Sarah Frank Résumé

 

Professional Summary:

Strategic communications and content design specialist with over a decade of experience supporting Department of Defense initiatives. Proven expertise in editorial development, visual storytelling, and multichannel marketing strategies, with a focus on aligning messaging with senior leadership priorities. Holds a Communications degree with an emphasis on writing and digital media. Adept at producing high-impact content across internal and external platforms—including web, print, and social media.

Creative, detail-driven, and highly adaptable, I excel in fast-paced, deadline-oriented environments. Recognized for mastering new tools quickly, delivering polished and professional materials, and maintaining brand consistency across complex organizations. A collaborative team player committed to responsive, high-quality service that adds clarity, cohesion, and strategic value.

 

Strategic Communications & Visual Media Specialist (Volunteer Roles)

Remote | March 2012 – Present

• Produced digital and print content as a communications strategist, social media manager, and photographer.

• Launched and managed the Defense World Newsletter, a prototype digital digest featuring top stories from U.S. military installations.

• Designed a companion website and coordinated social media campaigns to increase newsletter visibility.

• Partnered with small business clients to design custom logos and visual identities.

• Delivered illustrations and multimedia content for community and volunteer-based organizations.

• Work published in Portland Monthly magazine (Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse photo).

• Contributed to three consecutive editions of the Sunderland Elementary School yearbook.

   

  Editor

  National Defense University Press | Washington, DC | July 2011 – May 2012

• Edited, designed, and laid out a quarterly magazine and bi-monthly journal following AP and institutional style guides.

• Managed contributions from three regular writers, ensuring quality, relevance, and tone alignment.

• Curated and edited visuals to strengthen editorial messaging and thematic cohesion.

• Edited articles in Joint Force Quarterly, a flagship defense publication founded by Gen. Colin Powell.

• Supported PRISM journal production for the Center for Complex Operations.

• Reviewed manuscripts for security compliance, grammar, and consistency across published books by senior defense leaders.

   

  Strategic Communication Specialist (GS-12)

  U.S. Army | Arlington, VA | June 2009 – July 2011

• Created a wide array of communications products: press releases, internal newsletters, marketing collateral, PSAs, and web content.

• Established and maintained Army’s Best Kept Secrets blog and brochures to share IMCOM culture and insights.

• Drafted bi-weekly updates for the Commanding General, aligning messaging with mission priorities.

• Produced PSAs highlighting military spouse contributions, resilience, and community programs.

• Covered events through photography and articles published via military news channels.

• Oversaw the Commanding General’s social media presence, crafting engaging posts and media assets.

   

  Technical Writer (Gov. Contractor)

  Sektor Solutions, Inc. | Arlington, VA | June 2009 – October 2009

• Supported U.S. Army IMCOM by reviewing and editing technical and policy documentation.

• Standardized content for grammar, clarity, and compliance with DoD formatting/style guidelines.

• Led redesign of the Enterprise Publishing Portal to improve UX, functionality, and brand alignment.

   

  Public Affairs & Human Resources Specialist (Gov. Contractor)

  ASE, Inc. | Arlington, VA | February 2008 – June 2009

• Processed high-level Army civilian and military awards, writing official citations and managing inventory.

• Coordinated large-scale events, including the annual IMCOM Stalwart Awards Banquet.

• Took over IMCOM World Newsletter in January 2009, improving content curation and design.

• Distributed the publication weekly across digital platforms to boost internal engagement.

   

  U.S. Army Reserves & Army National Guard

  Various Locations | October 2002 – October 2010

• Began service as a Preventive Medicine Specialist; deployed to Camp Bucca, Iraq in 2004.

• Conducted environmental health surveys and lab testing to ensure troop and detainee safety.

• Transitioned to Public Affairs, creating articles, photo essays, and video content for military communications.

• Captured operational photography and B-roll for use in official and civilian-facing media.

• Produced multimedia content to support National Guard recruitment and public outreach campaigns.

   

  Journalist (Intern) | The Florida Times-Union

  Jacksonville, FL | August 2007 – December 2007

• Collaborated with senior editors to pitch, write, and publish feature stories for the daily paper.

• Generated original ideas for stories, photography, layout, and graphic design.

• Wrote and edited news and feature articles under tight daily deadlines in a high-pressure newsroom environment.

• Conducted in-depth interviews and background research to produce well-rounded, fact-checked content.

• Gained fluency in AP Style and newsroom editorial standards.

• Produced both print and multimedia content; published samples available upon request.

• Used Audacity software to create immersive multimedia features for print subscribers, incorporating voice recordings and imagery to enhance storytelling impact.