Resume

Core Competencies

Writing and Editing

  • Excellent reporting, writing, copyediting and proof reading skills. Applies these skills and solid knowledge of CP style to developing content. Good news judgement, ability to think independently and distill stories from masses of information.

Project Management

  • Managing and updating web site components, uploading content into content management systems.
  • Ability to manage freelance writers or staff, multiple priorities and schedules. Ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment and bring project to completion upon deadline.

Communication

  • Versatile writer with ability to use language with precision and clarity.
  • Digital media enthusiast, skilled practitioner of web tools, social media.

Research

  • Conducts detailed research, including content development, identifying sources and background material.
  • Technical skills include knowledge of WordPress, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Indesign, Quark Xpress and photography courses.

Leadership

  • Capability to make executive decisions, train new editorial staff, delegate projects and communicate with other stakeholders to ensure that work is proceeding according to schedule.
Experience

Freelance journalist
September 2008 - present
Clients have included:

Assistant Editor
Okotoks Living magazine, by Source Media Group (June 2009 - present)

  • Contributed stories, assigned and edited freelance news and features, copy edited stories and proofs, arranged for interviews and photo shoots with sources. Took lead on profiles, features and photos each issue.
  • Okotoks Living Winter 2009 edition won second place, “Best Cover” category from Alberta Magazine Publishers Association.

Media consultant
Corpen Group, Calgary, AB (2010)

  • Assisted in conducting research and investigation for client education by interviewing employees thoroughly as fictitious daily news reporter. Worked alongside oil and gas professionals staging a mock-disaster for emergency preparedness.

Assistant Editor
High River Times (June 2007-August 2008)

  • Wrote features, news, investigative articles and series for bi-weekly newspaper. Pitched story ideas and oversaw coverage in four major areas: municipal and town council, education and crime. Initiated coverage for and oversaw completion of special seasonal supplements.
  • Leadership skills honed when acted as Interim Managing Editor in absence of Editor, supervised two reporters, an intern and production staff. Promoted from reporter to assistant editor in 2008.

Freelance Journalist
The Halifax Daily News (December 2006 - March 2007)

  • Contributed soft news, features and music reviews to the newspaper and website.

Editorial Intern
The Halifax Daily News (November - December 2006)

  • As an intern, wrote a major news story about an outbreak of the Norwalk virus hitting Halifax- area hospitals, resulting in front page coverage.
  • Laid out pages, photos and cut lines, corrected errors, wrote punchy headlines and made copy concise and readable. Maintained strict production deadlines.

Editor
(July - August 2005)

  • Book Newport Landing written by Paul Webb, published by the Avon River Heritage Society Museum.
Education

Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) 2002-2007
University of King's College, Halifax, Nova Scotia

  • Received training in all forms of media including newspapers, online, radio, and television. In-Depth instruction in ethics, research, copy-editing and court reporting; included lessons in computer-assisted reporting.

Email me for a printable, PDF version of my resume.