Communications Specialist Social Media

Stephanie Mansfield Alexandria, VA **************@***.*** 703-***-****

Strategic Communications Specialist

Professional Summary

Strategic communications specialist with extensive experience supporting government agencies, nonprofits, law firms, and associations. Skilled in developing clear, accurate, and engaging content across digital platforms, internal communications, and public-facing campaigns. Adept at transforming complex legal, policy, and technical material into plain language for diverse audiences.

Brings strong project management skills, research analyst capabilities, stakeholder coordination, and editorial oversight to every engagement. Experienced in content development for federal initiatives, including web writing, press releases, social media campaigns, marketing collateral, executive speechwriting, and 508-compliant communications. Proficient in AP and GPO style, Microsoft Office Suite, CMS platforms, Adobe Creative tools, CanMan, and SCO.

Previously served as an award-winning, nationally recognized journalist and contributing editor, with bylines in The Washington Post, USA Today, Vogue, GQ, and The New York Times.

Professional Experience

D&G Support Services

Technical Writer / Senior Communications Analyst

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – Contract Nov 2024–Present

Public Trust Clearance (Pending)

Leads communications efforts supporting CBP’s mission to inform the public and maintain trust in agency operations. Produces high-impact written content across digital and print channels, ensuring alignment with federal standards.

Drafts and edits internal and external communications, including press releases, public statements, and stakeholder briefings.

Collaborates with SMEs to translate complex operational updates into accessible, public-facing language.

Develops social media content highlighting CBP initiatives and public service efforts.

Ensures Section 508 compliance for all communications materials.

Coordinates with interagency partners to maintain message consistency and transparency.

Blue Water Thinking

Technical Writer / Communications Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Contract May 2024–Sept 2024

Public Trust Clearance

Contracted through Blue Water Thinking to support the VA’s Office of Customer Experience. Served as Senior Writer overseeing all written deliverables and managing a team of three. Led daily content creation and contributed to key strategic initiatives, including the agency’s annual Customer Experience Year in Review.

Led content creation across multiple platforms, including press kits, internal newsletters, and policy communications.

Posted daily content updates to internal and public channels to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.

Conducted interviews with SMEs and stakeholders to ensure messaging accuracy and depth.

Drafted key sections of the Customer Experience Year in Review, highlighting improvements in veteran-facing services.

Reviewed and edited all written materials for tone, clarity, grammar, and alignment with VA objectives.

Provided strategic input on communication plans to enhance public engagement and trust.

Maintained full compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards for all communications.

Capitol Information Group

Senior Editor

Falls Church, VA December 2021 – July 2023

As Senior Editor at Business Management Daily, a division of Capitol Information Group, led the editorial direction for multiple weekly publications, delivering timely and practical content on topics such as healthcare, human resources, employment law, privacy, security, technology, and emerging business trends.

Managed the production of three weekly newsletters, writing and editing approximately ten stories per week across various formats, including books, newsletters, webinars, and alerts.

Utilized tools like Grammarly and InCopy for meticulous proofreading and editing to ensure high-quality content.

Directed marketing efforts for webinars, encompassing brochure creation, speaker coordination, budgeting, web content development, email campaigns, and conference marketing collateral.

Assigned articles to freelance writers, conducted research, and reviewed current news and surveys to ensure timely and relevant subject matter.

Interviewed subject matter experts to provide insights and commentary on recent news and industry events.

The Consortium

Special Projects Writer (Contract)

AARP – Washington, D.C. July 2019 – April 2020

Contracted through The Consortium to support AARP’s mission-driven initiatives by creating and managing content across key advocacy areas, including healthcare, caregiving, fraud prevention, Social Security, Medicare, and legislative policy.

Researched, wrote, and edited web content for new special projects aimed at AARP's 38 million members.

Collaborated with the marketing department to disseminate messages and engage with media outlets.

Utilized Google Analytics to track engagement, noting a 25% increase in user interaction with mission-focused projects.

Demonstrated strong project management skills to ensure timely delivery of content.

Conducted in-depth research on complex topics, ensuring accuracy and relevance.

Applied knowledge of ANSI standards and ADA compliance to all content produced.

The Vari Group

Writer-Editor (Contract)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Washington, DC May 2018 – July 2019

Public Trust Clearance

Provided editorial and communications support for the USDA under a federal contract. Produced a wide range of government deliverables and supported the launch of Farmers.gov, working closely with agency leadership and cross-functional teams.

Drafted and edited press releases, reports, bios, surveys, and editorial content in compliance with GPO style guidelines.

Reviewed and incorporated public comments into draft standards, ensuring clarity, proper syntax, formatting, and adherence to USDA regulatory style.

Collaborated with standards directors to secure approvals for supporting content, including figures and illustrations. Partnered with in-house graphic designers to ensure visual content aligned with written materials.

Authored original content for the launch of Farmers.gov, including news updates, farmer profiles, consumer advice, and regulatory summaries.

Drove a 40% increase in site traffic over seven months by producing relevant, audience-focused content.

Regularly consulted with senior USDA officials to align communications with agency priorities and emerging initiatives.

Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)

Director of Marketing and Communications

Alexandria, VA July 2017 – May 2018

Led strategic communications and advocacy efforts for TIA, the premier trade association for third-party logistics professionals in North America. Oversaw the production of the monthly magazine 3PL Perspectives, managed freelance contributors, and collaborated with designers and publishers to ensure high-quality content.

Developed and executed marketing initiatives in collaboration with the head of marketing, focusing on branding and media outreach.

Authored Congressional testimony and advocacy statements for the Department of Transportation and House committees on legislation impacting the 3PL industry, including Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.

Managed web content updates on regulatory matters for TIA members and produced a weekly e-blast newsletter featuring a government affairs segment titled “Ahead of The Curve.”

Implemented strategies that increased click-through rates by 20%.

Wakefield Research

Writer/Editor (Contract)

Arlington, VA August 2016 – July 2017

Contracted to support Wakefield Research’s PR polling and market research initiatives for Fortune 100 clients across sectors such as technology, healthcare, food, and IT. Focused on transforming complex data into compelling narratives for media and public audiences.

Collaborated with clients to develop messaging strategies based on research findings.

Worked closely with data analysts to interpret survey results and extract key insights.

Crafted editorial content under tight deadlines, ensuring accuracy and relevance.

Conducted background research and developed concepts for PR polling projects.

Monitored media landscapes to identify opportunities for client exposure.

PCI Communications (now Yes & Agency)

Writer/Editor

Alexandria, VA June 2014 – August 2016

Provided editorial and content development services for federal agency initiatives, including public safety campaigns and commemorative publications.

Collaborated on the U.S. Coast Guard's "Don't Drink and Boat" campaign, contributing to advertising materials, video content, and focus group coordination.

Researched, wrote, and designed an anniversary coffee table book for the Federal Protective Service, highlighting the agency's history and achievements.

Worked onsite at various federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, to support and lead editorial teams in achieving communication goals.

Partnered with internal graphic designers to identify and refine visual content, ensuring alignment with messaging objectives.

Reed Smith LLP

Senior Marketing Writer

Washington, D.C. September 2013 – June 2014

Supported the firm's marketing and communications initiatives, with a focus on the healthcare and government affairs practice groups.

Developed marketing collateral and content to promote the firm's services and expertise.

Collaborated with attorneys and stakeholders to draft testimony and talking points related to Internet privacy reforms and regulations.

Translated complex legal language into accessible content for various audiences, ensuring clarity and compliance with firm standards.

Education:

Washington Trinity University, Washington, DC, English B.A.

Oxford University, Sophomore year abroad, St. Anne’s College

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