DENNIS L. SANDERS

Minneapolis, MN │ 612-325-8066 │ dennis.sanders@gmail.com │ dennislsanders.net

 

SUMMARY

Communications Specialist, “Making the world a better place, one pixel at a time”

Results-oriented leader with extensive experience in the development and implementation of marketing and communication strategies. Proven media and online expertise. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

 

Core Competencies

Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) │ Writing │ Copy Editing │ Email Marketing (MailChimp, Constant Contact)│ Web Content Management (Wordpress, Squarespace, Wix)│ Web Design │ Desktop Publishing  | Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)│ Affinity Publisher | Graphic Design (Canva) │ Web Analytics │ Podcasting/Video/Audio Production │ Database Management │ Print/Digital Marketing Campaigns │ Brand Management │ Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) │ WordPress │ HTML

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Freelance Writer, Minneapolis, Minnesota                                                                                               Since 1994       Contractor                                                                                                                                       

Wrote articles for various publications and websites

  • Crafted unique and engaging stories for regional and national publications on various issues including religion, politics, sports.

 

Loaves & Fishes, Minneapolis, Minnesota                   2019-2020                                                                     Communications Manager

Managed communications for a statewide hunger organization. Evaluated, developed, monitored, and promoted short/long term strategies to build organizational awareness.

  • Managed external digital initiatives including website, email marketing and mobile marketing; curated social medial accounts and photographs using WordPress.

  • Created and produced marketing materials, printed and e-newsletters.

  • Interviewed and wrote stories of guests, volunteers and employees.

  • Created monthly email newsletters, wrote press releases and curated social media accounts and photographs; wrote and edited copy.

  • Designed, executed, and analyzed marketing and communication platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram) and methods (concepts, tools and materials) to positively promote the organization.

  • Utilized consumer and community research data to identify key strategic targets to build community awareness and support.

  • Conducted trend analysis of the nonprofit marketplace and competitive factors including digital, mobile, and e-commerce data trends.

  • Developed and maintained public relations with the community, businesses, and media; created press releases.

  • Generated detailed media and online activity reports for analytics using Microsoft Office.

 

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, St. Paul, Minnesota                                                                   2017 – 2019                                Content Specialist

Generated and managed information for this Twin Cities-based non-profit implementing consistent and cohesive messaging. Created written and digital content that built brand and advanced strategic priorities.

  • Maintained website, managed digital platforms, published monthly email/digital newsletters, curated social media accounts, and retained contact with photographers.

  • Sought out, developed, and wrote stories from residents, volunteers and donors; established pipelines to secure interviews and content for stories

  • Created, curated and managed published content (images, video and written).

  • Collaborated with Strategic Communications Manager to execute strategic and integrated communication plans.

Linden Hills United Church of Christ, Minneapolis, Minnesota                                                                 2015 – 2017     Communications Coordinator

Provided communications and administrative support for an urban, medium-sized congregation.

  • Maintained website, designed weekly printed and digital announcements, and managed social media accounts.

  • Created graphics for printed and digital communications using Canva and Microsoft Publisher.

  • Performed general office duties including answering phones, reporting donations and filing documents.

 

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota                              2013 – 2015 Electronic Communications Specialist

Managed digital communication and IT for a large urban congregation.

  • Oversaw website and created two timely informational weekly emails for members.

  • Created graphics for the church website, emails and publications using what  Apple Pages and Adobe Fireworks.

  • Produced weekly Podcast, videos and images for weekly worship. 

  • Maintained and expanded social media presence through monthly marketing campaigns.

  • Provided help desk support to 10 staff computers and coordinated IT for congregation including the purchase of new computers, server installation, and new security procedure implementation.

  • Facilitated technology training to staff and managed outside technical support.

 

Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, Minneapolis, Minnesota                                                   2007 – 2013                                                  IT/Communications Specialist

Organized and Coordinated Media for the local body of a national progressive Protestant denomination.

  • Designed and maintained website, researched and published and other information.

  • Informed members weekly through emails.

  • Designed, edited and assembled quarterly newsmagazine using Microsoft Publisher.

  • Created and maintained social media presence on various platforms, including Facebook and Twitter

  • Maintained computer hardware and software.

 

EDUCATION

Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan Bachelor of Arts in Journalism