AMY DERBEDROSIAN
710 CARMEL AVENUE
ALBANY, CA 94706
510-559-8250
DERBEDROSIAN@HOTMAIL.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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Marketing collateral
Print and electronic newsletters
Print and Web advertisements
Web content
Speech writing
Ghost writing
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 content
 Student recruitment marketing brochures
 Hotel company monthly food newsletter
 Technology company summary annual report
 Fundraising brochures
 Business forum print promotion
 Press releases
 College catalogs
 Research reports and books
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Freelance Writer, December 2008–Present
Conduct interviews and write marketing and PR copy for online communications for college and university
clients
UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 2007–July 2009
Communications Manager, UC Berkeley Extension: Wrote copy for brochures, print and Web ads,
catalogs, advertorials, Web site, op/eds, and e-communications. Managed staff and freelance editors and
designers. Contributed to marketing and public relations strategy. 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. Managed
communication projects.
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 visual quality. Planned, wrote, edited, and managed design and
production of magazine, catalog, marketing materials, and other publications. Managed designers,
photographers, printers, and other outside vendors. Advised clients across the college. Contributed to
college communication strategy and Web content. Supervised design staff.
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. Managed publications projects, overseeing designers and
printers. Edited and adapted research reports, introducing formats targeted to specific audiences.
Oversaw Web strategy and content. Served as production editor for scholarly books.
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
Responsible for conceptual development and execution of editorial and marketing aspects of promotional
and informational materials. Planned, wrote, and edited major printed materials, including magazine,
annual report, admissions brochures, and promotional publications. Managed client relationships, advising
clients on communication strategies and tactics. Managed publications projects from initial planning
through print production. Led project teams.
Boston College Law School, Newton, MA, 1991–1996
Director of Communications
Launched alumni magazine and Web site. Wrote, edited, designed, and managed production of
publications. Supervised photographers, designers, illustrators, and printers.
Bradford College, Bradford, MA, 1988–1991
Director of Publications
Developed publications objectives, strategies, and schedules. Wrote, edited, designed, and managed
production of admissions, development, alumni, academic, and other publications. Managed production
process. Hired and directed photographers, designers, and printers. Created and placed advertisements.
The Stride Rite Corporation, Cambridge, MA, 1987–1988
Employee Communications Specialist
Wrote newsletter articles, speeches, and press releases. Upgraded content and reduced production cost
of bimonthly employee publication. Planned, promoted, and executed company events and performance
recognition programs. Coordinated media relations and scholarship programs.
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
Distinguished Achievement Award finalist, EdPress Awards
Past VP for Career Development, Publicity Club of New England
Member, Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, San Francisco, CA
Assisted with events and communications efforts for the nonprofit organization that oversees the Ferry
Plaza Farmers Market and related education programs. Wrote e-newsletter content and updated Web
site.
Higher Education Information Center, Boston, MA
Volunteer Counselor
Advised low-income students and their parents about the admissions and financial aid application
process; reviewed and edited publications for high school students
COMPUTER EXPERIENCE
Microsoft Office, InDesign, FileMaker, Dreamweaver; html; Mac and PC platforms