Kirstin
Gebhart
Creative professional.
About Me
At Penn State, I serve as the Engagement Communications Specialist for the Office of Development Communications, a branch of the Office of University Development. Our office is committed to elevating the donor experience through communications that are persuasive, impactful, and beautiful.
Prior to my time at Penn State, I spent five years coaching NCAA Division I field hockey at the University of Louisville and my alma mater, American University. Aside from on-the-field coaching, where I focused on defenders and goalkeepers, additional responsibilities included logistics and communications. I kept our office, team, and trips running efficiently. I was also responsible for our social media sites and our program's recruiting coordination.
Outside of the office, I am a beekeeper, field hockey umpire, and volunteer for the Centre County Women's Resource Center. I enjoy all of the benefits of the outdoors as well as spending time with my husband, Nick, and our dog, Goose.
Work Experience
2017 - Today
Engagement Communications Specialist
Office of Development Communications
Penn State University, State College, PA
As the Engagement Communications Specialist in the Office of Development Communications, I write and edit annual fundraising appeals for units across the university, manage the Division of Development and Alumni Relations' intranet site, develop communications strategies to reach new and existing audiences across a multitude of platforms, and create content to support ongoing engagement efforts on social media, in print, through email, and online.
2018 - Today
Volunteer Field Hockey Coach
Penn State University, State College, PA
As Penn State's volunteer coach, I assist with team training, focusing primarily on defense.
2014 - 2017
First Assistant Field Hockey Coach
Department of Athletics and Recreation
American University, Washington, DC
During my tenure at American University, the field hockey team won the 2016 Patriot League Championship and earned the top grade-point average among NCAA Division I teams in 2015 with a 3.65. As the first assistant, I was responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the office, coordinating domestic and international recruiting, and assisting in team management with a special focus on defense and goalkeeping. I was also responsible for our office's communications with student-athletes, prospective student-athletes, and fans--I utilized a multitude of platforms and created targeted marketing campaigns to connect with each audience.
2012 - 2014
Assistant Field Hockey Coach
Department of Athletics
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
At the University of Louisville my efforts were focused on office management, domestic recruiting, and communications as well as my on-the-field coaching duties. I published the quarterly newsletter for our booster club and beyond daily communication with prospective student-athletes, I created handouts, marketing materials, and managed our social media platforms.
2011 - 2012
Front of House Supervisor / Server / Hostess
Robert's Maine Grille. Kittery, ME
Education
American University
2011
Washington, DC
I graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in art history. In 2011 I was named the Art History Department's "Outstanding Graduating Senior" and finished my four years with a 3.74 grade-point average.
Skills
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint
Pages, Keynote
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Wordpress, Wix
Email building software
JumpForward, FrontRush
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Hootsuite, Canva
Sportstec Sportscode and Gamebreaker
iMovie