Mark Voss Email & Phone Number

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

President of a luxury travel agency specializing in custom travel planning and personally escorted journeys to Egypt, the Middle East, North Africa, and Mediterranean

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

Program Officer in the Division of Public Education Programs. Receive, review, and recommend humanities education project grant applications for agency funding. Coordinate and work with grant awardees as they implement agency-funded educational projects. Recruit and chair panels with higher education and K-12 experts for evaluation of grant applications. Spearhead division communications strategies on social media. Manage intra-agency communications.

Fairfax, Virginia

Freelance photographer shooting travel, fine art, and humanitarian assignments both domestically and abroad. Clients include: The United States Department of State, Coptic Orphans, International Rescue Committee, Virga Botanicals, American Research Center in Egypt, Noor Majan Training Institute, The University of Arizona, American Councils for International Education, Destination Iran Tour Services, and Arizona Opera. Work has appeared in: JPG Magazine, National Review, El Imparcial, LinkTV, and Middle East Studies Association publications.

Luxury Travel Advisor and Private Tour Leader.

Fairfax, Virginia

Managed the communications department for the leading Coptic development organization in Egypt serving underserved children and communities throughout the country. Led press outreach, built media relations, and facilitated story development both in Egypt and the United States resulting in media coverage in the following outlets: al-Hurra television, The Washington Times, The Wall Street Journal, National Review, Egyptian Streets, and Christian Youth Channel. Prepared executive director and board members for media and other public engagements. Researched, wrote, and produced the organization’s annual report. Generated visual media in the form of videos, graphic design content, and photographs. Directed production of all print, web, and social media materials. Wrote speeches for the executive director, board members, and other organization representatives. Scripted all content for events, notably for four 30th Anniversary Galas in 2018 (Toronto, Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles) where Coptic Orphans raised $200,000 and added 130 new sponsors for its children. Planned and executed messaging and strategies for specific fundraising campaigns such as last 2018's end-of-year campaign that netted an unprecedented $2,000,000.

Ibri, Oman

Directed in-country operations for the United States Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship program. Managed and supervised 28 college-aged scholarship awardees studying Arabic at the Noor Majan Training Institute in Ibri, Oman. Acted as chief liaison between students and language institute directors and faculty. Responsible for vetting and hiring local Omani language partners for program participants. Conducted pre-program acculturation as well as post-program re-entry workshops. Served as cultural attache, coordinating and leading various initiatives to facilitate relationship-building between students and Omanis and to enhance student immersion in Omani culture. Co-led group excursions to various historic, cultural, and nature-related sites throughout Oman. Produced all social media output for the CLS program in Oman.

Tucson, Az

Instructor of Record & Graduate Teaching Assistant. Taught and assisted in the following undergraduate courses both in person and online:MENAS 334 - Islamic ThoughtMENAS 277A - History of the Middle East (600-1453 CE)MENAS 277B - History of the Middle East (1453-Present)TRAD 101 - Middle Eastern HumanitiesResearched and developed new course materials with an eye to making highly-complex subject matter accessible, relevant, and engaging. Improved students’ learning and critical analysis skills, emphasizing best scholarly practices and a high level of academic integrity. Led both large and small group discussions and provided oral and written feedback on a weekly basis. Mentored undergraduates interested in careers in the Middle East. Planned and delivered multiple presentations a week using a variety of audio-visual technologies. Utilized online course management platforms.

New York, New York

Brand & Marketing ConsultantCreated brand identities ranging from new logos to client websites. Emphasized key elements of brand awareness, strategic marketing, and internet presence. Clients included: Naughton Legal Counsel, MidEast Alliance for Peace, and the Iranian Art Foundation.

New York, New York

Wrote and edited in-house publications in the Global Communications department. Composed articles, press releases, and stories and located their corresponding media. Researched and processed data included in the annual report. Co-wrote Chairman Lauder’s address to stockholders. Scripted press reception talking points for William Lauder.

New York, New York

Account Executive - Boutique Fashion, Travel, and Luxury Goods Public Relations FirmDirected publicity for Save Venice, Inc., Barry Kieselstein-Cord, St. Regis Hotel, and Verdura Jewelers. Coordinated charity fundraisers, collection showings, and media events. Wrote press releases.

Master Of Arts - Ma, Near Eastern Studies

Activities and Societies: M.A. Thesis - "Spices & Slaves: The Karimi Merchants & the Mamluk State" Title VI Summer FLAS Fellowship..

Certification In Arabic - Intermediate & Advanced, Arabic Language And Literature

Earned certifications in Intermediate & Advanced Arabic at the Arabic Language Institute's intensive summer language study programs.

Arabic Language Certification - Intermediate

Earned a Certification in Intermediate Arabic at the Monterey Institute's intensive summer language study program.

Master Of Arts - Ma, History

History of the American South

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), European Studies/Civilization