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LAURA J. BRICKSON
Thief River Falls,MN
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic executive-level educational leader with a strong background in institutional advancement and public relations. Achieved a 67% increase in student retention and secured over $500,000 in competitive grants while managing comprehensive brand transformations and data-driven communication strategies.
Overview
1
1
Certification
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
School Principal / Chief Communications Officer
ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Thief River Falls, MN
06.2018 - 05.2026
- Secured over $500,000 through competitive grant writing and administration for institutional initiatives.
- Crafted persuasive narratives to communicate curricular transformations, aligning faculty, families, and board members to support educational initiatives.
- Engineered data-driven marketing strategies that increased student retention and recruitment by 67% over eight years.
- Directed all media platforms and messaging, ensuring transparency during academic expansion into middle school.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations, fostering educational development and enhancing team effectiveness.
- Promoted a positive school environment through 'Go Make a Difference' theme and community engagement initiatives.
- Coordinated brand revitalization and promotional campaign for centennial celebration, overseeing multi-day community events and public relations outreach to strengthen community ties.
Doctoral Candidate & Graduate Teaching Assistant
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
Grand Forks, ND
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Instructed foundational university coursework in child development and education and development of the adolescent, translating complex developmental theories into engaging instructional content that enhanced student understanding.
- Collaborated on educational research initiatives with Dr. Virginia Clinton, Ph.D., contributing to the development of innovative teaching strategies.
Elementary Educator
ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Thief River Falls, MN
08.1993 - 06.2017
- Designed and implemented innovative, research-based theme curricula while leading instructional team for events (Rainforest, Laura Ingalls Wilder Day, Blast Off).
- Monitored academic progress and identified student learning gaps using formative and summative data; maintained tracking systems to assess curriculum efficacy and tailor instructional strategies for diverse learning styles.
- Pioneered multi-tier communication channels (Smore, Try-Weekly Newsletter, Remind, classroom websites) to strengthen family-school partnerships over two decades as a classroom educator.
Elementary Educator
PLUMMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Plummer, MN
08.2002 - 06.2003
Elementary Educator
CHALLENGER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Thief River Falls, MN
01.2000 - 06.2001
Education
Doctoral Candidate - Teaching And Learning: Teacher Education
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND06-2018
Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) - Elementary Education
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND12-2012
Bachelor of Science in Education -
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND01-1993
Skills
- Enrollment strategy
- School Event Management
- Educational Leadership
- Budget Management
- Fundraising Strategy
- Donor Relations
- Crisis Management
- Media Relations
- Digital marketing
- Content Creation
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Team leadership
- Team collaboration
- Public Speaking
- Brand Strategy & Identity
Community Leadership
- Thief River Falls Community Arts Council: Assistant Director and Vocal Director regional theatrical productions: Grease, Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, Seussical, Annie.
- St. Bernard’s Parish, Music Ministry: Coordinator, Accompanist, Cantor, and Director for adult, youth, and children's choirs spanning 33+ years of service.
- Girl Scouts of the USA: Troop Leader #20271, Regional Delegate, Recipient of the President’s Council Award.
References
Available upon request.
Core Transferable Competencies
Brand Strategy & Identity, Media Relations, Content Creation, Crisis Communication, Digital Marketing & Engagement, Grant Writing & Capital Acquisition, Donor Relations, Event Production, Public Speaking, Stakeholder Engagement, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Enrollment & Retention Strategy, Fiscal Oversight
Certification
- CSCOE Advancement Certificate Program
In collaboration with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and Audrey Kintzi, ACFRE (Focus on non-profit advancement, fundraising, and strategic public relations) - Licensure: State of Minnesota Elementary Education License (Grades 1–6), File Folder #345866.
Accomplishments
- National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award: National Recipient - 2024.
- Diocese of Crookston Minister of the Year: Two-time Nominee for outstanding pastoral and educational service.
- Sacred Heart Schools National Advisory Council: Committee Member, contributing insights to strategic institutional growth - 2013.
- Northwest Regional Library: Board Member - 2015–2020.
- NASA NEWEST Seminar Participant: One of 30 educators selected nationwide to develop innovative space science curricula at NASA Ames Research Center - 1997.
Timeline
School Principal / Chief Communications Officer
ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
06.2018 - 05.2026
Doctoral Candidate & Graduate Teaching Assistant
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
08.2017 - 06.2018
Elementary Educator
PLUMMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2002 - 06.2003
Elementary Educator
CHALLENGER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
01.2000 - 06.2001
Elementary Educator
ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
08.1993 - 06.2017
Doctoral Candidate - Teaching And Learning: Teacher Education
University of North Dakota
Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) - Elementary Education
University of North Dakota
Bachelor of Science in Education -
University of North Dakota