Amanda Upton Email & Phone Number

Dallas, Tx, Us

Dallas, Texas, United States

In addition the editorial and creative work of a senior writer (see below), I also lead and manage a small team of staff writers and freelancers to tell the story of SMU and its community in creative, meaningful ways. I work with the University's lead strategists and directors of development, as well as with community members and donors, to inspire new partnerships and broaden the public's awareness of SMU and its historic campaign for impact, SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow.

Dallas, Texas, United States

I research, write and edit copy for fundraising, marketing and communications projects. I work with a diverse and talented team of creatives and external stakeholders to develop and brainstorm new avenues of storytelling while showcasing the voices of our students, the generosity of our donors and the impact of our university.Examples of work include: event materials, donor impact reports, gift proposals, gift summaries, presidential and executive communications, annual reports, alumni magazines, quarterly donor magazines, University updates and newsletters, digital and print marketing materials, fundraising decks, fundraising one sheets, directed donor proposals, donor profiles, webpage content, press releases and other creative and development copy to support SMU's students, research and the broader Mustang community.

Hammond, Louisiana

In this position I researched, wrote, edited and submitted grant and funding applications to preserve and improve the culture, art, economic stability, infrastructure and expansion of the City of Hammond. This often involved:• Funding Opportunities Research; writing and editing of grant applications to state, federal, nonprofit and corporate organizations• Promoting and maintaining relationships with grantors, clients, partners, federal organizations and State officials• Management of projects, including but not limited to: budgets, project timelines, project partnerships, departmental communication and media relations• Advising nonprofit organizations, small businesses and individuals on federal regulations, grant requirements, applications, management and legal procedures• Creation of multimedia presentations, photography, videography and photo/video editing• Interdepartmental communication management, public notices, City Council resolutions and drafting letters of support

Various

• Work with authors to determine desired voice, tone, and audience• Edit grammar, syntax, style, language, etc.• Research and verify presented information for authenticity• Conceptualize final product and analyze writing strategy• Assist in preparation of work for publication

Bogalusa, La

As a contributing journalist and photographer for the Bogalusa Daily News, I contributed news articles and photographs to the City-wide paper, often involving the following:• Pitches to the editor when not assigned to specific stories or leads• Interviews with involved parties and/or witnesses • Photography and photo editing• Background research, fact-checking of all articles• Community profiles of notable individuals for the paper’s special edition• Writing and editing of articles

During my time as a graduate research assistant, I took on various roles in different projects, including the following: • Project Manager for Southeastern's Common Read website during site development (managing project timelines, team responsibilities, client communication, team meetings, and final product approval), and continuing on as the site’s webmaster, site designer, and content manager once it was live• Project member for Common Read program, including interviews with visiting authors, photography/videography of all Common Read events, photo/video editing, setting up live streams of common read events, creating presentations, visiting partnering high schools for interviews with students and participation in student presentations• XML Encoder for the university’s two Digital Humanities projects: The Book of Margery Kempe and The John Ruskin Project• Web Design instructor, visiting partnering high schools to instruct students on HTML, CSS, and website design/management for the publishing of digital content

Master Of Arts (M.A.), English (Language And Literacy)

Activities and Societies: 1 Editorial Internship 1 Research InternshipSumma Cum Laude

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), English (Creative Writing)

Activities and Societies: Lead- Undergraduate Writing Group, Member- National Society of Collegiate ScholarsCum Laude