About Melissia Mason

I am passionate about communication in all of its forms and thrive in an environment where I can help others better understand one another.

My childhood passion for drawing and fiction grew into a teenager’s love for theater and essay-writing. College years filled with public speaking, mass media, public relations and marketing classes added to my love for the art of communication. In addition to that love, I have a strong desire to help others. This has led me to do work for many civic organizations, charities, and small businesses.
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I have worked in not-for-profit communication circles for many years, and have developed skills in communicating to a wide variety of audiences. From executives to soccer moms, non-English speakers to communication professionals, and many others in between... changing style and tone based on the need has been key to my understanding of excellent communication.

Printable Resume (PDF)

Now
Director of Communications
Emma Willard School | Troy, New York
August 2019 – Present
Write and copyedit content, press releases, blog posts, magazine articles, and executive communication; layout and design academic, advancement, and admissions publications using Adobe Creative Suite; manage and distribute weekly communiques; manage outsourced printing projects; maintain website and portal content using the Blackbaud content management system; manage bi-annual print magazine in cooperation with internal and external designers, writers, and contributors; design and manage landing pages and marketing tools through HubSpot; manage workflow of communications tasks for a 4-person team using Asana; serve as interim head of strategic communications; serve on task forces as assigned (strategic planning, COVID response, DEI); work collaboratively with content strategist for social media and digital strategist for analytics and marketing; assist with event photography.
Communications Consulting
Fall 1997 - Present
Consult with businesses and non-profit organizations regarding their Internet presence; create and maintain web sites for businesses and organizations; write copy; train computer skills, from basic usage to advanced software usage; design newsletters and other promotional collateral; establish social media presence and train on usage.
Genealogist
October 2012 – Present
I have completed family history projects for several families, in addition to extensive research on my own family. My basic procedure is to create a five-generation tree for the family and provide supporting documentation, digital files, and printed reports. This is considered a beginning "workbook" for families who have not begun to research their trees, but are interested in having the information.

Before
Communications Driector
First United Methodist Church, Grapevine, TX
April 2005 – August 2018
Managed all communications at an active, outreach-focused, community-oriented church in Grapevine, Texas (2,500+ members). Responsibility for all communication vehicles in the organization: internal communications, advertising, marketing, website, print and electronic publications, press releases, and social media. Graphic design, publication layout and design, web design and management, content creation, editing, project management, creation of promotional campaigns (fundraising, stewardship), consultation with executive leadership, strategic planning, crisis communication preparation, and managing a strict budget. A variety of additional responsibilities according to need: management of video production, advising and assisting with office systems solutions and conversions, and overseeing staff.
Sherry Gosdin, CRS, ABR, GRI
Coldwell Banker Rick Canup REALTORS®
Lubbock, Texas
Real Estate Assistant, August 2002 – December 2004
Web site design and maintenance for multiple sites; Assist with listing services, including contracts, photography, closing activities, market analyses, marketing properties on the web and in print; Assist with buyers’ services, including maintaining client extranets, communicating vital information between insurance representatives, mortgage companies, title officers, real estate agents, and buyers.
 
Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Lubbock, Texas
Communications Intern, August 2004 – November 2004
Graphic design; web design and maintenance; writing website copy as needed; conducting communication campaigns; developing seminars and training sessions for e-ministry and digital communication; logistics and maintenance for various other communication activities as needed.
 
LakeRidge United Methodist Church
Lubbock, Texas
Office Manager, December 1997 – August 2002
Publicity Activities (newsletter, advertising, video production); Bi-monthly Columnist for Church Newsletter; Design and maintain extensive web site; Network and PC troubleshooting; Budgeting for office and technology needs; Technology Planning Committee Staff Representative; Production of Church Worship Bulletin; Supervising other office staff; other miscellaneous duties.
 
Administrative Assistant, August 1996 - November 1997
Layout and copywriting for advertising and press releases; editing and proofreading church newsletter, bulletins, and mail-outs; creating and maintaining the church web page; membership database maintenance; member services; maintaining weekly attendance records; compiling monthly and yearly membership reports; computer trouble-shooting; general clerical work; reconciling bank statement.
 
Abilene Regional MHMR Center
Abilene, Texas
Marketing Intern, November 1994 - May 1996
Layout and copywriting for quarterly reports; Compile directory of services; Design promotional material for service areas.

Education
Master of Arts in Computer-Mediated Communication
Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
August 2001 – December 2004 (degree May 2005)

Regent is one of the premier communication universities in the country. This degree provides a knowledge of aesthetics and design for the worldwide web, principles of e-business, trends in new media and virtual communication, and a strong foundation of communication ethics.


Bachelor of Arts in Communication | Summa Cum Laude
McMurry University, Abilene, TX
August 1992 – May 1996

The liberal arts tradition at McMurry provides a well-rounded background in art, music, sociology, science, and business. Coursework centered on human communication (interpersonal, group, mass media, public speaking), marketing, public relations, and human resource management.