I’m Sarah Dawes Murphy.

I like to think my career in communications began at age 9 when I mustered up the courage to take on my local paper route. Each week, rain or shine (but seemingly rain, more often than not), I hand-delivered the stories of my Massachusetts hometown to every home in the neighborhood. From that little paper route, my love for meaningful stories and the people who consume them flourished.

I’ve now worked in communications (more formally speaking) for over a decade, with experience in news media, the ad agency world, and higher education. I’ve tackled everything from branding to media relations, but some of my favorite areas of work include:

• News, feature, and blog-style writing and editing

• Content marketing

• Social media strategy and management

• Email communications using platforms like Slate, MailChimp, Constant Contact

• Print publications

I take a holistic approach to communications, finding creative ways to make sure every tactic is interconnected and aligned with big picture goals. My work has served to educate, inspire, sell, persuade, and win clients. I’ve brought home a few awards along the way, too.

Work Experience

Communications & Marketing Manager, 2020-2022 // Brandcenter at VCU

Communications Manager, 2015-2020 // Virginia Commonwealth University, Business Services

Marketing Communications Executive, 2012-2015 // Madison+Main

Editorial Assistant, 2011-2012 // Richmond magazine

Volunteer Experience

Board of Directors member, 2017-present // PRSA Richmond

Education

Master of Science, Communications, 2016 // Virginia Commonwealth University

Bachelor of Arts, English, 2011 // University of Mary Washington