I am a communications and branding professional with 20 years of experience guiding storytelling across healthcare, architecture, technology, and government contracting. In my current role as Associate Director of Development Communications at the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, I lead campaign and brand strategy, oversee graphic design and copywriting, and coordinate executive communications to highlight the impact of philanthropy. I recently earned a Master’s in Journalism from Harvard University, focusing on war and conflict, and have conducted international reporting in sensitive settings. I have operated a solo copywriting/creative direction practice, including photography projects in Uganda recognized by Communication Arts Magazine and the Maryland Federation of Art. I am passionate about building cohesive, donor-centric communications that engage audiences and elevate brands.

Sarah Jane Dunaway

I am a communications and branding professional with 20 years of experience guiding storytelling across healthcare, architecture, technology, and government contracting. In my current role as Associate Director of Development Communications at the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, I lead campaign and brand strategy, oversee graphic design and copywriting, and coordinate executive communications to highlight the impact of philanthropy. I recently earned a Master’s in Journalism from Harvard University, focusing on war and conflict, and have conducted international reporting in sensitive settings. I have operated a solo copywriting/creative direction practice, including photography projects in Uganda recognized by Communication Arts Magazine and the Maryland Federation of Art. I am passionate about building cohesive, donor-centric communications that engage audiences and elevate brands.

Available to hire

I am a communications and branding professional with 20 years of experience guiding storytelling across healthcare, architecture, technology, and government contracting. In my current role as Associate Director of Development Communications at the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, I lead campaign and brand strategy, oversee graphic design and copywriting, and coordinate executive communications to highlight the impact of philanthropy.

I recently earned a Master’s in Journalism from Harvard University, focusing on war and conflict, and have conducted international reporting in sensitive settings. I have operated a solo copywriting/creative direction practice, including photography projects in Uganda recognized by Communication Arts Magazine and the Maryland Federation of Art. I am passionate about building cohesive, donor-centric communications that engage audiences and elevate brands.

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Work Experience

Associate Director of Development Communications at United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation
October 1, 2023 - Present
Collaborate with Foundation staff on communications strategies, coordinating with Enterprise Communications on donor-centric events, stories, and opportunities to highlight the impact of philanthropy. Develop and organize Foundation Board communications and meeting materials with the guidance of the Executive Vice President of the Foundation. Collaborate with Campaign Operations and Foundation senior leadership on campaign communications and materials. Lead all visual identity strategy, providing graphic design materials as needed or creative direction for the broader Communications department.
Copywriter & Creative Director at SJ+CO (Self Employed)
December 1, 2014 - Present
Regularly craft brand copy to reach target audiences, collaborate with and lead creative teams on strategic writing that is SEO-focused, disseminate content across multiple mediums. Serve as creative director, developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and oversee in-house and partner teams. Extensive experience in SEO, UX writing, front-end website design, graphic design, social media strategy, advertising copy writing and press management, and media planning. Industries include real estate & architecture, health & wellness, non-profit organizations, and IT systems and web engineering.
Senior Social Media Marketing Manager at Borcz + Dixon
March 1, 2013 - December 1, 2014
Developed and maintained a comprehensive social media strategy for clients, handling content creation and UX writing. Led the development of organizational-wide social media management standards and policies, and oversaw publishing across platforms. Created and pitched video scripts for interviews used in advertising and online outlets; collaborated on award-winning advertising campaigns.
Brand and Marketing Director at Syscom Services
June 1, 2010 - June 1, 2012
Created and executed the company’s brand architecture, leading the redesign of the brand identity system and website. Oversaw social media strategy and production of webinars, managed online advertising and lead tracking. Wrote and edited marketing materials and coordinated with non-profit, government contractor, and technology industry partners; produced white papers, video scripts and other program materials.
Marketing Coordinator at WCP Solutions
September 1, 2006 - May 1, 2010
Developed the marketing communications plan for SupplyWays; wrote and edited all website copy for supplyways.com, white papers for customers, and all product information. Designed corporate identity materials; established presence on social media and managed online advertising for the e-commerce venture. Served as art director coordinating product photography and visuals for online presentation.

Education

Master’s Degree at Harvard University
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Graduate Certificate, Photography/Photojournalism at Harvard University
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) at University of Alabama
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006
Pre-College Summer Program in Graphic Design at Pratt Institute
June 1, 2001 - August 1, 2001

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Real Estate & Construction, Telecommunications, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Education