Tara Stoll
Springfield,MO
Summary
Strategic communications professional with 20+ years of nonprofit experience in storytelling, media relations, and digital content. Skilled in both conceptualizing and creating impactful messaging across platforms, including news media, social media, and stakeholder communications. Strong writer, on-air communicator, and graphic designer with a proven ability to build narratives, engage diverse audiences, and strengthen organizational visibility.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Scholarly Programs Manager
National Humanities Center
Research Triangle, NC
11.2024 - Current
- Support 100 resident scholars annually, managing communications and logistics.
- Helped grow visible scholarly programs by 33%.
- Research, write, edit, and publish content for newsletters, web pages, internal updates, and program materials.
- Develop clear, accurate messaging around complex programs and timelines to support trust, transparency, and engagement.
- Collaborate across departments to align messaging with institutional priorities and ensure consistency of voice.
- Support high-visibility programs and events through coordinated communications, presentations, and participant materials.
- Manage multiple concurrent communications projects while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines.
Site Manager & Marketing Director
GiGi's Playhouse Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
03.2020 - 11.2024
- Led organization-wide communications strategy across newsletters, website content, social media, presentations, and special reports.
- Supported crisis-adjacent communications, time-sensitive announcements, and leadership messaging during periods of organizational change.
- Developed and executed internal and external communications plans aligned with organizational mission and growth goals. • Wrote executive-level communications, community messaging, and media-facing content to support public trust and engagement.
- Supported media relations efforts and community storytelling to expand visibility and strengthen organizational reputation.
- Planned and supported special events, exhibits, and presentations that enhanced member, donor, and community engagement.
- Managed high-volume, time-sensitive communications with accuracy and consistency.
- Improved audience engagement by 35% through analytics-driven content optimization.
- Maintained 99% satisfaction rate through responsive, clear stakeholder communications.
- Mentored staff and collaborated across teams on messaging, workflows, and content standards.
Executive Director
The Arc Jackson County
Medford, OR
07.2019 - 04.2021
- Increased organizational revenue by over 700% through strategic storytelling and stakeholder communications.
- Oversaw digital marketing functions including website content, social media channels, and email outreach.
- Worked closely with board and leadership to shape organizational communication and operational strategy.
- Supported crisis-adjacent communications, time-sensitive announcements, and leadership messaging during periods of organizational change and difficulty (Covid-19).
- Managed staff and budgets and ensured compliance in all areas.
Family Network Facilitator
Living Opportunities
Medford, OR
07.2018 - 12.2020
- External communications, including news releases, building community partnerships, monthly newsletters, website management, quarterly reports, mass email communications, and social media communications.
- Connected families who experience disability to one another and community resources, growing database by 20%.
- Consulted with and trained community partners on offering welcoming spaces to all.
- Maintained required budget.
Communications Producer - Video
Missouri Western State University
St. Joseph, MO
12.2000 - 07.2018
- Closely worked with PR/Marketing on campaign ideas/materials, including concept, design, and execution.
- Key designer for award winning Cronkite Memorial, est. 2016, including multimedia presentations; presented in NYC and Washington DC.
- Managed student staff of 3-4.
- Closely worked with faculty and staff; software and camera-presence training.
- Performed all facets of video production from pre to post
- Graphics and design.
- Managed all video communications tools (Panopto, Zoom, etc.) used by university faculty, staff, and students, including training, troubleshooting, and admin duties.
Education
Master of Applied Science - Special Education & Advocacy
Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, MO12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, MO12-2000
Skills
- Strategic Communications & Storytelling
- Internal & External Communications
- Executive & Speech Writing Support
- Newsletter, Website & Social Content Development
- Media Relations & Public Messaging
- Crisis & Time-Sensitive Communications
- Cross-Functional Collaboration Communications Planning & Key Messaging
- Brand Voice & Message Consistency
- Relationship Building & Stewardship based on TCPs
- Microsoft Office Salesforce CMS Platforms
- Adobe Creative Suite Canva Photography/Videography/Editing
Timeline
Scholarly Programs Manager
National Humanities Center
11.2024 - Current
Site Manager & Marketing Director
GiGi's Playhouse Raleigh
03.2020 - 11.2024
Executive Director
The Arc Jackson County
07.2019 - 04.2021
Family Network Facilitator
Living Opportunities
07.2018 - 12.2020
Communications Producer - Video
Missouri Western State University
12.2000 - 07.2018
Master of Applied Science - Special Education & Advocacy
Missouri Western State University
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Missouri Western State University