Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Awards
CustomerServiceRepresentative
Sarah Tsitso

Sarah Tsitso

Longmeadow,Mass.

Summary

Experienced with developing captivating content that resonates with diverse audiences. Utilizes advanced research skills to ensure accuracy and relevance in all writing projects. Knowledge of various writing styles and formats, ensuring versatility and excellence in content delivery.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Director

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
09.2017 - Current
  • Work closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy
  • Build relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support
  • Study trends within the industry, ensuring compliance with all laws and best practices
  • Lead and coach 50-person staff, creating an inclusive and equitable work culture
  • Oversee financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability
  • Guide staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions
  • Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
  • Represent organization by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events
  • Exercise appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize revenue
  • Collaborate with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships
  • Lead successful fundraising campaigns, securing critical resources for program development and expansion
  • Advocate for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
  • Increase organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems
  • Evaluate program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions
  • Spearhead new program initiatives to address unmet community needs and advance the organization''s mission
  • Be a storyteller. Create promotional materials and provide insightful information to social media, websites and print media to educate public

Adjunct Professor

Springfield Technical Community College
01.2021 - Current
  • Teach nonprofit management, English, business, marketing, and communications courses, providing instruction to up to 30 undergraduate students.
  • Build relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
  • Encourage class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.

President

Longview Strategic Ventures, LLC
03.2016 - Current
  • Tell clients' stories by creating and writing creative website content, press releases, e-blasts, grants, marketing plans, brochures, annual reports, speeches, flyers, white pages, proposals, direct mail, banners, manuals, policies/procedures, booklets, blogs, job descriptions, fundraising materials and social media content
  • Research, conduct interviews, write and edit articles for a university alumni magazine, local newspapers and business magazines
  • Served as contracted marketing manager for Hormones Balance/Wellena, an international women’s health company, interfacing with Shopify, Amazon, publishers, and a variety of marketing/sales programs
  • Elevate brand awareness with targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and digital platforms
  • Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring clear communication throughout projects' lifecycle

Director of Development & Marketing

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
08.2016 - 09.2017
  • Managed an eight-member team, including all fundraising, volunteer recruitment, marketing and communication functions, raising $3.5 - $4 million per year
  • Worked closely with donors, conducting in-person outreach and ongoing stewardship
  • Successfully planned and executed special events that raised awareness about the organization's mission while generating new sources of support
  • Secured major gifts from high net worth individuals through cultivation efforts, tailored proposals, and stewardship activities
  • Led the marketing and communications team to create compelling advertisements, fundraising materials, social media content and other initiatives that resonated with diverse audiences
  • Negotiated beneficial partnerships with corporate and individual sponsors, securing significant contributions and enhancing the organization's visibility

Executive Director

Springfield Boys & Girls Club, Boys & Girls Club Family Center
09.2011 - 03.2016
  • Led strategic planning, fundraising and general operations for 50-plus staff members
  • Engaged in networking activities daily, resulting in community partnerships
  • Managed $1.4 million annual operating budget, plus $4 million in endowments
  • Created and implemented public relations campaigns and all marketing materials
  • Worked with local and state legislators on policy and funding initiatives
  • Represented the club in the media

Executive Director

East of the River 5 Town Chamber of Commerce
08.2010 - 09.2011
  • Secured and retained members
  • Networked regularly with professionals and leaders across dozens of industries
  • Addressed business, economic and legislative issues for members
  • Managed all marketing and communication functions

Director of Development & Communications

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity
02.2008 - 08.2010
  • Wrote and managed 15 to 20 grants per year
  • Raised all funds necessary to build 4-7 homes per year
  • Publicized and served as spokesperson for all activities
  • Created and implemented marketing campaigns, special events
  • Managed all marketing and communication functions

Editor

Turley Publications
08.1999 - 10.2007
  • Won two Excellence in Journalism awards
  • Wrote six to 10 articles per week, including editorials and a personal column
  • Edited all content from staff writers and correspondents
  • Mentored rising journalists, including two who were eventually promoted to editor
  • Coordinated re-designs and new product launches

Publications Coordinator/Jimmy Fund Development Associate

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
06.1998 - 08.1999

Education

Master of Fine Arts - Creative Nonfiction Writing

Bay Path University
Longmeadow, Mass.

Master of Science - Nonprofit Management & Philanthropy

Bay Path University
Longmeadow, Mass.

Bachelor of Arts - English

Simmons University
Boston, Mass.

Skills

  • Writing and editing
  • Critical thinking
  • Content creation
  • Organizational development
  • Strategic planning
  • Fiscal management
  • Brand management and expansion
  • Marketing and communications
  • Relationship building and collaboration
  • Storytelling - written and verbal
  • Fundraising and donor stewardship
  • Optimizing capacity
  • Board and committee management
  • Coaching and leadership development
  • Meticulous attention to detail

Affiliations

  • 2023 – Present: Member, Professional Advisory Council, Rachel’s Table
  • 2022 – Present: Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals
  • 2022 – Present: Member, Rotary Club of Springfield (Mass.)
  • 2017-2020 – Board of Trustees, Richard Salter Storrs Library
  • 2015-2019 – Board of Directors, Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation
  • 2012-2017 – Bay Path University Alumni Council
  • 2015-2016 – Board of Directors, Friends of the Homeless
  • 2012-2014 – Member, Junior League of Greater Springfield
  • 2008 to 2010 — Board of Directors, Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield

Timeline

Adjunct Professor

Springfield Technical Community College
01.2021 - Current

Executive Director

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
09.2017 - Current

Director of Development & Marketing

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
08.2016 - 09.2017

President

Longview Strategic Ventures, LLC
03.2016 - Current

Executive Director

Springfield Boys & Girls Club, Boys & Girls Club Family Center
09.2011 - 03.2016

Executive Director

East of the River 5 Town Chamber of Commerce
08.2010 - 09.2011

Director of Development & Communications

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity
02.2008 - 08.2010

Editor

Turley Publications
08.1999 - 10.2007

Publications Coordinator/Jimmy Fund Development Associate

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
06.1998 - 08.1999

Master of Fine Arts - Creative Nonfiction Writing

Bay Path University

Master of Science - Nonprofit Management & Philanthropy

Bay Path University

Bachelor of Arts - English

Simmons University

Awards

2015 – Springfield Women’s Commission Woman of the Year, 2012 – YPS Excellence in Leadership Award, 2011 – Springfield Leadership Institute, 2009 – Named to BusinessWest Difference Makers (YPS Board of Directors), 2007 – Named to BusinessWest Forty Under 40 (inaugural class), 2006 – New England Press Association award, local election coverage, 2003 – New England Press Association award, reporting on a religious issue