Sarah Champagne
North Oxford,MA
Summary
Experienced writer and journalist with significant background in strategic fundraising and nonprofit and public sector communications. Significant experience in local entrepreneurial, independent news delivery. Skilled creative storyteller with strong research skills and experience in audience development. Project management in collaborative environments. Organized and results-driven with value placed on equitable access to information and resources.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Specialist
Southbridge Public Schools
02.2019 - Current
- Established professional communications practices and systems for a public school district in early stages of State receivership and in organizational disarray.
- Created effective engagement strategies for parents and caregivers in a disrupted, underperforming school district serving a student body that is 64% Latinx, 90% high needs, and 84.6% low income.
- Developed highly responsive communication practices throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing stakeholders with trusted information during rapid change to learning models and safety requirements.
Founder and Fundraising Director
The Megan L. Kleczka Memorial Endowed Scholarship
03.2008 - Current
- Spearheaded fundraising effort, securing $12,000+ in donations to create a memorial endowed scholarship.
- Authored persuasive messaging, website, and all communications related to fundraising effort.
- Established permanent assistance to students majoring in Women's Studies or focused on social justice through social work and sociology majors.
Managing Editor
The Citizen Chronicle
02.2018 - 03.2021
- Managed an entrepreneurial news group, guided by a commitment to professional journalistic ethics and founded on a desire to support an informed citizenry in a local news desert.
- Acted as primary writer and lead journalist, creating engaging and informative content, while recruiting and managing junior writers and contributors.
- Research and networking related to the state of journalism and news delivery in small and diverse communities similar to the publication's coverage area.
Correspondent
Stonebridge Press
09.2017 - 12.2019
- Contributed freelance articles to a weekly local news print publication using AP Style writing, guided by the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.
- Reported on local politics, education, and human interest stories, providing consistent and thorough reporting to the community.
- Received frequent positive feedback provided to Editor in Chief from readership, recruited back to write upon first departing the position.
Content Development Specialist
Smart Shopper
04.2016 - 11.2017
- Sold advertising and features for a local advertising publication.
- Increased sales on existing accounts and established new accounts for the organization.
- Facilitated collaboration between clients and graphic designers to grow effective advertising relationships.
Senior Development Specialist
Reliant Foudnation
02.2015 - 03.2016
- Supported year round and special event fundraising activities, including golf tournament and auction, a 5k event, annual drive, and more.
- Managed volunteers for special events, including a group of more than 50 volunteers for an annual two-day fundraising event.
- Used DonorPerfect Online database software to track and analyze foundation work.
Education
Master of Arts - Professional Writing
New England College
Henniker, NH05.2018
MBA - Nonprofit Leadership
New England College
Henniker, NH05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Community And Public Engagement
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT06.2014
Skills
- Journalism
- Collaborative leadership
- Process improvement
- Project management
- Exceptional writer
- Business operations
- Associated Press style
- Nonprofit management
- Fundraising and Development
Volunteer Work
WriteBoston, Teens in Print Writing Program
Contest Judge
March 2023
Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association, Reflections Student Art Program
Contest Judge
March 2019 - present
Oxford Cultural Council, Oxford, MA
September 2018 - November 2022
Past President, Member at Large
The Southbridge High School Odyssey (Student Newspaper)
Community Advisor
June 2018 - January 2019
The Ruth Wells Center for the Arts
Quinnebaug Valley Council for the Arts and Humanities
Board Member
March 2019 - December 2019
Timeline
Communications Specialist
Southbridge Public Schools
02.2019 - Current
Managing Editor
The Citizen Chronicle
02.2018 - 03.2021
Correspondent
Stonebridge Press
09.2017 - 12.2019
Content Development Specialist
Smart Shopper
04.2016 - 11.2017
Senior Development Specialist
Reliant Foudnation
02.2015 - 03.2016
Founder and Fundraising Director
The Megan L. Kleczka Memorial Endowed Scholarship
03.2008 - Current
Master of Arts - Professional Writing
New England College
MBA - Nonprofit Leadership
New England College
Bachelor of Arts - Community And Public Engagement
University of Connecticut
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