Sarah Dugas Richard
Summary
Senior communications leader with 15+ years driving integrated campaigns, executive visibility, and media strategy. Trusted advisor known for storytelling, cross-functional leadership, and expertise in culture, media, and trends.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director, Communications and Marketing
YES Prep Public Schools
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Led integrated brand communications strategy across earned media, executive visibility, partnerships, and reputation in a multi-market environment.
- Drove earned media campaign research, planning, and execution, shaping compelling narratives for top-tier and industry outlets.
- Served as senior strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing brand counsel and constructively challenging to protect brand equity.
- Partnered cross-functionally with internal teams and external agencies to deliver integrated campaigns from discovery through launch and reporting.
- Oversaw development of press materials, messaging frameworks, spokesperson preparation, and executive thought leadership.
- Led and mentored 11+ team members while managing agency relationships, scopes of work, and budgets to ensure quality, consistency, and on-time delivery.
Director of Communications
Harmony Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Led the development and execution of the organization's first publication, resulting in a 20% increase in brand awareness and nationally recognized awards.
- Held progressive roles within the organization, achieving a 40% increase in enrollment year over year.
- Developed and executed media relations strategies, including messaging, outreach, pitching, and spokesperson preparation.
- Built and maintained relationships with business, education, and trade media to secure consistent coverage and thought leadership.
- Served as day-to-day client lead, providing strategic counsel and managing timelines, deliverables, and expectations.
- Collaborated with digital, creative, and external partners, delivering earned-first, integrated campaigns across channels.
- Managed and mentored junior staff, ensuring quality control, performance, and deadline adherence.
Communications Manager
University of Houston
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Supported enterprise communications strategy focused on brand reputation, visibility, and stakeholder engagement.
- Executed media outreach and storytelling campaigns, elevating leadership visibility and organizational innovation.
- Partnered cross-functionally to deliver integrated communications, high-volume content, and trend-informed messaging.
Marketing and Communications Associate
Florida SouthWestern State College
01.2013 - 01.2014
Education
Master of Arts - Communications
Southern University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LABachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Communications, Public Relations
Southern University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LASkills
- Integrated Communications
- Earned Media Strategy
- Media Relations
- Influencer & Cultural Strategy
- Client Leadership
- Executive Counsel
- Core Competencies
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Campaign Planning & Execution
- Budget & Scope Management
- Team Leadership
- Trend Spotting
- New Business Support
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with a team of 11 in the development of organizational rebrand.
- Achieved 250% increase in social media engagement through strategic campaign development and execution.
- Achieved 98% hiring rate, through new employee campaign development with accuracy and efficiency.
- Achieved 100% increase in external communications by introducing ParentSquare for parent notifications.
- Achieved 20% increase in recruitment through effectively helping with creative strategy initiatives.
- Achieved 54% increase in Spanish and English media by completing earned media strategy with accuracy and efficiency.
Timeline
Managing Director, Communications and Marketing
YES Prep Public Schools
01.2024 - 01.2025
Director of Communications
Harmony Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2023
Communications Manager
University of Houston
01.2015 - 01.2019
Marketing and Communications Associate
Florida SouthWestern State College
01.2013 - 01.2014
Master of Arts - Communications
Southern University And A&M College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Communications, Public Relations
Southern University And A&M College