SARA BROOKS

13571 Dodsworth Drive | Bristow, VA | 571-512-0004 | sara.brooks@outlook.com | www.sarabrooks.net

OBJECTIVEMy educational qualifications and professional experience have provided me with numerous skills relating directly to my success in the Technical Writing and Editing fields. I am intimately familiar with the structure of both creative and technical writing and possess a mastery of mechanical grammar. My academic experience as a double major in English Writing and English Literature has provided me with a strong framework as both a writer and an editor. My tenure as a federal contractor has given me opportunity to become well-versed with the style guides and writing structures used by both federal and private sector organizations.

EDUCATION

Christopher Newport University | Newport News, VA 2009-2014Bachelor of Arts – English Literature and English Writing

• Presented academic research at the 2014 Paideia Conference on behalf of the Christopher Newport University English Department.

• Nominated for the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award in 2014.

EXPERIENCE

Office of Community Orientated Policing Services | Washington, DC 2015-PresentCase Assistant

• Worked with Subject Matter Experts to create official federal policies, handouts, memos, and other publications. Edited and formatted official DOJ documents including (but not limited to) grant application guides, fact sheets, FAQ's, Award Owner's Manuals, congratulations/rejection letters, etc. for all five major COPS Office grant programs.

• Oversaw all archiving and document management. Transcribed official Department of Justice (DOJ) podcasts for publication on DOJ websites.

• Documented office-wide meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Monitored payroll and time sheets for federal staff.

• Utilized Adobe InDesign and Photoshop for design and layout of official DOJ publications.

The Piedmont Journal of Poetry and Fiction | Haymarket, VA 2014-PresentEditor in Chief

• Worked intimately on the publication of numerous pieces of literature including novels and poetry anthologies.

• Interfaced with various social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Google Docs.• Managed website construction and design featuring monthly writers, publication archives, and

submission guidelines.

• Managed staff and tracked finances for book sales, tax information, and payroll processing. Organized and planned release parties for novelists; worked closely with vendors and venue hosts.

MowCow Lawn & Landscape | Fairfax Station, VA 2015-2016Environmental Blogger and Social Media Consultant

• Created in-depth, research-based publications on environmental sustainability and the ecosystem surrounding the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

• Developed blog posts about the lawn care industry of Northern Virginia and its impact on the environment (including the Chesapeake Bay) and public health.

• Managed several social media platforms for MowCow and its subsidiary, GrowCow.

Day & Johns, PLLC | Fairfax, VA 2014-2015Administrative Assistant

• Tasked with confidential legal duties including drafting closing letters, managing case files, and contacting clients.

• Responsible for all administrative and office manager duties for established law firm.• Managed/Maintained office equipment including phones, faxes, computers, printers, etc.

SKILLS & AWARDS

• Proficient with: Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Prezi, Easel.ly & Map Box.• Knowledgeable with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram, Flickr, Vine,

Livejournal, WordPress, SquareSpace, and other social media platforms.• Familiar with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM).• Capable of typing 70WPM.• Well-versed with both short and long copy.• In possession of a Public Trust Clearance since 2015.• Nominated for the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award in 2014.

PUBLICATIONS

• “The Thematic and Stylistic Similarities between Ernest Hemingway and Claude McKay.” Paideia: The Thirteenth Annual Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research Conference, April 12, 2014. Newport News, VA. Christopher Newport University English Department.

• “Red.” Virginia State Poetry Competition. Virginia Tech. Blacksburg, VA.• “Dry.” Falling for the Story: An Anthology of Exemplary Student Writing. Northern Virginia Writing Project. • “Dry”. Creative Communications Poetry Anthology. Creative Communications.• “Exploration”. Teen Ink RAW. Teen Ink. • “Society”. Teen Ink RAW. Teen Ink.

References available upon request.