I'm a communications strategist, designer, and storyteller with a passion for community development. I've led branding and content for nonprofit and rural initiatives, translating complex issues into compelling campaigns, reports, and visuals. Over the years I have built and trained teams, produced award-winning storytelling projects, and created marketing materials—from blogs and newsletters to brochures, websites, and video explainers—that drive engagement and impact.…

Heidi Marttila-Losure

I'm a communications strategist, designer, and storyteller with a passion for community development. I've led branding and content for nonprofit and rural initiatives, translating complex issues into compelling campaigns, reports, and visuals. Over the years I have built and trained teams, produced award-winning storytelling projects, and created marketing materials—from blogs and newsletters to brochures, websites, and video explainers—that drive engagement and impact.…

Available to hire

I’m a communications strategist, designer, and storyteller with a passion for community development. I’ve led branding and content for nonprofit and rural initiatives, translating complex issues into compelling campaigns, reports, and visuals.

Over the years I have built and trained teams, produced award-winning storytelling projects, and created marketing materials—from blogs and newsletters to brochures, websites, and video explainers—that drive engagement and impact.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Director of Communications at Lost&Found
August 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Developed and executed a comprehensive communications strategy for a suicide prevention nonprofit; drafted messaging for campaigns, including a lobbying effort that resulted in $2 million for suicide prevention efforts; coordinated content for blog, newsletter, and social media; wrote press materials and managed brand standards; created marketing materials and multimedia; led a resilience storytelling project that received a 2024 Distinguished Achievement in the Humanities Award.
Owner/Creative Consultant at Dakotafire Creative Services
January 1, 2017 - November 9, 2025
Provide graphic design services to clients, specializing in magazine, book, and workbook design.
Editor at The Germinator, a publication of Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society
December 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Managed all aspects of the editorial production and design of a quarterly magazine about sustainable agriculture.
Publisher/Editor at Dakotafire Media, LLC
December 1, 2016 - December 1, 2016
Provided vision and direction for a conversation-starting rural journalism project; oversaw publishing of magazine issues; secured grants; organized community engagement and events; led editorial and production processes.
Editor/Program Administrator at Dakotafire Media, LLC
March 1, 2014 - March 1, 2014
Led program administration and editorial efforts; contributed to community revitalization ideas; managed staff and publishing workflow; helped secure Knight Foundation grant and expanded readership.
Freelance copy editor/graphic designer at Prairiesummer Creativeworks
December 1, 2011 - December 1, 2011
Assisted clients with self-published books, white papers, posters, advertisements, and other design/editorial projects.
Editor at Facets, a publication of The Tribune
December 1, 2007 - December 1, 2007
Managed all aspects of the editorial production of a monthly women’s magazine; expanded focus to issues affecting women in the community.
Chief copy editor at The Tribune
November 1, 2007 - November 1, 2007
Managed a six-person copy desk in the layout and copy editing of a daily newspaper; contributed as a writer.
Copy editor at The Tribune
July 1, 2005 - July 1, 2005
Edited stories for a daily newspaper; supported newsroom operations.
Design consultant at The Groton Independent
August 1, 2003 - August 1, 2003
Conducted a redesign of the weekly newspaper for its new owners.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and Religion at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota
September 3, 1996 - April 1, 2000

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services
    paper Suicide as a Public Health Concern - white paper design

    I wrote and designed this white paper as part of my role as Director of Communications for Lost&Found, a suicide prevention nonprofit organization.

    https://www.twine.net/signin