Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadership Development
Timeline
Generic

TINA BARSEGHIAN

Oakland

Summary

Mission-driven executive with 20 years of experience leveraging strategic communications, narrative strategy, and brand building to inspire social change. Leading movements in justice, influencing public policy, and strengthening organizational success at Tides, IDEO, and NPR.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

TIDES
08.2021 - 10.2023

$1.4B global assets under managements • $3M department budget • 10 FTEs


Led strategic communications aligned with ambitious programmatic goals, a seismic brand revolution, and narrative change strategy focused on shifting power to advance social justice. The work resulted in public policy wins in key democratic constituencies, new high-profile partnerships, millions in funding, and major media coverage and increased brand awareness.


  • Transformed the communications and marketing department’s strategy, processes, and goals to align with a new philanthropic approach and program initiatives. Key achievements through narrative change strategies and new positioning include ballot wins to uphold voting and reproductive rights in battleground states; $10M dollar donation from MacKenzie Scott; new partnerships with high-profile advocates for civil rights, like Martin Luther King III.
  • Earned media coverage in major outlets like Associated Press, Politico, and Chronicle of Philanthropy, and secured invitations for executives to Skoll World Forum, the White House, U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, and TED.
  • Developed and executed outcomes-driven earned, owned, and paid media strategies, including event planning and multimedia digital campaigns, to amplify and raise awareness.
  • Created new systems, processes, and staff roles to meet organizational goals while fostering a culture of collaboration, support, and continuous learning. As a people-centered leader, provided mentorship and learning opportunities, encouraging a safe environment for risk-taking and helping staff achieve their full potential.

SENIOR DIRECTOR, IMPACT COMMUNICATIONS

FUSE CORPS
03.2017 - 02.2021

3 FTEs • $10M national nonprofit • 200+ government partners


Designed and led the communications function from the ground up, growing FUSE’s influence in the public sector and attracting key partnerships. Earned nationwide media coverage, launched a successful solutions journalism practice with major media collaborations, and placed executives at high-profile industry events.


  • Developed a new communications function, including strategies that positioned FUSE as a prominent voice and force in equity-centered cross-sector collaboration.
  • Partnering with government agencies, developed comprehensive media campaigns to secure coverage and amplify FUSE’s public profile in news outlets nationwide — from the Los Angeles Times to The Hill.
  • Launched a groundbreaking solutions journalism initiative, partnering with The Atlantic, CityLab and Next City to produce thought leadership content and publish op-eds that influenced civic innovation and public policy.
  • Secured executive presence at premier industry events such as SXSW and Independent Sector, showcasing FUSE’s contributions to public sector innovation.
  • Led and cultivated a high-impact team, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment, and empowering team members to realize their potential.

SENIOR GLOBAL EDITOR

IDEO
06.2014 - 03.2017

15 FTEs across 10 locations $150M consultancy 5 sub-brands


Directed global marketing and communications strategy for renowned design firm, led a $2 million rebranding project to align sub-brands, ensuring brand consistency and relevance across diverse markets, and secured coverage in major media outlets.


  • Designed systems and processes for 15-person team across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., maintaining unique brand voice and consistency while adapting to local markets.
  • Provided a clear set of goals and activities to ensure that the company’s highest priorities were met, from rapid media responses, to marketing launches,.
  • Led and/or produced new multimedia initiatives, including immersive microsites, a new podcast series and video case studies; drew new partner engagement through compelling op-eds and white papers; created and coached best practices for storytelling guidelines.

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NPR / KQED MINDSHIFT
02.2010 - 06.2014

1M pageviews per month across 20+ countries • ~ 1M social media followers • 1 FTE + 1 PTE


Launched and led MindShift, growing the international news site into a movement, and establishing it as NPR's most successful digital vertical, a trusted resource in education innovation.
  • Pioneered a new niche in education coverage by identifying emerging trends and reporting on global innovations; published relevant, timely narratives that resonated with educators, parents, and policymakers.
  • Developed and executed digital growth strategies and creative editorial initiatives, diversifying NPR's content offerings and adapting to changing media consumption habits.
  • Led senior executives and editors in developing forward-looking editorial strategies, enhancing audience engagement.
  • Leveraged strategic social media, email marketing, and content partnerships to build MindShift's audience from the ground up
  • Produced multimedia content, including videos, mini-documentaries, and podcasts, to deconstruct complex ideas and draw diverse audiences

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism

Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA

Skills

  • Strategic Communications
  • Brand Development
  • Narrative Strategy
  • Thought Leadership
  • Team Leadership
  • Audience Engagement
  • Digital Marketing
  • Media Relations
  • Strategic Planning
  • Budget Management
  • Partnership Development

Leadership Development

  • Undoing Racism: The People's Institute Workshop
  • Management Center: Managing to Change the World Leadership Workshop
  • Aspen Institute Executive Seminar
  • Braver Angels: Bridging the Divide Workshop

Timeline

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

TIDES
08.2021 - 10.2023

SENIOR DIRECTOR, IMPACT COMMUNICATIONS

FUSE CORPS
03.2017 - 02.2021

SENIOR GLOBAL EDITOR

IDEO
06.2014 - 03.2017

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NPR / KQED MINDSHIFT
02.2010 - 06.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism

Loyola Marymount University
TINA BARSEGHIAN