It's all about me,
Melissa Nelson-Stippich!
Sounds like, “muh-lih-sah nehl-sun stip-ick”
I’m passionate about helping nonprofit organizations refine their communications and brand identities to align seamlessly with their mission, vision, and values. Having worked in various communications leadership roles, I’ve always been drawn to the creative aspects of the work—whether it’s shaping compelling messaging, designing cohesive visual identities, or ensuring every touchpoint reflects the heart of the organization.
My work is grounded in collaboration and shared values. I thrive on partnering with progressive organizations that are committed to creating positive change in the world. For me, it’s not just about delivering great design or messaging—it’s about creating tools that empower mission-driven organizations to connect with their communities, amplify their impact, and achieve their goals with authenticity and confidence.
Work History
Creative Director
Samara Collective
- Lead Creative Direction: Guide multidisciplinary teams to deliver equity-centered communication strategies, including brand development, web design, and multimedia production for mission-driven clients.
- Design and Execute Strategic Communications Plans: Develop comprehensive strategies that integrate messaging, content creation, and audience engagement to amplify clients’ impact across platforms.
- Produce Video Campaigns: Design and execute impactful video campaigns tailored to advocacy and nonprofit organizations, helping clients engage audiences and amplify their messages.
- Develop Accessible Websites: Manage the design and development of websites with a focus on WCAG compliance, intuitive user experiences, and audience-driven content.
- Craft Comprehensive Brand Strategies: Work with clients to develop unique brand voices, visual identities, and messaging frameworks that align with their mission and resonate with their audiences.
- Write and Edit Persuasive Copy: Create engaging copy for websites, social media, email campaigns, and marketing materials, ensuring alignment with clients’ brand voices and strategic goals.
- Conduct Research and Strategy Development: Perform in-depth market research and craft actionable communication plans tailored to clients’ target audiences and advocacy goals.
- Oversee Digital Campaigns: Direct digital campaigns across email marketing, social media, and web platforms, ensuring seamless integration and strategic alignment.
- Optimize Workflow and Processes: Create and implement streamlined project management systems to enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and ensure timely delivery of client work.
- Advance Inclusivity and Accessibility: Ensure that all deliverables, from websites to video content, adhere to accessibility best practices and are inclusive for diverse audiences.
- Support Training and Upskilling: Provide training sessions and resources to empower clients’ teams, enhancing their communication skills and enabling them to effectively manage their own media and outreach efforts.
- Spearhead Post-Launch Support: Provide clients with ongoing support, including analytics tracking, updates, and performance optimization, ensuring their projects continue to thrive after launch.
Engagement Director
Alliance for a Better Utah
- Directed Advocacy Campaigns: Led the creation and execution of advocacy campaigns to elevate civic engagement and public awareness, including digital, social, and multimedia initiatives.
- Produced Multimedia Content: Designed and produced video campaigns and digital assets to amplify key advocacy messages and mobilize audiences effectively.
- Managed Digital Communications: Oversaw email communications, website content, media relations, and social media for the Better Utah Institute, ensuring alignment with advocacy goals and branding.
- Created Educational Hubs: Developed three educational hubs focused on advocacy and civic engagement, providing accessible resources for community members and organizations.
- Developed Civic Engagement Toolkit: Solely responsible for creating a Civic Engagement Toolkit that included three comprehensive courses to empower community action.
- Tracked Legislation and Trends: Monitored and reported on legislation and social media trends related to civic engagement, ensuring timely and relevant advocacy efforts.
- Wrote and Edited Content: Authored blog posts, long-format articles, and grant proposals, contributing to organizational storytelling and funding strategies.
- Earned Volunteer Management Credential: Created a volunteer engagement program and earned a credential in volunteer management from the Utah Nonprofits Association.
- Fostered Stakeholder Relationships: Worked closely with board members, partner organizations, and community groups to align messaging and maximize advocacy impact.
- Supported Fundraising Initiatives: Contributed to donor engagement strategies, designed fundraising materials, and supported annual events to ensure sustainable organizational growth.
Communications Director
Action Utah
- Created a New Brand Identity: Designed a new logo and established a cohesive visual identity for Action Utah, aligning with the organization’s mission and advocacy goals.
- Managed Digital Communications and Marketing: Oversaw all digital communications, including email campaigns, social media posts, and daily advocacy action alerts to mobilize community engagement.
- Facilitated Events and Engagement: Live-streamed and facilitated in-person events; developed innovative online engagement opportunities during the 2020 shift to virtual programming.
- Led Advocacy Efforts During Legislative Sessions: Worked on-site at the state capitol to track bills, report on legislative developments, and create daily public action alerts. Conducted interviews with representatives and advocates, and produced educational videos to increase public understanding and involvement.
- Managed Social Media: Strategized, created, and scheduled content across all social platforms to amplify advocacy messages and engage the community.
- Oversaw Interns and Fellows: Supervised and mentored interns and fellows, fostering skill development and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Supported Fundraising Initiatives: Contributed to capital campaigns and annual fundraisers, designing materials and strategies to drive donor engagement and support.
Communications Director
League of Women Voters of Salt Lake
- Developed Strategic Communication Plans: Created and implemented communication strategies to promote voter education, civic engagement, and community involvement.
- Enhanced Digital Presence: Designed and managed digital campaigns, including email marketing and social media outreach, to amplify advocacy efforts and reach new audiences.
- Designed Educational Materials: Produced clear, engaging content and infographics to simplify complex voter information and encourage participation.
- Built a New Website: Designed and launched a user-friendly website to improve accessibility, streamline navigation, and better engage members and voters.
- Created Event Packages: Developed comprehensive event packages, including branded materials and promotional assets, to support local League chapters and voter outreach efforts.
- Adhered to National Brand Standards: Ensured all communications and design work aligned with the League’s national guidelines to maintain a cohesive brand identity.
- Collaborated with Stakeholders: Partnered with local and national League chapters to align messaging and coordinate multi-channel outreach efforts.
- Advanced Accessibility: Ensured all materials met accessibility standards, creating inclusive resources for diverse audiences.
Freelance
Communications and Design Specialist
- Developed Comprehensive Branding Strategies: Created logos, visual identities, and messaging frameworks for mission-driven clients to amplify their impact and connect with target audiences.
- Designed and Built Custom WordPress Websites: Delivered intuitive, accessible websites tailored to client needs, balancing functionality, user experience, and creative aesthetics.
- Produced Multimedia Campaigns: Developed engaging video content and graphics for digital and social platforms, driving audience engagement and advocacy goals.
- Crafted Strategic Communications Plans: Provided clients with actionable roadmaps for social media, email marketing, and multimedia content to achieve campaign objectives.
- Conducted UX Research and Testing: Gathered user feedback to refine website designs and ensure an optimal, intuitive experience for end users.
- Led Content Development: Designed infographics, marketing materials, and presentations that transformed complex ideas into clear, impactful visuals.
- Managed End-to-End Projects: Oversaw timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction.
- Streamlined Workflow and Processes: Optimized project workflows using tools like Asana and Google Workspace, creating efficient systems for content creation and review.
- Skilled in Accessibility Design: Ensured digital products adhered to WCAG standards, making content inclusive and accessible to all audiences.
- Provided Training and Support: Equipped clients with tools and knowledge to maintain their communications and web assets independently.
Education, Certifications, and Memberships
Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Minor in Gender Studies, summa cum laude
Westminster College
Accessibility Foundations
Provided by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE).
I’m a member of Creatives for Climate
I've joined a global movement of professionals using creativity to take climate action in order to use my skills to inspire action and amplify solutions for a sustainable, just future.
