assistant for live news shows on CNN, CNNi, and HLN.

Oversaw live feeds for CNN databases with a focus on high-quality video, photos, and meta-data

The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA February 2008 - November 2011

Project Coordinator, Democracy Program

Supported election monitoring missions for Nepal, Liberia, Egypt, Sudan, and Cote d’Ivoire. Managed field teams of local and international staff based overseas.

Traveled to Nepal in 2008 and 2011 to manage logistics in the field and train field staff.
Wrote press reports, statements, and briefings for executives, including former President Jimmy Carter.

Additional Relevant Experience

The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA

Democracy Program Intern, 2007

United Nations Association of the United States, New York, NY

Policy Intern, 2007

Other Skills and Proficiencies

Windows, Mac OS, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, CMS, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, LucidLink, Frame.io, iNews, Media Source, MIRA, AP Stylebook, SEO

Education

Professional Certificate, Corporate Communications, Cornell University

Professional Certificate, PR Strategy, Cornell University

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science (cum laude), Minor: African Studies, University of Florida

Other Experience

Volunteer at Lifeline Animal Project, Human Rights Campaign, and GLAAD

Contributor, Girls Gone Gravel — Aimed at making cycling more inclusive