CV | franciscoavilespino

Francisco Aviles Pino

Strategic Communications & Narrative Change Leader |

Proud Immigrant | Published Author | UCLA Lecturer

7529 W Norton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Phone: (714) 397 - 9693 - Email: franciscoavilespino@gmail.com

UCLA Alumni

Senior strategic communications and public affairs leader with 10+ years of experience designing and executing integrated communications strategies for nonprofit, philanthropic, advocacy, and public-serving organizations. Proven ability to steward institutional voice, build communications infrastructure, and translate complex, systems-level initiatives into clear, disciplined messaging that strengthens organizational reputation, stakeholder alignment, and mission impact.

Brings a strong record of executive communications leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and digital content strategy, with experience guiding earned media efforts, overseeing multi-channel content ecosystems, and aligning communications with growth and strategic priorities. Trusted partner to senior leadership on message architecture, brand voice, reputational risk, and sensitive communications; experienced in developing speeches, presentations, thought leadership, and high-visibility external communications while building internal workflows that ensure clarity, consistency, and accountability.

Deeply experienced in advancing equity-centered narratives across higher education access, workforce development, immigration, community development, and public policy landscapes. Skilled in overseeing website and social platforms, managing editorial calendars and content systems, supervising consultants and creative partners, and leveraging analytics to evaluate reach and inform strategy. Fully bilingual (English/Spanish) communicator who combines hands-on execution with senior-level strategic leadership in fast-growing, mission-driven environments.

Core competencies include: Integrated Communications Strategy & Implementation | Institutional Voice, Brand & Reputation Stewardship | Foundation & Philanthropic Communications | Executive Communications & Leadership Advising | Strategic Narrative Development & Message Architecture | Digital Communications Strategy (Website, Social, Email) | Content Ecosystem Management & Editorial Calendars | Analytics, Measurement & Performance Optimization | Media Relations & Journalist Engagement | Thought Leadership Development & Placement | Cross-Platform Content Development (Web, Newsletter, Blog, Social, Video, Presentations) | Communications Workflow & Project Management Systems | Internal Communications & Cross-Functional Alignment | Consultant, Vendor & Creative Partner Management | Stakeholder & Grantee Communications | Capacity-Building & Systems-Oriented Messaging | Crisis Communications & Sensitive Issue Management | Brand Voice, Tone & Design Integration | Content Management Systems & Digital Optimization | Audience Engagement & Channel Development | Evidence-Informed Storytelling | Organizational Growth & Change Communications | Bilingual (English/Spanish) Writing & Public Speaking

Tools: Asana, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Dropbox, Network for Good, Classy, Muck Rack, Mailchimp, Sprout Social, Cision, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite

PUBLICATIONS & CLIENTS: Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (MOCA), Apple, Netflix, Disney, UCLA, NPR, Los Angeles Times, The Nation, HarperCollins, Vogue, Dignity and Power Now, The Intercept, The Appeal, Brave New Films, YouTube Movies, OC Weekly, ACLU of Southern California, UNITE HERE Local 11, PICO California, Public Advocates (San Francisco), Homeboy Industries, No More Deaths, and JusticeLA.

FELLOWSHIPS, GRANTS, & AWARDS

UC Reimagine Refuge Fellowship & Grant 2025

UC San Diego, The Center for Comparative Immigration Studies San Diego,

IDA Documentary Award Nomination 2022

International Documentary Association Los Angeles, CA

Senior Fellowship 2022

UCLA Art & Global Health Center & UCLA Prison Education Program Los Angeles, CA

Disruptors Fellowship 2021

The Center for Cultural Power Los Angeles, CA

National Leadership Institute 2019

National Association for Latinx Arts & Cultures San Antonio, TX

Macondo Writers Workshop: Creative Nonfiction 2018

Sandra Cisneros & Texas A&M San Antonio San Antonio, TX

Poetry Foundation Emerging Poets Fellowship 2017

Poetry Foundation & Crescendo Literary Chicago, IL

EXPERIENCE

Communications Specialist: Senior Advisory November 2025 - Present

CA Governor’s Office of Community Partnerships

& Strategic Communications / Resource Innovations

Serve as a senior communications advisor to a statewide public-sector office advancing

equity-centered policy, outreach, and engagement initiatives across California. Lead development

of clear, accessible, and multilingual communications that translate complex state policy into

disciplined public narratives for diverse, statewide audiences.

Advise executive and program leadership on message discipline, public-facing language, stakeholder communications, and reputational considerations across policy areas impacting immigrant, working-class, and historically excluded communities.
Direct production of culturally responsive digital, print, and community-facing materials, ensuring alignment with statewide priorities, political context, and institutional voice.
Support rapid-response and sensitive communications tied to emerging policy developments, public announcements, and cross-agency initiatives, exercising sound judgment in fast-moving public environments.
Contribute to internal communications systems and workflows that align teams, partners, and contractors around consistent messaging, brand standards, and approval processes.

