Mark Swartz
Takoma Park MD
markswartz123@gmail.com
917-517-6845
Takoma Park MD
markswartz123@gmail.com
917-517-6845
Author and journalist experienced in designing and executing transformative communications strategies for nonprofits—especially those refining their models or redefining their missions
swartzmark LLC, Principal (2011– )
Early Learning Nation, Bezos Family Foundation (2019–24); The 74 (2024– ). Two-time Child Care Innovation Reporting Grantee, Better Life Lab @ New America
Showcasing innovations and solutions in child care and brain development; translating expert analysis and academic research for a general audience; partnering with foundations and education institutions to highlight impact. Supported the publication during its transition from Bezos to 74
Showcasing innovations and solutions in child care and brain development; translating expert analysis and academic research for a general audience; partnering with foundations and education institutions to highlight impact. Supported the publication during its transition from Bezos to 74
The Stanford Center on Early Childhood (2023– )
Researching and writing long-form stories for ECX, the Center’s new initiative to advance early childhood systems solutions. Partnering with the Center’s leadership and staff on planning, strategy, network building, and social media strategy
Researching and writing long-form stories for ECX, the Center’s new initiative to advance early childhood systems solutions. Partnering with the Center’s leadership and staff on planning, strategy, network building, and social media strategy
Elder Care Nation (2024– ), founder, forthcoming media outlet dedicated to amplifying equitable solutions for the aging and for the care workforce
Orr Group (2015– )
Planning and executing case statements,grant proposals, and reports that help fundraisers launch and complete multimillion-dollar campaigns. Developing executives’ reputation through op-eds and blogs. Connecting development and communications strategies so that organizations speak in a compelling, integrated voice to funders and the public. For College Summit, this meant taking part in renaming/rebranding the organization as PeerForward.
Planning and executing case statements,grant proposals, and reports that help fundraisers launch and complete multimillion-dollar campaigns. Developing executives’ reputation through op-eds and blogs. Connecting development and communications strategies so that organizations speak in a compelling, integrated voice to funders and the public. For College Summit, this meant taking part in renaming/rebranding the organization as PeerForward.
The Association for Accessible Medicines (2016–22)
Advised on marketing and advocacy strategy during its rebranding from the Generic Pharmaceutical Association and through crises that threatened the credibility of the industry it represented. Researched and developed reports, patient stories, and videos. Drafted reports, op-eds, and blogs for association leadership.
Advised on marketing and advocacy strategy during its rebranding from the Generic Pharmaceutical Association and through crises that threatened the credibility of the industry it represented. Researched and developed reports, patient stories, and videos. Drafted reports, op-eds, and blogs for association leadership.
Additional clients: The Challenger Center, Church of the Epiphany, Foundation for Art & Preservation in Embassies, The Environmental Film Festival, the Greater Washington Urban League, Guns Down Friday (board member), Hope for Henry, Project Sunshine, The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, Save the Children, Shalom Learning, Trust for Learning, United Way of the National Capital Area, Venn Strategies
THE LEVER FUND, a new grantmaker to “fight poverty right here” in the National Capital Region. Co-founder (2013– ); Managing Director (2018–19). Developed the name and brand. Evaluated and awarded $500,000 in grants. Recruited and engaged the board of directors. Organized and promoted donor events.
Additional Experience
THE CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART AND COLLEGE OF ART + DESIGN, Washington D.C. Director of Development Communications (2011–13). Wrote press releases and marketing materials for the Gallery; recruitment brochures for the College; and presentations, talking points, and correspondence for the major gift officers. Collaborated with board and senior leadership on “Creative Exchange” visioning document as well as sensitive communications during a period of intense scrutiny. Created and managed the Corcoran’s Tumblr and blog; engaged Behance (an Adobe company) to create a platform to showcase the work of faculty, students, and alumni.
CENTER ON BUDGET AND POLICY PRIORITIES, Washington D.C. Senior Writer, (2010-11). Researched and wrote grant proposals and reports. Helped to launch a robust individual-giving program.
ROBIN HOOD FOUNDATION, New York City. Senior Manager, Communications (2006–10). Supported the organization’s fundraising success: four consecutive years of $100M+ in donations and grants to fight poverty in New York City; 100% increase in donors. Identified and developed powerful stories to illustrate the organization’s impact. Managed staff of five, which handled marketing, communications, and donor relations. Wrote, edited and oversaw design and production of donor communications: print publications, appeal and acknowledgment letters, e-mails, and web content.
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, New York, NY. Marketing and Development (1999–2006). Wrote copy for print and radio ads and brochures; devised slogans for 2006 public service announcement; “Manhattan is modern again” for 2004 reopening. Co-authored development materials for $800M capital campaign. Collaborated with Education department on a web feature for young children. Wrote and edited press releases and articles for member magazine.
publications
Three novels—Instant Karma (2002), H2O (2006), Summertime Jews (2018)—and a short story collection, The Music Never Died (2024). Two-volume reference book on art for middle and high schoolers. Articles, essays, and reviews in The Awl, The Believer, Village Voice, Chicago Reader, Bookforum, Salon, and more
education
The University of Chicago, MA, Art History
The University of Michigan, BA, English Literature
The University of Michigan, BA, English Literature