Melissa Gilbert

A communications specialist from Williamsburg, VA

Professional Resume

Telephone: 804.393.6103 ∙ Email: melissa.gilbert@me.com

Profile

Strategic Communications Specialist with expertise in internal narratives that drive engagement and organizational priorities. Skilled at translating complex data into brand-aligned messaging through end-to-end campaign management and accessible, tech-driven solutions.

Core Competencies

  • Strategic Communications
  • Internal Campaign Management
  • Content Development & Brand Integrity
  • Digital Platform Management
  • Data-Driven Storytelling
  • Stakeholder Consulting & Event Coordination
  • Section 508 Accessibility & Plain Language Advocacy

Technical Expertise

  • Design & Web: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, WordPress, Google Sites.
  • Platforms: GovDelivery, Salesforce, Multiple Learning Management Systems (LMS).
  • Productivity: Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

Experience

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) | Richmond, VA | 2025 – 2026 | Employee Communications Specialist

  • Strategic Internal Comms: Developed and implemented strategies to educate employees on business priorities, promote resources, and increase leadership visibility.
  • Content & Brand Integrity: Created timely internal content including news features, leadership messages, and campaign materials aligned with organizational voice.
  • Platform Management: Maintained internal digital platforms and intranet tools, ensuring intuitive UX and accessible information delivery.
  • Data-Driven Campaigns: Led communication campaigns from planning through measurement, utilizing performance data to optimize future engagement efforts.
  • Consulting & Events: Provided strategic consulting to stakeholders on messaging and audience targeting; orchestrated logistics for large-scale employee events and presentations.
  • Contract Support: Collaborated across departments to implement integrated strategies supporting key initiatives under UNOS’ federal contract.

Highlight Technologies (Contractor for UNOS) | 2024 – 2025 | Communications Specialist III

  • Policy Communications: Supported communication efforts for Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) policy changes and committee meetings.
  • Complex Translation: Partnered with the data team and SMEs to translate complex statistical findings and medical policy into accessible content for the public and medical professionals.
  • Internal Updates: Drafted and edited internal communications to keep staff informed of critical updates and organizational initiatives.

22nd Century Technologies (Contractor for VA Dept of Health) | 2022 – 2024 | Communications Specialist III, Health Districts Communications Coordinator

  • Digital Ecosystem: Maintained “The Comms Hub,” an award-winning internal information site, managing all copy, digital assets, and visual storytelling.
  • Accessibility & Quality: Performed Section 508 accessibility reviews on files and translations to ensure equitable access to information.
  • Plain Language Advocacy: Reviewed content for adherence to the Plain Language Act of 2010 and facilitated training for over 100 attendees on plain language writing.
  • Web Development: Assisted in developing and maintaining the public-facing WordPress site for mpox health updates.

Falstaff Books | 2016 – 2022 | Associate Publisher, Acquiring Editor

  • Brand Representation: Represented the press at national events through presentations, training, and mentorship programs.
  • Project Leadership: Managed numerous simultaneous projects, including the planning and execution of the SAGA Professional Writing Conference.

Winthrop University | 2013 – 2021 | Adjunct Professor, Graduate Assistant

  • Instruction and Facilitation: Instructed students using the Blackboard Learning Management System and coached undergraduate tutors.
  • Support: Supported and advised students from diverse backgrounds, including those in the LEAP program.

York Technical College | 2006 – 2015 | Adjunct Instructor, COMPASS Trainer,  Administrative Specialist

  • Instruction and Facilitation: Instructed diverse student populations, including non-traditional students and parolees, using the Desire2Learn platform.
  • Team Collaboration: Collaborated with department chairs to redesign and pilot college orientation programs for incoming freshmen.
  • Support: Provided academic coaching and tutoring in reading, writing, and computer skills.

Education

Winthrop University | Rock Hill, SC

  • Master of Arts in English
    • Degree awarded 2014
    • Emphasis on composition and rhetoric
    • Member of Sigma Tau Delta honor society; Iota Mu chapter
  • Bachelor of Arts in English
    • Degree awarded 2002
    • Emphasis on literature and language, minor in theater performance
    • Completed additional coursework in middle-level and secondary education
    • Member of Sigma Tau Delta honor society; Iota Mu chapter

University of Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ

  • Master of Arts in Education (Educational Studies)
    • Degree awarded 2012
    • Emphasis on adult education, training, and mentoring

Training and Certifications

  • Apple Teacher Certification
  • Virginia Department of Health Spokesperson Training – October 2023
  • Virginia Department of Health Risk Communications Training – February 2024
  • Commonwealth of Virginia Terrorism Awareness Training – September 2023
  • FEMA Public Information Officer Awareness – March 2024
  • FEMA Public Information Basics – March 2024

Memberships and Committee Service

  • Sigma Tau Delta – Iota Mu Chapter
  • South Carolina Association of Developmental Education
  • Southeastern Writing Center Association
  • York Technical College Mobile Learning Committee
  • York Technical College Quality Learning Council
  • York Technical College Entering Student Success Institute

Award Nominations

  • Phi Theta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award – Nomination

Speaking Engagement and Events

  • Presentations and Workshops
    • Southeastern Writing Center Association Annual Conference
      • Presentation Title: “Yes, English Majors Can Find Jobs! Utilizing Tutorial Experience in the Job Search”
    • York Technical College Annual Adjunct Faculty Conference
      • Presentation Title: “There’s an App for That”
    • South Carolina Association of Developmental Education Annual Conference
      • Presentation Title: “U TEACH: Using Technology to Enhance and Adapt Class Work and Homework”
    • Virginia Department of Health TRAIN System
      • Workshop Title: “Writing for Digital Spaces”
      • Presentation Title: “Plain Language”
  • Event Planning and Development
    • SAGA Professional Writing Conference
    • Authors and Dragons Convention
    • ConCarolinas Convention