Simona Wright-James
Remote
Summary
Nonprofit leader with 12+ years of experience in digital strategy, storytelling, outreach, and data-driven reporting. Skilled in crafting narratives that enhance visibility, enrollment, and community trust across nonprofit, educational, and arts sectors.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Project Manager
& Consultant
01.2018 - Current
- Partner with nonprofit, education, and community-based organizations, including early-stage startups, to develop foundational communications, content, and program infrastructure from inception through growth
- Design and execute strategic social media campaigns, digital storytelling, and community engagement initiatives aligned with organizational missions and goals
- Shape messaging, branding, and public-facing communications to support launches, fundraising, events, and ongoing outreach efforts
- Provide hands-on project and program management, balancing strategic planning with execution across multiple simultaneous contract engagements
Co-Executive Director
Porchfest DC
05.2018 - Current
- Produce citywide cultural arts events drawing thousands of participants while driving revenue and visibility for more than a hundred small businesses
- Manage the Gusto online payroll and HR solution to streamline our human relations of 2 employees and over 100 contractors
- Initiated and sourced contracts with local businesses to improve event production quality, increasing visibility by 50%
- Responsible for the company’s digital footprint across the website and social channels
- Management of 3K email listing and over 10 newsletter campaigns to increase public awareness and participation in the company’s public event
Substitute Teacher
ESS
02.2025 - Current
- Demonstrated familiarity with multiple subject areas, developing competency across curriculum.
- Maintained discipline and classroom control, fostering safe and positive learning environment.
- Applied principles of learning theory and teaching methodology, drawing from instructional materials available in school.
Disaster Outreach Associate
Catholic Charities USA
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Co-organized annual disaster training conferences and meetings for 120 + members
- Built out the first-ever disaster event management app with an 85%
- Facilitated the deployment of disaster teams throughout the United States and territories in response to and recovery from natural and man-made disasters
- Crafted weekly member communications and regularly presented workshops on the disaster cycle and disaster case management services
- Reviewed hundreds of emergency grant applications, synthesized program data, and produced comprehensive reporting packets for director-level approval
Project Manager
Health Services For Children With Special Needs
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Led planning and execution of health and wellness events (50 to 2,000 attendees) in partnership with Medicaid, SSI offices, and major health providers (e.g., MedStar, Trusted Health Plan)
- Chaired community health committees to align outreach strategy with public health priorities and Medicaid compliance
- Authored winning grant proposals and plain-language outreach materials reviewed for federal and local health literacy standards
- Served as a liaison between families, care managers, and network providers to resolve care barriers and support equitable access for youth and children with special healthcare needs in DC
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC05-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA05-2006
Skills
- Databases & CRM: Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud, Airtable
- Data & Analysis: Google Workspace, Excel, SurveyMonkey
- Web Platforms: Wix, WordPress, Finalsite
- Creative Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- Reporting: Dashboards, pivot tables, data visualization
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
ESS
02.2025 - Current
Co-Executive Director
Porchfest DC
05.2018 - Current
Independent Project Manager
& Consultant
01.2018 - Current
Disaster Outreach Associate
Catholic Charities USA
01.2016 - 01.2020
Project Manager
Health Services For Children With Special Needs
01.2013 - 01.2016
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
North Carolina Central University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Allegheny College