Sara Thompson

Marketing & Communications Manager
Copenhagen / 🌍.

About

I am a marketing and communications professional with nearly six years at Young Social Innovators, Ireland's leading youth social innovation organisation. I have experience across strategic communications, PR, media relations, digital content, and stakeholder engagement in the non-profit sector, and a proven ability to build communications functions from the ground up, including bringing PR and design fully in-house and serving as organisational media spokesperson

Work

Young Social Innovators
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Marketing & Communications Manager

Dublin, Remote

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Summary

Lead strategic communications and marketing for Young Social Innovators, driving brand consistency, media relations, and stakeholder engagement to advance the 2024-2027 strategic plan.

Highlights

Led the development and execution of the organisation's comprehensive communications and marketing strategy, ensuring alignment with the 2024-2027 strategic plan.

Served as the primary organisational media spokesperson, effectively managing press enquiries and cultivating media relationships to enhance public perception and oversee all public communications.

Produced a diverse range of on-brand digital assets across multiple formats, including graphics, infographics, and video, ensuring consistent visual identity across all platforms.

Coordinated the marketing intern program and supported the implementation of a new CRM system, significantly improving stakeholder relationship management efficiency.

Successfully brought PR functions fully in-house, streamlining national and regional press relations, journalist outreach, and securing ministerial quote approvals.

Integrated all graphic design functions in-house, ensuring the delivery of brand-consistent assets across digital and print media, enhancing visual impact and reducing external costs.

Young Social Innovators
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Digital Communications Specialist

Dublin, Remote

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Summary

Managed digital communication channels and platforms for Young Social Innovators, driving online engagement, content strategy, and website development to expand reach.

Highlights

Managed all social media channels, executing content planning, paid and organic campaigns, and performance reporting to significantly increase engagement and reach.

Led the creation and development of the YSI Youth Space digital platform, enhancing youth engagement and access to educational resources.

Executed targeted email marketing campaigns with segmentation and performance tracking, improving open rates and click-through rates for key initiatives.

Oversaw comprehensive website development, managing SLA agreements, and conducting ongoing QA to ensure optimal functionality and user experience.

Contributed to strengthening corporate partner relationships as a key member of the Partner Success team, fostering collaborative initiatives and securing support.

Served as internal communications liaison, effectively coordinating and promoting organisation-wide activities to enhance internal cohesion and information flow.

Independent
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Subject Matter Expert (Freelance)

Remote

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Summary

Provided advisory services to non-profits and social enterprises on strategic communications, media literacy, and online extremism, with a focus on the Polish infosphere.

Highlights

Provided expert advisory services to non-profits and social enterprises, specialising in strategic communications, media literacy, and online extremism within the Polish infosphere.

Developed tailored communication strategies for clients, enhancing their ability to navigate complex media landscapes and address specific challenges.

Conducted in-depth research and analysis on online extremism trends, providing actionable insights for clients operating in sensitive areas.

Young Social Innovators
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Communications Officer

Dublin, Hybrid

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Summary

Delivered comprehensive branding, marketing, and stakeholder communications for Young Social Innovators' programs and events, enhancing youth engagement and public relations.

Highlights

Delivered integrated branding, marketing, and stakeholder communications across all YSI programs and events, strengthening brand presence and consistency.

Managed digital youth engagement campaigns, overseeing event delivery and promotion, and providing critical PR support to maximize reach and participation.

Supported public affairs initiatives, partner development, and broader communications activities, contributing to overall organisational objectives and outreach.

Dental Council of Ireland
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Registration Officer

Dublin

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Summary

Managed registration communications and regulatory liaison for the Dental Council of Ireland, ensuring compliance and facilitating professional registrations.

Highlights

Managed comprehensive registration communications across all Council registers and EU regulatory liaison through the IMI system, ensuring adherence to standards.

Evaluated qualifications and streamlined the registration process for EU-qualified health professionals, significantly improving efficiency and compliance.

Maintained the organisational database and accurately issued EU compliance documentation, ensuring data integrity and regulatory adherence for all registrants.

Education

Digital Marketing Institute

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Prof. Diploma

Digital Marketing

Malmö University, Sweden
Malmö, Sweden

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MA

Media & Communication Studies

University College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland

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MSc

European Public Affairs & Law

University of Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław, Poland

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BA

European Studies

Languages

English

Fluent

Polish

Native

Russian

Proficient

Danish

Basic

Spanish

Basic

Skills

Strategic communications

PR & media relations, Media spokesperson, Content creation, Social media, Digital campaigns, Stakeholder engagement, Brand management, Copywriting, Public affairs, Event delivery.

Software & Tools

Canva, Adobe Express, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Google Analytics, WordPress, Asana, CRM system, ExpressionEngine, Trello, MediaHQ, Notion, Basecamp.