Ivanna Sanina-Wininger
Summary
Strategic Communications leader with 7+ years of experience in high-stakes environments, including Defence Tech and international organizations. Proven expert in brand integrity, stakeholder engagement, and translating complex technical/operational achievements into compelling narratives for government and military decision-makers. Skilled in managing cross-functional production teams, ensuring brand consistency across global markets, and executing strategic outreach for mission-critical programs.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Lead
Varta
USA-Ukraine (remote)
01.2026 - Current
- Develop and execute a strategic communications roadmap for a Defence Tech manufacturer, positioning robotic systems (UGVs, EW, UAVs) as mission-critical assets for frontline operations.
- Manage full-cycle content production, including planning and overseeing video shoots of field tests and combat-simulation exercises under challenging conditions.
- Oversee cross-functional workflows between engineering, field testing, and creative teams to maintain a consistent output of high-value documentation and media.
- Translate operational successes and field reliability into professional communication materials, fostering trust with government procurement agencies and military decision-makers.
- Optimize the content ecosystem to enhance brand authority within the Defence Tech sector, focusing on mission-critical reliability and field efficiency.
Project Manager
Babilon Production
Kyiv, Ukraine
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Managed multiple concurrent international projects with short delivery cycles and complex stakeholder requirements.
- Oversaw international cultural media projects and documentary campaigns promoting UNESCO heritage.
- Authored complex grant proposals and donor reports for the European Commission and National Endowment for Democracy (NED), strictly adhering to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and safeguarding protocols.
- Designed communication frameworks and outreach plans that increased audience engagement by 40%.
- Conducted budget tracking and resource allocation for projects up to $250K.
- Remote
Communications Associate
United Nations
Kyiv, Ukraine
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Served as a key communications lead for the UN Women branch in Ukraine, providing direct support to the Representative of UN Women in Ukraine, Sabine Freizer Gunes.
- Managed high-stakes media relations and prepared strategic communication for organizational programs and high-level events.
- Advocated for the rights of displaced individuals by streamlining communication between vulnerable populations and legal/humanitarian resources.
- Drafted press releases and developed digital campaigns that translated complex humanitarian crises into compelling narratives to advocate for the rights of women and children.
- Streamlined communication between vulnerable populations and legal/humanitarian resources during the full-scale war.
- Delivered multilingual communications, situation reports, and digital campaigns for displaced communities.
Public Relations Manager
Baed Stories
Kyiv, Ukraine
09.2020 - 08.2023
- Designed and executed strategic public relations campaigns that significantly boosted the brand’s visibility across Ukrainian and international creative markets.
- Maintained press relations and secured coverage in niche design and storytelling publications, increasing brand trust and credibility.
- Oversaw brand messaging across digital channels, newsletters, and public events, maintaining voice consistency and audience engagement.
- Collaborated with influencers, journalists, and content creators to amplify reach while ensuring alignment with the company’s values.
- Collected and analyzed campaign metrics to adjust tactics and maximize media return on investment.
Communications Manager
Vilni
Kyiv, Ukraine
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Supported coordination of humanitarian assistance programs serving displaced families.
- Communicated with beneficiaries and partner organizations to ensure access to aid and services.
- Maintained structured documentation and tracked support activities across volunteer teams.
- Supervised and coordinated volunteer teams delivering humanitarian support.
- Managed 12-member remote team; conducted onboarding and progress reviews.
Assistant Producer
Pronto Film
Kyiv, Ukraine
06.2017 - 02.2022
- Provided end-to-end production support on award-winning documentary and fiction film projects, collaborating with international co-producers and broadcasters.
- Drafted and managed production schedules, call sheets, location logistics, and post-production workflows, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery of deliverables.
- Worked closely with directors, editors, and post-production staff to ensure that all content met artistic vision and client expectations.
- Contributed to funding applications, pitching materials, and film festival submissions, gaining experience in the international film financing landscape.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Kary Theatre, Cinema and Television University
Kyiv, Ukraine05.2020
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Ukrainian TV, Radio Broadcasting and Press Institute
Kyiv, Ukraine06.2017
Skills
- Program Management Agile-based methodologies (Asana, Mondaycom, Zoho Desk) and strategic planning, including brand integrity, media relations, high-level compliance documentation, cross-functional alignment, stakeholder management, and corporate governance
- Digital Ecosystem Advanced proficiency in Content Management Systems (WordPress, Wix, Squarespace) and digital marketing tools (Buffer, Hootsuite), expert knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office for complex reporting and budget tracking
- Creative Suite Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop) and DaVinci Resolve for content production oversight and quality assurance
- Languages Fluent in English, Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian; basic proficiency (A2) in German and French
Timeline
Communications Lead
Varta
01.2026 - Current
Project Manager
Babilon Production
03.2024 - 03.2025
Communications Associate
United Nations
10.2023 - 03.2024
Communications Manager
Vilni
09.2022 - 04.2023
Public Relations Manager
Baed Stories
09.2020 - 08.2023
Assistant Producer
Pronto Film
06.2017 - 02.2022
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Ukrainian TV, Radio Broadcasting and Press Institute
Bachelor of Arts -
Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Kary Theatre, Cinema and Television University