HELEN T. DUNN
Crozet,VA
Summary
Mission-driven communications and marketing executive with 15+ years shaping public narratives, protecting brand integrity, and mobilizing stakeholders for large, mission-focused organizations. Proven success in brand guardianship, narrative change, global PR, digital innovation, and AI-powered content strategies. Adept at uniting cross-functional teams to tell powerful stories, engage diverse audiences, and advance advocacy goals. Passionate about leveraging communications to transform systems—whether in animal welfare, public education, or sustainable food—through strategic storytelling and data-informed action.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Communications Officer
Albemarle County Public Schools
12.2023 - Current
- Lead all marketing, communications, and public affairs for a 14,000-student district, serving as chief brand strategist and senior advisor to the Superintendent.
- Direct division-wide brand guardianship and multi-channel marketing, integrating AI-powered tools and SEO to amplify reach and engagement.
- Launched the district’s first SEO strategy and enrollment marketing campaign, reversing post-COVID decline and driving 11% net enrollment growth.
- Oversee PR and media relations, securing coverage in state and national outlets and advancing the district’s narrative change on public education.
- Modernized brand and redesigned website, boosting engagement 211% and strengthening public trust.
- Cultivate partnerships with elected officials, nonprofits, and community leaders to align messaging, advance policy goals, and expand stakeholder support.
Deputy Public Affairs & Strategic Communications Officer
Albemarle County Public Schools
03.2022 - 12.2023
- Led integrated advocacy campaigns that influenced policy outcomes and strengthened brand reputation.
- Supervised five staff, providing guidance on messaging, media relations, and issue management.
- Expanded media and social media programs, increasing positive local coverage by 33% and boosting community trust.
- Co-created the Albemarle Foundation for Education to secure equitable funding for students.
Legislative & Public Affairs Officer
Albemarle County Public Schools
07.2018 - 03.2022
- Achieved a 100% bill passage rate and earned Citizen Lawmaker of the Year.
- Built and maintained relationships with local, state, and federal legislators; advanced division interests through consistent, transparent storytelling.
- Delivered keynote presentations, moderated town halls, and strengthened public understanding of policy goals.
Adjunct Faculty – French & Communications
Various Institutions
01.2008 - 01.2019
- Developed curricula that built persuasive communication skills, cultural literacy, and global awareness.
Assistant Director of Global Programs
McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia
09.2015 - 07.2018
- Directed messaging with U.S. and foreign government entities to advance global brand visibility.
- Oversaw $1M program budget and implemented high-impact global immersion experiences for graduate and undergraduate students.
Assistant Director
University of Virginia in Lyon
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Developed marketing and recruitment strategies that increased program visibility and enrollment.
Education
Ph.D. - Rhetoric & Communications, French
University of Virginia
M.A. - French Language & Literature
University of Virginia
B.A. - French & Psychology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Skills
- Strategic Brand Leadership
- Narrative Change Campaigns
- Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
- AI-Powered Digital Strategy
- PR & Media Relations
- Crisis Communications
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Global Campaigns
- Executive Messaging
- Multilingual: English, French; Proficient in Italian & Spanish
Accomplishments
2022 Citizen Lawmaker Award
TESOL certified
Affiliations
Public Relations Society of America
National School Public Relations Association
Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA board
Timeline
Chief Communications Officer
Albemarle County Public Schools
12.2023 - Current
Deputy Public Affairs & Strategic Communications Officer
Albemarle County Public Schools
03.2022 - 12.2023
Legislative & Public Affairs Officer
Albemarle County Public Schools
07.2018 - 03.2022
Assistant Director of Global Programs
McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia
09.2015 - 07.2018
Assistant Director
University of Virginia in Lyon
01.2013 - 01.2015
Adjunct Faculty – French & Communications
Various Institutions
01.2008 - 01.2019
Ph.D. - Rhetoric & Communications, French
University of Virginia
M.A. - French Language & Literature
University of Virginia
B.A. - French & Psychology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill