Karen Ames, MA
Wanatah,IN
Summary
Dedicated, seasoned humans rights advocate and leader with a focus on the rights of women and displaced populations. Cross-cultural collaborations and coordination with like-minded organizations and Burma advocacy network. Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
US Campaign for Burma
12.2021 - Current
- Develop and establish 25+ new partnerships with CSOs in Burma, Burmese diaspora and grassroots members in the U.S., U.S.-based NGOs, and INGOs;
- Develop and establish USCB's grassroots network of 25,000+;
- Develop and establish communications with policymakers and their staff;
- Supervise and lead a cross cultural team of 7-9 team members, as well as effectively coordinate with partnerships and board members, on diverse programs/projects and organization goals; Increased USCB events from four to ten per year;
- Strategically plan, develop, coordinate, and implement campaigns and programs focusing on different topics, such as jet fuel ban, targeted sanctions, cross-border aid;
- Develop fundraising goals and execute fundraising plans;
- Develop and finalize annual budgets and grant proposals;
- Act as fiscal sponsor, manage grants to partners, and receive reports at the end of the reporting period;
- Create annual presentations and reports for funders on USCB’s activities over the last fiscal year;
- Develop and nurture relationships with funders and donors to encourage continued support;
- Represent the organization at non-funder & funder-sponsored events and activities;
- Collaborate with grassroots organizations & CSOs to produce reports on a monthly or quarterly basis to highlight ongoing human rights violations; lead ongoing support with design, writing, distribution, etc;
- Manage project information, contact database, and research database for organizational use;
- Create and establish various tools to raise awareness and educate grassroots members and the international community on human rights violations in Burma as well as improve impact and outreach;
- Utilize multiple public platforms to elevate the voices of different grassroots partners to speak on relevant issues;
- Write and edit press statements, legislative letters, reports, etc;
- Oversee operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals;
- Increase overall organizational performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations;
- Direct large-scale projects from inception to completion on time/budget;
- Lead the recruiting, hiring, and training/onboarding of team members;
- Develop and implement organizational safety and security policy for individuals working from Burma.
Development and Communications Manager
US Campaign for Burma
01.2016 - 12.2021
- Strategically planned, developed, and managed content as well as analytics for multiple online platforms
- Boosted public engagement with impactful social media campaigns
- Managed project information, contact database, and research database
- Created and established various tools to bring awareness and educate grassroots members as well as improve impact and outreach
- Supported organizational plans through development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies.
- Supervised and advised USCB interns & volunteers on diverse research projects, weekly responsibilities, and goals
- Communicated diverse information to different audiences
- Drafted press statements, legislative letters, reports, etc
- Maintained effective communication with director and USCB team
Development and Communications Manager
Karen Youth Education Pathways
02.2015 - 01.2018
- Built up a database of 900+ members from the Karen diaspora;
- Developed and managed content for online platforms;
- Managed relative project information, memberships, databases, and site logistics;
- Created, edited, and maintained electronic and written communications;
- Researched and compiled data into project development and logistic reports to plan trajectory of project and project events;
- Managed, advised, and supported volunteer program;
- Tracked and managed efficient use of project resources;
- Developed, implemented, and maintained KYEP work plans/procedures, programs, and outreach strategies;
- Oversaw creation of digital content, ensuring consistency with program's messaging.
Education
Master of Arts - Southeast Asian Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI12.2011
Fellowship - Fulbright-Hays Fellow
Ateneo De Manila University
Manila, Philippines08-2011
Bachelor of Science - History with Quantitative Concentration
Manchester University
North Manchester, IN05.2009
Skills
- Press outreach/public relations
- Communications
- Office administration
- Self-motivated
- Detailed oriented
- Ability to work independently and with a team
- Time and priority management
- Problem solving
- Proficient in computer & internet software
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
Work Groups
- DC-Burma Round Table
- Burma Global Group
- AWID
- "Utilizing the Atrocity Prevention Lens in the Universal Periodic Review” Workshop - Hosted by Global Centre for Responsibility to Protect and UPR Info
Timeline
Managing Director
US Campaign for Burma
12.2021 - Current
Development and Communications Manager
US Campaign for Burma
01.2016 - 12.2021
Development and Communications Manager
Karen Youth Education Pathways
02.2015 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - History with Quantitative Concentration
Manchester University
Master of Arts - Southeast Asian Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Fellowship - Fulbright-Hays Fellow
Ateneo De Manila University
Similar Profiles
Dinoop LouisDinoop Louis
Resturant Manager & Nso at Burma BurmaResturant Manager & Nso at Burma Burma
Timothy NesslageTimothy Nesslage
Volunteer at Embarc: Ethnic Minorities Of Burma Advocacy And Resource CenterVolunteer at Embarc: Ethnic Minorities Of Burma Advocacy And Resource Center
Garrick GayGarrick Gay
Aviation Facilities/Ground Operations Coordinator at Free Burma Rangers (VOLUNTEER)Aviation Facilities/Ground Operations Coordinator at Free Burma Rangers (VOLUNTEER)