JESSE WRIGHT
Managing Editor, Writer, Photographer
662-313-6618
www.thejessewright.com
PROFILE
· International journalist, photographer, radio, video, podcast producer
· Corporate media editor, writer and content developer
· Communications pro with strong editing and proofreading skills
· Winner of multiple statewide awards for writing and design
· Expert knowledge in Associated Press style
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
· Led a team of journalists for newspapers in Chicago, Mississippi and Texas
· Led a local newspaper to second place for best overall newspaper in Mississippi
· Content developer and editor for international business clients
· Photo and print journalist for over 10 years
· Launched communications department at the University of Mississippi School of Law
WORK
Freelance writer/photographer
The Chicago Tribune
1/2018 — Present
Writer, editor and content developer
NIIT Training
9/2019 — 3/2020
Researched, wrote and developed scripts based on legal documents for web-based trainings for the Real Estate Council of Ontario
Interfaced with international clients to discuss content and to get project information
Researched and edited training documents for clarity and accuracy for Boeing
Worked as part of a group to hit targets and achieve deliverables on time
Editor/writer/photographer
The Streeterville News/The New Eastside News
7/2018 — 9/2019
Led production of two downtown Chicago newspapers’ editorial content
Managed staff
Managed social media accounts and websites through a combination of Adobe systems, HTML and CSS to facilitate greater web traffic
Managing Editor
Boone Newspapers
2015 –2017
Led production of a newspaper's editorial department, managed a staff of five
Slashed costs in editorial budget by 15 percent
Partnered with other agencies within the community
Led publication on magazines
Managed social media accounts and websites through a combination of Adobe systems, HTML and CSS to facilitate greater web traffic
Managing Editor
The Clarksdale Press Register
2012 –2015
Began as a reporter, worked up to managing editor
Designed pages, managed staff, wrote stories, took photographs and edited photos
Directed news coverage and managed a staff of two
Updated social media accounts and website
Planned, designed and laid out four magazines a year, plus special sections
Slashed operational costs by 10 percent while raising web traffic by five percent
Managed social media accounts and managed the website through a combination of Adobe systems, HTML and CSS to facilitate greater internet visibility
Public information officer
University of Mississippi
2010 – 2012
Was media relations coordinator for the University of Mississippi School of Law
Maintained positive brand image through press releases, web content, podcasts, videos and photos
Developed internal media and communication strategies for the law school
Worked with different departments within the law school, including admissions in order to recruit top students of color to the school
Organized social media campaigns through Facebook and blogs, attracting hundreds of new visitors, fans
Wrote/mixed/edited 30 radio spots for Mississippi Public Broadcasting
International correspondent
East Timor
2006 – 2008
Provided daily copy and photos from East Timor and Asia
Covered economics, politics, immigration and social issues
Worked for papers and websites in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the United States
Print Media Advisor
International Center for Journalists, East Timor
2007 – 2008
Developed and executed trainings for newspapers and community radio stations and developed internal programs for ICFJ Timor which led to better national news coverage and award-winning stories
Started a newspaper, trained staff
Developed a country wide strategy for media elections coverage
Helped develop a regional media development center
Wrote and executed journalism curriculum in native language for Timorese journalists
United Nations media trainer
East Timor
2005 – 2006
Worked with local counterpart to train in Tetun (the local language) 18 public servants representing five ministries in media and public relations as part of government program to increase capacity of staff and improve information outreach
Wrote and implemented new training modules based on trainees’ unique skill level and needs
Taught trainees how to organize press conferences, write press releases, and deliver messages to news media in a timely manner
Designed and created a public relations textbook for the program
Peace Corps, Timor Leste
Health Promotion Volunteer, 2004 – 2005
Worked and lived as part of the community in an undeveloped town; promoted positive health practices and small business/community development
Mentored community members to start several small business groups to promote economic development through the sale of locally made goods in a tourist market in Dili, the capital.
Wrote curriculum and taught health to middle school children in local language
Peace Corps, Haiti
Agriculture Volunteer, 2003 – 2004
Worked and lived as part of the community in an undeveloped town
Assisted bee farmers to maximize local honey production
Assisted the local disabled community to create international market for artisans’ handmade goods
EDUCATION
University of Mississippi: Master’s Degree in Southern Culture December, 2010
Stephen F. Austin State University: Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Minor in film December, 2000
SOFTWARE
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Quark, Final Cut, and various audio editing software, Microsoft Office
LANGUAGES
English, Haitian Creole, and Tetun and some Spanish