About Meet Erica Services Work Work With Me
Strategic Communications

Clarity
is power.

We craft communications strategies that cut through the noise and build what matters: stronger reputations, deeper trust, and lasting impact.

Scroll
Brand StrategyMedia RelationsStakeholder EngagementCommunications StrategySocial MediaNarrative DevelopmentPress & PRExecutive PositioningExecutive Speech WritingWeb Content ManagementEditorial StrategyContent Quality ControlStorytellingChange ManagementEmail Marketing
Brand StrategyMedia RelationsStakeholder EngagementCommunications StrategySocial MediaNarrative DevelopmentPress & PRExecutive PositioningExecutive Speech WritingWeb Content ManagementEditorial StrategyContent Quality ControlStorytellingChange ManagementEmail Marketing

Curious enough to ask the right questions. Experienced enough to know what to do next.

Keen Communications is a boutique strategic communications consultancy built for organizations doing consequential work — from nonprofits and advocacy organizations to foundations, public-private initiatives, and purpose-driven companies.

We partner with leaders navigating complexity — those shaping communities, policy, and systems — who need a communications strategy and execution.

We embed ourselves in your work, learn your voice, and build the strategies and relationships that amplify what you're doing in the world — with clarity, precision, purpose and impact.

We operate with a systems thinking approach — understanding how messaging, media, stakeholders, and timing work together. The result is communication that isn't just clear, but coordinated, strategic, and built to move.

We believe the strongest communications aren't louder — they're clearer. When your narrative is sharp, your message lands, your audience remembers, and authority follows.

Erica K. Faulkner
Erica K. Faulkner Founder & Principal

Thoughtful, human-centered, strategy-driven approach.

I started Keen Communications after years of leading communications at scale — and seeing how often important work gets lost in unclear messaging and reactive, tactical support instead of real strategy.

My career spans more than two decades, with depth and breadth across the full communications spectrum. From brand development and social and digital media to media relations and PR to executive positioning and enterprise strategy, my work has consistently focused on helping organizations and leaders communicate with clarity, authenticity, authority, and heart. At its best, a well-crafted narrative does more than inform — it builds belief, aligns stakeholders, and moves people to act.

As a former Vice President of Communications for a major national nonprofit organization, I led enterprise-wide communications across multiple markets and business lines — shaping narratives, managing visibility, and guiding organizations through high-stakes moments.

In earlier roles, I built and scaled communications functions from the ground up — defining voice, expanding digital presence and content platforms, and positioning communications as a strategic driver of organizational growth and influence.

That experience now informs how I work with clients: not as a vendor, but as a strategic partner embedded in your thinking, fluent in your voice, and grounded in your priorities. My work has helped organizations strengthen reputation, expand visibility, and translate complex work into narratives that resonate with media, stakeholders, and the communities they serve.

At the core of my work is systems thinking — seeing how communications, relationships, and strategy connect, and designing approaches that ensure every piece reinforces the whole.

Brand Strategy Executive Communications Stakeholder Engagement Narrative Development Content Strategy & Development Internal Communications Editorial Strategy Storytelling Web Content Management Social & Digital Media Strategy Change Management Media Relations & PR Crisis Communications Email Marketing

Expertise built for impact.

Every engagement is tailored. We start by listening, then build the strategy that fits your goals — not a template.

01

Brand Strategy

Uncover the story at the heart of your organization and build an identity that resonates — authentically and consistently — across every touchpoint.

PositioningMessaging FrameworksVoice & ToneBrand Audits
02

Communications Strategy

We build communications systems — not one-off tactics — aligning narrative, media, and stakeholder engagement into a cohesive strategy designed to deliver real outcomes. Integrated plans that connect every element into a coordinated approach built around your goals.

Media RelationsPress & PRStakeholder CommsCrisis Planning
03

Social Media

Strategic social presence built around your audience — not algorithms. Content that builds community, drives conversation, and reflects your values.

Content StrategyChannel PlanningCommunity BuildingAnalytics
04

Executive Speech Writing

Words written for the stage, the boardroom, and the podium. We capture your voice, sharpen your message, and ensure every address lands with authority and authenticity.

