Sara Loken

Experience

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  Friends of the Homeless

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1998

  Assisted the executive director in the development, planning, implementation and management of agency services for homeless adults. Managed executive offices, coordinated all activities of the board of trustees, assisted executive director with program operations, public relations, fundraising development and external agency relations. Served as a key staff person to facilitate agency communication. Provided day-to-day clerical support for agency programs for homeless adults. This included telephone responsibilities, preparation of meeting minutes, accounts payable, correspondence and office supplies.

  • Manager of Administrative Services

    Jan 1996 - Jan 1998

  • Administrative Assistant

    Jan 1995 - Jan 1996
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  Community Shelter Board

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2011

  Responsible for assisting the executive director in overall administration and operation of agency activities, including all aspects of board governance and board communications.• Acted as on-site director for day-to-day administration and operation of the agency, allowing the executive director to focus on external relationships and fundraising.• Oversaw all aspects of board governance including policy development, implementation and monitoring. Provided project management, design and facilitation for an 18-month process to strategically revise the board’s governance policies.• Provided project management and design for all board and board-related committee meetings. Developed agendas and supporting materials, coordinated cross-team development of board monitoring reports and other meeting materials.• Used art of hosting techniques to design, host, facilitate and record various meetings and retreats.• Wrote press releases, reports, fact sheets and other communications materials. Provided leadership and training for implementation of new brand standards.• Wrote a monthly newsletter and also coordinated cross-team article contributions, serving as editor.• Developed PowerPoint presentations for various board meetings, state and national conferences, averaging 8 per year.• Oversaw facility operations and served as project manager for an office move. Located new site, negotiated office lease and planned and executed the move via a cross-departmental staff team.• Supervised employees – conducted hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary measures and terminations. Show less Served as executive assistant to the executive director. • Handled all scheduling, meeting preparation and travel for the executive director, whose schedule averaged 20 meetings per week, 35 hours spent in meetings weekly. Travel averaged 5 trips per year.• Oversaw all aspects of board governance including policy development, implementation and monitoring.• Developed and managed consultant contracts for special projects including graphic design and report writing, staff training and development, board retreat design and facilitation. Show less

  • Administrative Director

    Jan 2001 - Jan 2011

  • Senior Administrative Assistant

    Jan 1998 - Jan 2001
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  Community Shelter Board

  Feb 2011 - Sept 2024

  Implements the community relations and communications strategy for the organization. Builds relationships and crafts messaging and materials to build public awareness and support of Community Shelter Board’s work to end homelessness.- Community and government relations: provides a visible link between the Executive Director and the public. Develops and carries out a community and government relations plan. Establishes and maintains a strong awareness of and support for CSB’s system of homeless services. Serves as a liaison to stakeholders including board members, community leaders, organizations and elected officials. Serves as spokesperson for community education opportunities.- Communications: assures that messaging and written materials advance CSB’s mission. Creates and oversees development of communications materials. Crafts messaging and language. Develops presentations, speeches and public testimony.- Media: Represents CSB positions in the media. Develops and maintains relationships with media outlets to generate opportunities for coverage and partnerships. Acts as agency spokesperson. Leads social media efforts to elevate CSB’s brand.- Board governance: Leads all aspects of board governance, policy development, implementation and monitoring. Show less Responsible for professional support of the Executive Director in all agency activities. Leads project management, research, communications and community relations activities. Leads all aspects of board governance, including policy development and monitoring. Partners with the Executive Director to implement local, state and federal legislative advocacy strategies to end homelessness.• Coordinates activities of the Executive Director with other departments. Directs preparation of reports, verbal and written correspondence on behalf of the Executive Director. Conducts research and special projects and assures implementation of projects developed and initiated by the Executive Director.• Represents the Executive Director as needed; advises the Executive Director, providing professional assistance, project management and recommendations on agency issues. Communicates with management on issues received by the Executive Director.• Provides a visible link between the Executive Director and the public. Directs the resolution of issues by coordinating with department heads or other appropriate parties to respond with tact and resourcefulness. Communicates with management, public officials, the general public and other agency employees.• Responds to requests for technical assistance regarding CSB’s infrastructure and model programs. Coordinates with other members of leadership team to develop and provide technical assistance when possible.• Responsible for all aspects of board governance, including policy development, implementation and monitoring.• Provides communications, media and community relations support for the Executive Director. Creates communications materials including press releases, newsletters, articles, presentations and speeches. Leads media efforts to elevate the organization’s brand. Show less

  • Chief Communication & Brand Officer

    Apr 2023 - Sept 2024

  • Community Relations Director

    Aug 2013 - Jun 2023

  • Chief of Staff

    Feb 2011 - Jul 2013
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  Groundwork Ohio

  Sept 2024 - now

  Managing Director of Communications

  As Managing Director of Communications at Groundwork Ohio, Sara leads the organization’s communications outreach strategy. She is responsible for the development and management of all communication materials, dedicated to raising Groundwork Ohio’s profile statewide, ensuring that the organization’s mission and brand are consistently reflected in its public outreach and advocacy efforts. Sara’s expertise as a strategist, thought leader, and collaborator positions her as a key figure in Groundwork Ohio’s efforts to champion high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age five, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. Her leadership in communication will help Groundwork Ohio continue to make Ohio the best place to be a young child so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Show less