AMY DERBEDROSIAN
AMYDERBEDROSIAN@AMYDWRITES.COM
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
I am a versatile and award-winning writer, editor, strategic marketer, and project manager with extensive
experience creating effective print and Web communications for universities, nonprofit organizations, and
corporations.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
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Web content and navigation
Marketing collateral
E-mail marketing copy
Print and electronic newsletters
Print and Web advertisements
Speechwriting and ghostwriting
Grant writing
Press releases
Research reports
Fact sheets
Fundraising materials
Messaging and branding
Annual reports
Catalogs
Magazines
Invitation packages
Sample projects:
 Research center Web site
 Graduate program Web content
 Student recruitment marketing brochures
 Hotel company monthly food newsletter
 Technology company summary annual report
 Fundraising brochures
 Business forum print promotion
 Engineering, law, and general university magazines
 Press releases
 College catalogs
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
In addition to freelancing, I have extensive communications experience in full-time positions with writing
as a core responsibility:
UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 2007–2009
Communications Manager, UC Berkeley Extension: Wrote marketing copy for brochures, print and
online ads, catalogs, Web site, and e-mail communications. Managed staff and freelance editors and
designers. Contributed to marketing and public relations strategy. Changed project processes to reduce
costs and improve department workflow. Senior Development Writer/Editor, College of Letters &
Science: Created strategic editorial content to fulfill marketing objectives and advance fundraising
campaign. Wrote news and feature stories for Web site. Wrote and edited grant proposals, direct mail
copy, case statements, brochures, and other marketing materials. Provided editorial direction for an enewsletter. Managed communication projects, including overseeing work of freelance writers, designers,
and photographers.
College Track, Oakland, CA, 2005–2006
Director of Development
Wrote grant proposals and reports as well as Web and brochure copy, gift acknowledgment letters, and
direct-mail appeals for a nonprofit organization helping disadvantaged high school students prepare for a
college education.
UC Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, CA, 2004–2005
Director of Public Affairs
Initiated magazine content and design changes to better reflect institutional mission and achievements.
Planned, wrote, edited, and managed design and production of magazine and fundraising materials.
Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, CA, 2003–2004
Managing Editor and Director of Creative Services
Upgraded magazine content and design. Planned, wrote, edited, and managed design and production of
magazine, marketing publications, and fundraising materials. Supervised internal and external designers.
Advised clients across the college. Contributed to communication strategy and Web content.
National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy, Boston, MA, 2001–2003
Communications Director and Consultant
Planned, wrote, designed, and produced marketing materials to advance the mission and position a
federally funded educational research center. Edited and adapted research reports, introducing formats
targeted to specific audiences. Oversaw Web strategy and content.
Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 2000–2001
Director of Development Communications
Wrote alumni magazine articles about donors and development efforts. Planned, wrote, and edited
promotional and direct mail materials as well as press releases.
Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 1997–2000
Editorial Director, Office of University Publications
Managed projects from initial planning through print production. Developed editorial and marketing
aspects of promotional and informational materials, including magazine, annual report, admissions
brochures, and promotional publications. Managed client relationships, advising clients on communication
strategies and tactics. Led project teams.
Boston College Law School, Newton, MA, 1991–1996
Director of Communications
Upgraded printed materials for admissions, development, alumni relations, and other offices. Wrote,
edited, designed, and managed production of publications. Developed Web site content and navigation.
Supervised photographers, designers, illustrators, and printers. Planned, promoted, and publicized events
and conferences. Oversaw media relations.
EDUCATION
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
M.B.A., marketing concentration; awarded graduate assistantship to finance education
B.A., journalism, summa cum laude
AWARDS AND AFFILIATIONS
Silver medal, student recruitment publications, CASE Circle of Excellence Awards
Silver medal, Admissions Advertising Awards
Past VP for Career Development, Publicity Club of New England
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Taproot Foundation, San Francisco, CA, 2010
Serve on a team of experts developing a brand strategy and messaging for Z Space, a San Francisco
performing arts organization.
Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, San Francisco, CA
Assisted with events and communications for the nonprofit organization that oversees the Ferry Plaza
Farmers Market and related education programs.
Higher Education Information Center, Boston, MA
Advised low-income students and their parents about college admissions and financial aid.
COMPUTER EXPERIENCE
Microsoft Office, InDesign, Acrobat, Dreamweaver; html; Mac and PC platforms