Open to opportunities

Sarah Ward

@sarahward

Strategic engagement leader driving statewide program oversight, policy advocacy, and digital equity through cross-sector coalitions.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can lead executive-level program oversight and coalition-building at the intersection of policy, community partnerships, and digital equity—turning strategy into accessible engagement for diverse communities.

I direct statewide strategy for a portfolio of 25+ AmeriCorps programs across Maine and New Hampshire—aligning service delivery with community impact priorities while guiding policy and partnership engagement.

I build and steward cross-sector partnerships with higher education, nonprofits, and local/state agencies to expand access and equity, and I lead digital-first engagement efforts like newsletters, alumni networks, and virtual training platforms.

Before this, I served as Vice President of Community Engagement at New Futures Inc., overseeing statewide community engagement strategy and mobilizing advocates to advance legislative priorities. I’ve also led regional engagement partnerships at Hostelling International and coordinated prevention advocacy work through AmeriCorps VISTA at New Futures, Inc.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

AmeriCorps VISTA Leader

Goodwill NNE

Feb 2022 - Aug 2025 (3 years 6 months)

Directed statewide strategy for a portfolio of 25+ AmeriCorps programs across Maine and New Hampshire, aligning service delivery with organizational goals and statewide community impact priorities.

Stakeholder Relations Community Engagement Partnership Development Volunteer Management Digital Strategy CRM Tools Content Creation Canva Mailchimp WordPress Eventbrite Equity Accessibility Policy Advocacy Government Relations

Vice President of Community Engagement

New Futures Inc.

Dec 2017 - May 2018 (5 months)

Directed statewide community engagement strategy, supervising staff and aligning program goals with organizational advocacy priorities.

Community Engagement Policy Advocacy Coalition Building Fundraising Donor Relations Strategic Planning

Regional Engagement Manager

Hostelling International

Jun 2016 - Dec 2017 (1 year 6 months)

Oversaw regional program development across Boston, Cape Cod, and NYC, aligning local engagement with national strategy.

Program Development Partnership Development Volunteer Training Fundraising Outreach Strategic Recommendations

Intake & Referral Volunteer

ACLU of Massachusetts

Sep 2015 - Mar 2016 (6 months)

Managed frontline intake operations, screening and routing civil liberties inquiries to ensure timely legal evaluation.

Intake Stakeholder Communication Civil Rights

AmeriCorps VISTA Prevention Coordinator

New Futures Inc.

Aug 2013 - Sep 2014 (1 year 1 month)

Chaired state-level commissions and subcommittees, influencing veteran mental health and behavioral health policy.

Policy Analysis Needs Assessment Coalition Building Advocacy

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Northeastern University

Master of Public Administration, Public Administration

Grade: Magna Cum Laude

Masters of Public Administration, graduated Magna Cum Laude. Additional Graduate Certificate in The Nonprofit Sector of Philanthropy and Social Impact.