Sarah Stapleton-Gray
Expert in software & web development, data analysis & management, and marketing & communications.
Web Development & Management
As the Senior Web Developer and Systems Administrator at Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for ten years, I led technical development on websites, implementing architecture and web solutions.
- Developed in Drupal, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and other web technologies
- Architected content management systems for multiple sites
- Implemented and documented web applications
- Developed fundraising software and flexible donation forms
- Led technical conversion of online retail store to Shopify
I am currently consulting on website development, deepening and broadening my knowledge of technologies, and building new websites.
- I developed the California Parks Explorer site in React, Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind, PostgreSQL, CI/CD and Vercel. I used AI tools to prototype components and to test.
- This site was also built in React, Next.js, Tailwind, and CI/CD.
Created the California State Parks Explorer site, using React, Next.js, Tailwind, CI/CD and Vercel, for users to discover and explore state parks.
Software Development
Throughout my career at organizations like Bay Area News Group and Digital First Media, I've led software development teams and architected complex systems.
- Lead developer and architect for content management systems serving 100 newspaper websites
- Programmed applications in PHP, JavaScript, Java, and Ruby
- Technical lead for development teams, reviewing work and training new developers
- Developed modular, extensible code for shared systems
- Created CRM applications and database solutions
Data Management & Analysis
I've led organizations and companies in leveraging data analytics to drive insights and improve performance across multiple platforms.
- Set up detailed tracking for Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to track events, KPIs, and actionable insights
- Integrated data in GCP from multiple sources including Google Analytics, Search Console, fundraising data, Salesforce, and ad networks
- Created dashboards and reports using Looker Studio and BigQuery with SQL
- Developed Python scripts to aggregate data through APIs
- Architected forms to capture more data for analysis
Developed a comprehensive statistics dashboard for my California Parks Explorer site to provide insights on the state parks.
Marketing & Communications
I've implemented effective marketing strategies and communication systems across various organizations. I have also worked as a journalist at the Washington Post and a developer at the Media News Group.
- Implemented targeted marketing tools including SEO, email campaigns, and Google Shopping
- Doubled online sales after launching a new Shopify store with improved design. Created successful custom shopping emails.
- Developed strategies for online activities and communications
- Have written and edited many different types of articles and publications.
Professional Experience
GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVANCY
- Technical lead on websites, including the architecture and web development. Developed in Drupal, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and other web technologies, and documented and tested applications.
- Set up detailed tracking for Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to track events, key performance indicators (KPIs), and actionable insights for user experience and conversions. Used Google Tag Manager to configure numerous types of tracking.
- Led the organization's use of data analytics, integrating data in GCP from Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Salesforce, fundraising conversions, search engines, and ad networks. Used data visualization tools and SQL to create dashboards and reports with Looker Studio and BigQuery. Developed Python scripts to aggregate data through APIs.
- Developed fundraising software, such as creating flexible donation forms in Blackbaud's Luminate Online. Architected forms to capture more data for analysis.
- Was the technical lead on the web and data conversion of the online retail store to Shopify and a new design. Developed in Ruby. Online sales doubled after the launch and have continued to increase through targeted marketing tools, including SEO, email campaigns, and Google Shopping.
UC SAN FRANCISCO
- Contractor for the medical school's identity and access management team. Developed configuration management software.
BAY AREA NEWS GROUP and DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA
- Lead developer and architect on a cross-functional content management systems team for a company of 100 newspaper websites. Programmed PHP applications, WordPress sites, and feed processors. Chosen three times as a "Supreme Sprinter" -- someone whose work went beyond the expected so that the team could meet its goals.
- Technical lead for a team of ten, reviewing their work and code. Responsible for training new developers.
- Architected a content management system (CMS) for 30 sites, making sure the code was shared, modular, and extensible.
- Lead developer on implementing a new CMS in Java.
- Developed applications in PHP and JavaScript.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN
- Managed and developed for all NOW websites. Implemented new initiatives by creating new applications, designs, and templates, including blog and CMS software. Programmed in HTML/CSS, PHP, Perl, and JavaScript. Programmed databases in MySQL and PostgreSQL. Administered and configured Linux servers. Developed online catalog(s). Managed email campaigns. Managed information technology projects.
WASHINGTON POST NEWSWEEK INTERACTIVE
- In charge of The Washington Post's nationally prominent website on the weekends. Oversaw the work of other staff producing stories in a content management system. Produced a weekly plan for the direction of the website on the weekend.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN
- Designed and managed websites and developed strategies for online activities. Managed web staff. Created and managed online donation applications, databases, an online store, and communications systems.
AMERICAN POLITICAL NETWORK
- Responsible for Web strategy. Architected and developed a CRM application to manage subscriptions and sales outreach. Managed three marketing assistants and a marketing budget. Designed and programmed portions of APN's website.
WE THE PEOPLE
- Set up a non-profit organization headed by former governor Jerry Brown. Ran the office, supervised and trained staff and volunteers. Supervised press contacts, scheduling, fundraising, and all budgetary decisions. Developed a CRM application for all data management needs.
BROWN FOR PRESIDENT
- Oversaw computer operations for Jerry Brown's presidential campaign. Programmed a database application that connected donors, volunteers, and other contacts. Generated detailed data reports for FEC to obtain matching funds.
Education
Ongoing
Education through classes and experience
Continuing learning computer and data science, and technologies such as Python, React, Node.js, TypeScript, and AWS
University of Michigan
M.A. in Russian and East European Studies
Bryn Mawr College
B.A. with honors in Russian
Volunteer Experience
Bryn Mawr College
Member At Large, Alumnae/i Association Executive Board
May 2023 - present
Provided advice to the presidential search committee and on branding strategies. Spoke on a panel about data science. Also served on Alumnae Technology Committee.
Center for Accessible Technology
Board Member Secretary
April 2024 - present
Helped to pick a new executive director and set organizational policies. Currently serving on the executive committee as the board secretary.