My Story

I didn’t set out to work in the nonprofit sector. But somewhere along the way, I found myself surrounded by organizations doing work that genuinely mattered, and I was surprised by how much I loved it.

I’ve spent my career helping nonprofits, foundations, and associations build the kind of presence that matches the scale of their missions, from positioning and brand strategy to integrated campaigns and audience growth. Along the way I founded Plain Speaking Communications, a boutique firm serving mission-driven organizations, which gave me something most senior leaders don’t have: the experience of being the strategist, the account lead, the business developer, and the decision-maker simultaneously.

I’m now looking to bring that depth to a Director-level role inside an organization whose mission I can champion.

Results

OD Network — Nonprofit Professional Association

OD Network had minimal digital presence, declining member engagement, and no content strategy to support its annual conference. I built a four-month editorial calendar tied to conference milestones, launched speaker spotlight campaigns, and introduced targeted email sequences to drive registrations and community participation.

DMI — IT Solutions & Government Contracting

DMI needed to establish credibility in managed mobility services, improve search visibility, and generate inbound leads. I developed a strategic communications plan and executed an integrated content, SEO, and social media strategy across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook following a site relaunch.

National League of Cities — Government & Municipal Policy

NLC needed to demonstrate that its digital communications were reaching and activating its 2,800-member base. I built an integrated content and SEO strategy connecting publishing cadence and editorial standards directly to membership engagement goals, along with a performance measurement framework.

What Sets Me Apart

I don’t just work in the mission-driven sector. I’m committed to it.

My clients have included nonprofits, foundations, associations, and purpose-driven organizations at every stage of growth. This isn’t a niche I stumbled into. It’s where I’ve chosen to build my career because the work matters to me personally.

I’ve been every seat at the table.

Founding and running Plain Speaking Communications for over a decade gave me something most senior leaders don’t have: I’ve been the strategist, the account lead, the business developer, and the decision-maker simultaneously. I bring that operational fluency into every engagement.

I work in both English and Spanish.

As a bilingual professional, I can develop, review, and execute communications in both languages, an increasingly valuable capability for organizations reaching diverse audiences.

I combine in-house clarity with agency discipline.

I’ve worked inside organizations and as an outside partner. I know how to move fast, stay aligned with leadership, and deliver without hand-holding.

What People Say

“Rebeca is both an excellent manager of people and tasks, as well as a talented writer and editor with an eye for crucial details and on-message color. She is a true joy to work for and learn from.”

Charlie Shifflett, Communications Strategist

“I was consistently impressed with her professionalism, teamwork, and dedication. She has a deep understanding of storytelling principles and is able to craft compelling and engaging narratives. She is a valuable asset to any team.”

Marcela Leon, Creative Digital Product/Project Leader

“Rebeca is a brilliant strategist as well as a talented and creative writer and manager. She understands the complete full life-cycle product development and PR process but also knows how to manage client expectations.”

Martin Brooks, Information & Media Industry Consultant

Let’s Talk

I’m looking for a Director-level marketing and communications role with a nonprofit, foundation, or mission-driven organization. If you think there’s a fit, I’d love to connect.