Kat Harttrup
***********@*****.*** www.katharttrup.com Seattle, WA
Communications & Executive Operations Leader Empowering Clarity, Connection & Engagement
Versatile, purpose-driven professional with 20+ years of experience supporting leaders, managing operations, and creating clarity across fast-moving environments. Recently earned a B.A. in Communication from the University of Washington, with published work focused on equity, access, and public interest storytelling. Skilled at making complex ideas feel approachable, guiding teams through change with steady support, and helping organizations communicate in ways that foster trust and alignment. Brings a grounded, people-first approach to every role, with a reputation for calm execution, deep listening, and values-driven collaboration across nonprofit, academic, and mission-oriented sectors.
Core Competencies & Technical Skills
Internal Communications Executive Support Written Content Creation Calendar & Meeting Management Stakeholder Coordination Digital Organization Microsoft Office Suite Google Workspace Messaging & Tone Adaptation Research & Storytelling Document Preparation Inclusive Communication Nonprofit Operations Support
Related Professional Experience & Projects
Academic, Editorial & Public Interest Projects
University of Washington – Seattle, WA 2018–2025
Completed a rigorous, research-focused academic program at a top public university while balancing full-time parenting during the pandemic.
Wrote a featured article for the National Wildlife Federation on the high infant mortality rates among Southern Resident killer whales, translating policy and scientific research into compelling narrative.
Authored a cultural spotlight on a Lunar New Year event for the White Center Food Bank, highlighting themes of food access, community celebration, and cross-cultural engagement.
Wrote a mock narrative profile of an NWIRP client to illustrate their advocacy impact, intended as sample content for use in events like the 40th Anniversary Gala.
Produced a high volume of academic writing, editorial projects, and campaign strategy work as part of upper-division coursework in digital media, public messaging, and ethical communication.
Maintained administrative proficiency through project management, deadline coordination, digital file organization, and collaborative workflows.
Gained hands-on experience with Photoshop, Light Room, and Premier Rush applications through classroom projects and media assignments.
Applied inclusive language and accessibility principles in written assignments and communications projects, aligning with current best practices in public interest messaging and equity-focused outreach.
Personal Assistant to Toxicology Department
Imperial Tobacco (Imperial Brands PLC – Global FTSE 100 Consumer Goods Company) – Bristol, United Kingdom 2006–2007
Delivered high-level administrative support to the Head of Toxicology and a department of 15 scientific toxicologists within a highly regulated, science-led corporate division.
Coordinated departmental calendars, complex international travel arrangements, and cross-functional scheduling aligned with regulatory reporting timelines.
Managed sensitive scientific documentation and internal records, ensuring data accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with industry standards.
Supported the preparation of presentations, technical reports, and internal briefings under tight deadlines and evolving project requirements.
Acted as liaison between the toxicology team and external stakeholders, enabling smooth communication with global partners, vendors, and compliance bodies.
Executive Household Manager & Personal Assistant
Private Families – United States 2007–2018
Managed executive and household calendars, coordinated services, and handled personal logistics for high-profile families.
Oversaw domestic budgets, vendor relationships, and daily operations with discretion and independence.
Additional Experience
Bookkeeper & Operational Support (Temp)
Damgoode Pies – Little Rock, AR 2018
Handled bookkeeping duties including reconciliation, payroll tracking, and QuickBooks Pro entries.
Investigated operational discrepancies and supported process adjustments across inventory and vendor records.
Delivered administrative and remote support to leadership with a high degree of autonomy.
Additional Administrative Experience
Other Temporary Administrative Roles – United Kingdom 2004–2006
Provided short-term administrative and client service support across professional offices and healthcare practices in Leicester and Bristol.
Managed scheduling, intake coordination, document handling, and general office communication with professionalism and adaptability.
Developed foundational skills in customer interaction, appointment management, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
Education
Bachelor of Arts – Communication (Journalism & Public Interest Communication Track)
University of Washington – Seattle, WA 2022–2025
GPA: 3.75, Dean’s List
Completed upper-division coursework in media ethics, public interest journalism, digital storytelling, mass media law, and community-centered communication strategies.
Contributed to multiple published pieces on health equity, social justice, and environmental storytelling as part of capstone and independent research projects.
Participated in Honors College coursework emphasizing persuasive communication, research methodologies, and narrative development across platforms.
Associate of Arts – Communication
Shoreline Community College – Shoreline, WA Completed 2022
GPA: 3.97, Dean’s List
Studied intercultural communication, public speaking, interpersonal dynamics, and digital media strategy with an emphasis on audience engagement and ethical messaging.
Associate of Arts – Culinary Arts (Pastry Specialization)
Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts – Pittsburgh, PA 1997–1998
Volunteerism & Community Involvement
Board Treasurer
CSPC/FSPC Nonprofits – Seattle, WA Nov 2007–Jun 2011
Managed a $700K combined budget using QuickBooks Nonprofit, ensuring reconciliation and budget accuracy.
Established financial tracking systems and led preparation for independent audits.
Partnered with board and executive leadership to align fiscal decisions with program goals.