Shannon Spence

Opportunity Insights is a research and policy institute based at the Havard University Department of Economics.

Promoted from Director of Communications

• Successfully launched Opportunity Insights as a distinct brand within Harvard University.
• Implemented a goal-driven thought leadership strategy, including speaking engagements, editorial calendar, and outreach partnerships.
• Coordinated long- and short-term messaging across policy and research departments.
• Continually secured media coverage across blue-chip outlets, including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and CBS 60 Minutes, as well as tailored outreach to local and regional media.
• Designed and led development strategy and funder relations cadence resulting in $17M raised for American Opportunity Study and general operations.

• Led internal audit of corporate civic engagement to report impact to initiative leadership.
• Identified successful Microsoft-supported projects with local governments and external partners and designed collaborative storytelling strategy.
• Produced talking points, decks, video, and media preparation for senior executives including President, Brad Smith, and CMO, Chris Capossela.
• Authored original content for corporate blog, social media, video, and traditional media.

• Directed VVIP inbound visits including HRH Charles, the Prince of Wales, Prime Minister David Cameron, Home Secretary Theresa May, US Secretary of State John Kerry’s joint visit with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, and Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
• Delivered three-day outbound visit of Governor Deval Patrick and a 40-person executive Massachusetts business delegation.
• Served as front-line UK representative with presidential primary campaigns in New Hampshire.
• Cultivated network of elected officials, first-responders, media and journalists, high-net-worth-individuals, leading academics and university administrators.
• Led crisis communications during 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing.