Emma Donovan
Chesterfield
Summary
Dynamic Communications and Marketing Specialist leveraging digital platforms to enhance brand visibility and engagement. Proven track record in developing strategic content initiatives, managing online channels, and utilizing data analytics to elevate marketing efficacy and donor relations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Public Relations
Sigma Alpha Omega Foundation
01.2026 - Current
- Developed and executed marketing and public relations strategies that elevated the foundation's mission, enhanced donor engagement, and bolstered fundraising initiatives.
- Managed the organization's digital communications, overseeing social media platforms, website content, and public relations efforts to maintain a consistent brand presence and strengthen engagement.
- Developed compelling digital content on social channels and the foundation website to increase visibility, foster community engagement, and support organizational outreach and donor relations.
- Maintained and optimized the organization's website by publishing timely updates, promoting upcoming events, creating blog content, and ensuring accurate, relevant information for active members, alumnae, and prospective donors.
- Produced and designed quarterly Rosette Gazette newsletter, creating engaging content and coordinating publication to inform members, alumni, and stakeholders about organizational news and achievements.
College Access Communications Specialist
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
06.2022 - Current
- Develop and execute communications strategies, digital marketing plans, and calendars for two federally funded statewide grant programs, aligning messaging with organizational goals while increasing stakeholder engagement and program visibility.
- Lead the planning and production of internal communications materials for agency-wide initiatives, including newsletters, presentations, graphics, flyers, policy and procedure manuals, and executive communications that strengthen program awareness and engagement.
- Led development of all public-facing communications, including photography, social media campaigns, newsletters, print materials, and student resources, enhancing program visibility and engagement.
- Managed development and launch of Level Up Virginia statewide college access website, overseeing content strategy and resource curation to improve accessibility and user experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, school divisions, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and agency leadership to create strategic communications campaigns promoting college access initiatives across Virginia.
Public Relations and Social Media Chair
Sigma Alpha Omega Sorority - Alpha Delta Chapter
06.2019 - 01.2022
- Developed and executed a comprehensive social media strategy across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), creating content calendars and campaigns that increased awareness of chapter initiatives, philanthropic events, recruitment, and member engagement.
- Managed content creation for social media, crafting compelling captions and visual assets while ensuring consistent messaging and brand standards across all digital platforms.
- Produced multimedia content, including copywriting, graphic design, photography, and video coordination, to enhance sorority brand identity and cultivate an engaged online community.
- Collaborated with chapter leadership to create marketing strategies that aligned with organizational goals and bolstered event participation and community outreach.
- Designed branded apparel and promotional materials for philanthropic and recruitment initiatives, establishing cohesive visual identities for print and digital campaigns.
Social Media Assistant
Christopher Newport University
09.2019 - 01.2021
- Developed and implemented social media campaigns supporting key university initiatives, including college application season, College Decision Day, and other student engagement efforts, increasing awareness of admissions and campus events.
- Collaborated with University's Communications Director to develop and execute content strategies for official Instagram and X channels, enhancing brand awareness and audience engagement.
- Planned, created, and scheduled social media content that aligned with university branding and strategic communications goals, ensuring a consistent digital presence.
- Delivered real-time social media coverage of campus events through photography and live updates, fostering audience engagement.
Education
Certification - Digital Marketing Science
University of Virginia School of Continued And Professional Studies
Charlottesville, VA07-2026
Bachelor of Arts - History
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA01-2022
Skills
- Strategic communications
- Digital marketing
- Graphic design
- Website optimization
- Event outreach
- Email marketing
- Business writing
- Print material creation
- Donor relations
- Fundraising campaigns
Certification
- Google Analytics Certification, 05/01/26
- Google Ads Certification, 05/01/26
- Hubspot Email Marketing Certification, 05/01/26
- Adobe Creative Suite Essentials, 05/01/23
Timeline
Director of Public Relations
Sigma Alpha Omega Foundation
01.2026 - Current
College Access Communications Specialist
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
06.2022 - Current
Social Media Assistant
Christopher Newport University
09.2019 - 01.2021
Public Relations and Social Media Chair
Sigma Alpha Omega Sorority - Alpha Delta Chapter
06.2019 - 01.2022
Certification - Digital Marketing Science
University of Virginia School of Continued And Professional Studies
Bachelor of Arts - History
Christopher Newport University