Executive Narrative & Public Affairs Consultant February 2025 - June 2025

Vesper Public Relations

Led strategic communications, press strategy, and public affairs initiatives for a boutique PR

firm serving Latinx, multicultural, and advocacy-focused clients across California.

Oversaw agency-wide communications strategy, including brand repositioning, earned media infrastructure, and digital content systems to support organizational growth, client acquisition, and external credibility.
Built scalable media relations and pitching operations, increasing media placements and community engagement by 70% across mainstream, cultural, and ethnic media outlets.
Developed integrated narrative, advocacy, and cultural campaigns spanning arts, immigration, education, and public policy, aligning client messaging with political, philanthropic, and institutional priorities.
Created internal messaging frameworks, toolkits, and CRM protocols to strengthen message discipline, accountability, and cross-client execution.
Mentored staff and contractors, supporting the firm’s transition into a competitive statewide and national communications operation.

Executive Program Manager July 2024 - February 2025

Latino Media Collaborative (Parent Company): CALO News

Directed statewide communications, external affairs, and organizational growth strategy

across California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico for a multi-outlet ethnic media network.

Led external communications, marketing, and fundraising alignment, contributing directly to securing a $500,000 capacity-building grant supporting Latino-serving newsrooms.
Positioned CALO News as a trusted voice in solutions-oriented policy and civic journalism, strengthening relationships with foundations, policymakers, and civic leaders.
Oversaw brand elevation and audience growth initiatives, helping partner outlets modernize revenue models, digital platforms, and storytelling strategies.
Coordinated cross-sector partnerships linking media engagement to civic participation, public affairs campaigns, and community organizing goals.

Host, Columnist & Editorial Consultant June 2023 - Present

CALO News

Serve as lead on-air host, columnist, and editorial strategist focused on Latino communities

and California policy-adjacent issues.

Produce and host narrative-driven audio and written content addressing immigration, housing, media representation, and political power at local and statewide levels.
Designed and executed a targeted newsletter and social media strategy that increased audience engagement, trust, and recurring readership.
Build editorial partnerships with journalists, academics, and advocates to amplify underreported stories while maintaining brand and mission alignment.
Frequently represent CALO News as a public spokesperson at panels, community forums, and media events across Los Angeles and California.

Senior Communication Strategist May 2023 - February 2024

UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute & Chicano Studies Research Center

Led communications, press strategy, and public affairs initiatives for two nationally

recognized UCLA research centers focused on Latino policy, political power, and cultural impact.

Directed high-profile research rollouts, policy reports, and fundraising communications, generating sustained national and international earned media coverage.
Co-founded and operationalized a centralized communications and public affairs function, establishing scalable systems for messaging, media outreach, editorial planning, and audience development.
Served as senior advisor to institute leadership on narrative framing, spokesperson preparation, media engagement, and external positioning.
Cultivated long-term relationships with journalists, funders, and cultural institutions to elevate UCLA’s influence in California and national policy and cultural conversations.

Lecturer October 2022 - July 2023

UCLA’s School of the Arts & Architecture

Designed and taught courses on theater, storytelling, and social change,

mentoring students to create original performance work rooted in Latinx cultural

identity and working-class experiences.

Guided students through developing personal narratives with public policy relevance, positioning art as a vehicle for advocacy and community impact.
Strengthened cultural leadership pipelines by elevating underrepresented voices and creative practices in Los Angeles.

Investigative Reporter & Producer November 2021 - October 2022

NPR’s KPCC-LAist Studios Los Angeles, CA

Produced investigative audio journalism for Imperfect Paradise, a nationally recognized podcast examining power, governance, and social justice in Southern California.

Led community-centered reporting and narrative development, ensuring cultural competency and ethical engagement in coverage of policing, wrongful deaths, and local government.
Pitched and developed an original investigative series currently in production, demonstrating long-form narrative strategy and editorial leadership.
Collaborated with newsroom leadership, marketing, and audience teams to amplify reach, engagement, and public impact.

Producer April 2021 - October 2021

Radical Media Los Angeles, CA

Managed story development, cross-departmental coordination, and post-production for a large-scale branded documentary project featuring 80+ interviewees, presenters, and subject-matter experts.

Partnered with directors, producers, and technology-sector stakeholders to ensure brand-aligned, ethically responsible storytelling while navigating reputational considerations and external partner expectations.
Oversaw narrative cohesion, editorial standards, and quality control across production phases, balancing creative vision with institutional goals and corporate social responsibility commitments.
Supported internal briefings and approvals by translating creative concepts into clear narrative rationales for non-creative stakeholders.

Digital Producer November 2020 - April 2021

Dignity & Power Now / JUSTICE LA Los Angeles, CA

Led digital communications strategy and organizational rebrand during a high-visibility transition from electoral campaigning to long-term issue-based advocacy.

