DAWNA HOUSTON

NON-PROFIT COMMUNICATIONS AND EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL

Results-oriented, hands-on communications and education professional with a successful career spanning over 20 years working in independent schools and non-profit organizations. Skilled developer of communications programs that support organizational long-range strategic objectives with emphasis on brand and identity, building relationships with consitituencies, increasing visibility in the community, and achieving marketing and fundraising goals. Strategic, proactive leader who effectively utilizes resources to implement cost effective programs. Adaptable, resourceful, collaborative, and thrives on new challenges. Demonstrated excellence in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, G Suite, and Web/Social Media Analytics.

Areas of expertise include

  • Digital Marketing
  • Education Administration
  • Graphic Design
  • Content Writing & Editing
  • Web Design & Management
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Project Management
  • Photography & Video
  • Strategic Planning
  • Budget Management
  • Process Improvement
  • Media Relations


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Westminster Schools of Augusta, Augusta, GA • 6/17 to Present
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Lead the creative management of marketing and communications in order to build awareness, increase engagement, and achieve organizational mission. Identify opportunities and perform needs analyses in order to achieve admission and fundraising goals.

Key Accomplishments:


Barrie School, Silver Spring, MD • 4/17 to Present
GRAPHIC DESIGNER (Remote, Part-time)

Utilize current state-of-the-art software to design a wide variety of engaging print and digital communications.


St. Monica Catholic Church, Santa Monica, CA • 4/11-10/16
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Combined media relations, art direction, project management, and advertising skills in order to build awareness and strengthen image. Analyzed the organization and its relationship to the community in order to make informed decisions and effectively allocate resources.

Key Accomplishments:


Self-employed • 2005-present
COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

Provide communications services including web development and maintenance, graphic design and layout for publications and collateral materials, writing, editing, and proofreading, and video directing and editing. Clients include:


Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, CA • 9/07-6/09
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
As a senior member of the administration, provided institutional leadership for all communications to support the long range strategic objectives of the school during a time of significant organizational change; emphasis on brand management, building relationships with the organization's constituencies, including major donors and the media, and serving as the organization’s editorial and graphic design expert. Responsible for internal and external communications assuring that the school is well-positioned and competitive in promoting the school’s identity, as well as keeping current families well informed about the school, its programs and activities. Responsible for writing, editing, and producing written and electronic publications, press releases, and marketing/collateral materials for all departments including Advancement and Admissiosn.

Key Accomplishments:



Rolling Hills Covenant Church
, Rolling Hills Estates, California • 4/06-11/07
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Oversaw creative direction and wrote copy for all print and electronic communications which included weekly and monthly publications, promotional materials for special programs and events, press releases and scripts for radio and video, and direct mail marketing materials for outreach to the greater Los Angeles County area. Served as a consultant to church plants for launch materials, marketing strategies, graphic design, etc. Supervised communications coordinator.

Key Accomplishments:


Castilleja School, Palo Alto, CA • 8/96 – 6/05
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS
Managed all print and electronic publications, coordinated large school events including graduation and fundraisers, yearbook advisor, light teaching duties.

Key Achievements


TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Castilleja School, Palo Alto, CA; 1998-2005
Algebra I Teacher

Crossroads School, Santa Monica, CA; 8/94-6/96
Middle School Teacher
Taught 7-8 Algebra I and Algebra I Honors, Served on Crisis Management Team and Admissions Committee. Led overnight outdoor education trips which included canoeing and Class III & IV whitewater rafting in California and Arizona.

Trinity Lutheran School, Hawthorne, CA, 8/91-6/94
Middle School Teacher
Taught 7-8 math and English, Girls Volleyball Coach


TEACHING-RELATED EXPERIENCE

TEDxYouth@Castilleja, Palo Alto, CA 6/10-11/12
Member of the creative team for this annual event. Served as webmaster, writer, photographer.

Camp Arcadia, Casco, Maine, Summers 1989-1996
Assistant Head Counselor
Supervised and lived with girls in grades 7-9. Administered daily schedule and activities. Planned and coordinated Parent/Camper Weekend. Led overnight hiking and canoeing trips in the White Mountains and northern and central Maine.


VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Rolling Hills Covenant Church, Rolling Hills Estates, California  9/91-6/96, 4/06-10/16
Video Director and Editor, Camera Operator
Serve as a video director/editor and camera operator for weekly worship services and special programs including Pageant of Our Lord, an annual production.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

COMPUTER SKILLS

SPECIAL INTERESTS

Reading, Tennis, Golf, Hiking, Canoeing, Adventure Travel, Digital Photography, Animals

REFERENCES

Furnished upon request.