Communications Assistant

Posted on: 2011-03-20

Professional Experience:

United Nations Information Center, Canberra, ACT
Outreach Intern, January-March 2011

Publications: “Act Like a Lady: Why Women Can and Must Help Run the World,” Internal Voices (Feb. 2011)

Duties: Monitor developments regarding UN communications priorities, update web site and post multimedia, craft story pitches, liaise with NGOs and government organizations for international dignitaries and visitors; coordinate and schedule press briefings and assist with targeted media, monitor the Australian public and press opinions on foreign aid and advise subsequent media outreach strategies, proactive media follow-up.

The Review Times, Fostoria, Ohio, Features Editor, November 2006-January 2010

The Findlay Courier and The Review Times, Staff Writer, March 2004-November 2006

Accomplishments and Awards: Doubled number of local features in first six months; created and coordinated Associated Press award-winning print and online Mysterious Disappearance contest; implemented high school mentorship program; Ohio Associated Press, Division I, 2009: Best Full-Page Layout, 2nd place; 2008: Best Headline Writer; 2007: Best Features Writer , 2ndplace; Best Headline Writer, 2nd; Best Special Section, 2nd; Best Enterprise Reporting, 1st ; 2006: Best Features Writer, 2nd place

Editorial duties: Responsible for project management and story assignments; layout of up to 12 pages daily, plus monthly special editions; wrote daily features and biweekly columns; created visual elements as needed; edited wire and staff stories; proofread daily pages

New Media duties: Responsible for updating Website; created pages (both copy and design) and multimedia as needed; launched Review Times blogs (winner of two Associated Press awards)

Managerial duties: Supervision of four full-time and two part-time employees; flexible, team-oriented approach, evidenced by Marketing, Web site redesign, and FISH! Philosophy committees memberships and “Weekend” edition task force participation; Power of the Pen judge; community speaker

First Step: Family Violence Intervention Center

Agency Monitor/Media Relations Assistant, July 1999 – November 2009 (present volunteer)

Duties: Launched agency Web site; designed and produced agency newsletter; created agency promotional materials; wrote copy for fund-raising materials, grants, and reports; crisis line operation (including emergency assessment, safety planning and domestic violence and rape counseling); data entry; administrative duties

Education

Masters of International Affairs, Australian National University, Distinction

Research Assistant, UNSW/ANU Interprofessional Learning Research Project – conducting interviews and writing summaries for long-term assessments

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Political Science, Miami University, Magna Cum Laude

Student Employee of the Month; College Democrats President, Student Disciplinary Board member

Computer Skills: Familiar with Mac and PC, Microsoft Office (Word, Works, Excel, Access, Publisher, PowerPoint, SharePoint), Adobe (Photoshop, InDesign, InCopy, Reader), Microsoft Expression, multimedia (Audacity, Soundslides, Goldwave), Raiser’s Edge, 80 wpm