Rebuilt digital infrastructure and workflows to strengthen audience trust, increase engagement, and improve coordination across development, communications, and program teams.
Directed content strategy and production for newsletters, social media, and website redesigns, aligning messaging with fundraising, public education, and movement-building priorities.
Supported rapid-response digital communications tied to breaking news, advocacy actions, and public accountability moments, ensuring clarity, consistency, and tone discipline.

Communication Strategist February 2020 - November 2020

ACLU SoCal Los Angeles, CA

Directed message development, press-adjacent communications, and rapid-response strategy during the 2020 election cycle, aligning advocacy, development, and media outreach in a politically charged environment.

Advised internal stakeholders on public-facing language, narrative framing, and reputational considerations related to civil liberties, racial justice, and immigrant rights.
Supported digital fundraising and communications strategy for the organization’s annual gala, contributing to a $1 million fundraising goal through coordinated messaging and audience engagement.
Produced cross-platform content and partnerships with national brands and media entities, including Phenomenal and Netflix, to amplify campaigns while maintaining institutional voice and message discipline.

Associate Producer 2018 - 2019

Brave New Films Culver City, CA

Led impact and communication campaigns, educational toolkits, and public-facing engagement strategies for documentary films addressing voter suppression, youth civic participation, and criminal justice reform.

Designed and executed strategic partnerships with educators, organizers, and policy advocates to align film narratives with civic engagement goals, audience development, and donor outreach.
Translated complex social and political issues into accessible storytelling frameworks that supported press outreach, institutional partnerships, and long-term campaign visibility.
Collaborated closely with filmmakers, communications teams, and external stakeholders to ensure narrative integrity, message discipline, and ethical representation across distribution channels.

Founding Editor 2017 - 2019

Chispa OC Santa Ana, CA

Founded and led a storytelling and communications platform amplifying the voices of community organizers, cultural workers, and policy leaders across California and nationally.

Directed editorial strategy, content development, and distribution for issue-based storytelling campaigns designed to drive short- and long-term civic and political engagement.
Edited, designed, and published multimedia content that aligned grassroots narratives with broader policy objectives, ensuring clarity, consistency, and strategic framing.
Built and sustained relationships with statewide and national networks of grassroots communications teams, strengthening coordination, message alignment, and collective impact across campaigns.

Anaheim Community Organizer 2013 - 2018

OCCCO Anaheim, CA

Led community-based storytelling, arts, and civic engagement initiatives focused on youth leadership, cultural expression, and public participation.

Pioneered a formal partnership between Anaheim Union High School District and OCCCO to launch the city’s first spoken-word storytelling program, now embedded within district curriculum.
Managed alignment of a unified vision across 8 high schools and 5 student groups, balancing creative expression with institutional requirements and educational standards.
Designed and managed four annual high school civic engagement internship programs, helping build youth leadership pipelines that contributed to voter engagement during the 2016 general election.
Facilitated an average of two storytelling and narrative workshops per week across multiple school campuses for over three years, developing early expertise in narrative framing, audience engagement, and message clarity.

Researcher - Oral Historian 2018

Million Dollar Hoods, UCLA Los Angeles, CA

Conducted in-depth interviews and oral histories documenting the lived experiences of individuals and families impacted by mass incarceration in Los Angeles County.

Transcribed, analyzed, and contextualized qualitative data to support research reports, public storytelling, and institutional advocacy efforts.
Co-designed a complementary digital and social media strategy to amplify findings, increase public awareness, and engage community stakeholders alongside report release.
Leveraged deep community relationships to support trust-based storytelling, accuracy, and ethical representation in high-visibility research outputs.

Press Strategy Communications Specialist 2015 - 2016

Jose Moreno City Council Campaign Anaheim, CA

Led press strategy and communications for a successful city council campaign, contributing to a winning 2016 election outcome.

Developed and executed bilingual (English/Spanish) messaging across earned media, digital platforms, and campaign materials to reach diverse constituencies.
Produced in-house media and storytelling content that translated policy priorities into people-centered narratives for voters and press audiences.
Built and sustained relationships with local reporters and editors, securing coverage that elevated the candidate’s platform while maintaining message discipline and campaign credibility.

Reach Higher Fellow Summer 2015

NCCEP & Obama White House Washington, DC

Collaborated with a nationwide team of student researchers to support Former

First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative’s development.

Invited and engaged with organizations that disrupt the school-to-prison and deportation pipeline. Supported and trained speakers to tell their stories effectively for town halls and presentations in the West Wing of the White House for launches and policy development.

EDUCATION

University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor's Degree in Sociology & Chicana/o Studies and Central American Studies, Minor in Arts Education

USHLI Dr. Juan Andrade Scholarship (Academic)

Fullerton College

Associate Degree in Sociology

Youth Motivation Task Force Scholarship (Academic)

California State University, Fullerton

Research Fellowship in Media Studies & Chicano Studies

Upper Division Coursework and Academic Research Training