KeynotesRemarks & ToastsTalking PointsTestimony Prep

Designed for real partnership.

01

Retainer

Ongoing strategic communications support for organizations navigating complexity, growth, or visibility.

Best for ongoing needs →

02

Project-Based

Campaigns, announcements, or high-stakes moments that require focused strategy and execution.

Best for defined moments →

03

Advisory

Strategic counsel for executives and leadership teams making critical communications decisions.

Best for leadership teams →

Not sure which model fits? Every engagement starts with a conversation — no obligation, no pressure.

Let's Talk

Organizations we've been proud to serve

How ideas move — from insight to influence.

A selection of engagements where strategy, narrative, and execution came together to shape how organizations are understood — and how their work moves in the world.

Thought Leadership Case Study

From research to national relevance.

When new Harvard–Cornell research affirmed the long-term impact of Communities In Schools, the opportunity was clear — but the moment required more than visibility. It required translation, alignment, and narrative leadership.

We led a full-scale communications strategy to translate the research into a clear, compelling narrative that could resonate across audiences — from internal stakeholders and partners to media, funders, and the broader public. The result positioned the organization at the center of a national conversation on student success, economic mobility, and what it takes for young people to thrive.

What we delivered: Executive messaging, internal communications, op-ed development, media strategy and pitching, a comprehensive messaging toolkit, and coordinated social content — all aligned to a single, strategic narrative.

360°
Integrated strategy
Multi
Audience alignment
National
Narrative positioning
1
Unified message
Start a Conversation
Research → Narrative → Influence
Public Affairs Case Study

Turning a federal moment into local impact.

When a federal investment created an opportunity to spotlight community impact, we designed and executed a communications strategy that connected policy to people — translating funding into a story that resonated locally.

Within a compressed timeline, we built the full communications infrastructure — aligning messaging, preparing stakeholders, coordinating media, and ensuring the moment carried beyond the event itself.

What we delivered: Media advisories, press strategy and pitching, executive talking points, stakeholder messaging, and press release distribution — all aligned to a clear, unified narrative.

10
Days, end-to-end
14+
Media outlets reached
3x
Engagement lift
100%
Message alignment
Start a Conversation
Policy → Story → Community Impact
More Work
Narrative Amplification Case Study

Transforming an event into a moment.

We repositioned a nonprofit awards dinner from an internal celebration into a strategic communications opportunity — executing wire distribution and direct media pitching to secure targeted placements, align messaging, and elevate the organization's presence among business and civic leaders.

2
Wire distributions
1
Exclusive placement
Expanded
Audience reach
Brand Strategy Case Study

Building a voice that carries.

We partnered with emerging organizations to define their brand voice, messaging, and positioning — creating clear, cohesive foundations that now guide all communications, from marketing to leadership messaging.

100%
Voice clarity
Aligned
Messaging systems
Scalable
Brand foundation
Growth Strategy Case Study

Applying systems thinking to growth.

We partnered with an early learning consulting firm to strengthen its business development approach — applying a systems thinking lens to how communications, relationships, and growth efforts connect and reinforce one another.

The result was a more intentional communications ecosystem: a structured email strategy, refined messaging, and aligned touchpoints designed to support lead generation, nurture relationships, and move prospects toward engagement.

Systems
Thinking Applied
Aligned
BD + Comms
Structured
Growth engine

Our work is grounded in systems thinking — because the most effective communication doesn't happen in isolation. It works as a whole.

Every engagement is different. The constant is a commitment to clarity, alignment, and work that moves beyond messaging into meaning.

Start a Conversation

A clear process. No guesswork.

01
Discover

We start by listening. Understanding your organization, goals, audiences, and the landscape you're navigating.

02
Strategize

We develop a tailored communications plan — narrative, channels, timing, and messaging — built around your specific moment.

03
Execute

We handle the work. Writing, pitching, coordinating, distributing. With urgency and care, every time.

04
Measure

We track what matters, share what worked, and refine the approach for continued impact over time.

Ready to tell your story?

Whether you have a specific project in mind or just want to explore what a communications partnership could look like, I'd love to hear from you.

We typically respond within 1–2 business days.

✓ Message received! We'll be in touch within 1–2 business days.