Experience
A Strategic Path Rooted in Narrative Clarity
From higher education to the public sector to B2B and beyond, one thread runs through my career: the power of clear, audience-centered messaging to drive trust, action, and measurable results.
Founder | Writer & Content Strategist
Susan M.K. Howard LLC
January 2021–Present
I help brands refine their narrative and elevate their messaging in a world oversaturated with generic content.
Shape strategic narratives that clarify complexity, resonate with key audiences, and establish authority through thought leadership, ghostwriting, and brand storytelling.
Develop conversion-focused content ecosystems — from high-performing website copy and nurture sequences to lead-gen assets and product briefs.
Create audience-centered messaging frameworks that guide prospects from awareness to decision and empower teams to communicate with clarity.
Collaborate across marketing, sales, and leadership teams to align messaging, accelerate the sales cycle, and scale content effectively.
Assistant Director of Communications, Alumni Relations
Grand Valley State University
June 2016–January 2021
Spearheaded strategic content initiatives that directly supported a $132 million fundraising campaign, leveraging storytelling and brand-aligned messaging to drive donor engagement and contributions from over 35,000 donors.
Directed editorial calendars and managed multi-channel content distribution (newsletters, social, web), significantly increasing alumni engagement and participation.
Led high-visibility communication projects, collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure brand consistency and strategic impact for key university initiatives.
Managed and mentored a student team, fostering strong communication and project execution.
Advertising & Communications Coordinator
Grand Valley State University
January 2011–June 2016
Created inclusive, audience-centered messaging across admissions and academic program content — building a foundation of trust with prospective students and families.
Conducted user research to improve content clarity, accessibility, and alignment with institutional goals.
Wrote, edited, and reviewed content for consistency, brand voice, and ADA compliance.
Strengthened cross-functional collaboration across marketing, admissions, and academic departments.
Education
Master of Arts in English Literature
Grand Valley State University, 2015
GPA: 3.9
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing
Grand Valley State University, 2010
GPA: 3.8