Kim Ratcliff

Los Gatos, CA www.linkedin.com/in/kimratcliff

408-***-**** www.kimratcliff.com

acum5c@r.postjobfree.com

OBJECTIVE Editor/Writer/Social Media Content Creator

SUMMARY

Professional writer/editor with significant experience. Brings tested and proven journalist skills to storytelling that can advance the university’s reputation, visibility, and stature across several platforms, including digital and print. Demonstrated knowledge of planning, editing, and production process. Skilled in multiple writing styles, and able to adapt voice and tone. Credits include The Los Angeles Times, the Mercury News, Entertainment Weekly, In Style and Sunset. Creative storyteller. Abreast of current trends and social media. Organized, resourceful and tenacious.

EXPERIENCE

Leveling Editor (Freelance) 2015-present

Newsela.com, Palo Alto, CA

Customize daily news articles from top media sources (LA Times, the Associated Press, Washington Post) at five reading levels to engage students in grades 2-12 for educational news site.

Copy edit, fact-check, and proofread high-interest digital articles targeted toward Newsela’s 5 million student readers/teachers in more than 100 countries.

Bring appropriate shape, tone and voice to high-interest stories.

Freelance Writer/Editor 2000-present

Parents magazine feature “Are You a Germaphobe Mom?” was featured on the TODAY show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

“Five Girls Fight Back," a Seventeen magazine cover story about high school girls who battled sexual harassment was the basis for the television movie "Stand Against Fear."

Built long-term working relationships with the Mercury News’ editors; regular freelancer for over 15 years. Honed my pitching skills and developed story ideas into assignments for SV Home, Travel and Eye entertainment sections, as well as the Sunday magazine.

Utilized my creativity and unique voice to write blogs and social media content for a variety of clients including the Menkes Dermatology Clinic, Studio Ziffer Interior Design, Yoga Source, Liv La Vie boutique and Bunches Flower Shop.

Writer/Editor 2011-2013

Patch.com, Los Gatos, CA

Contributed engaging digital articles and videos that helped the Los Gatos Patch gain one of the highest readerships in the U.S.

Developed, researched, reported, and wrote stories for AOL’s community-specific online news site adhering to tight deadlines.

My “No More Bakin’ and Bikinis” column was one of the most viewed on losgatospatch.com. It was featured in the Melanoma Research Foundation’s national marketing materials.

Wrote breaking news stories, “Whiz Kid of the Week,” and “About Town” humor column.

Assisted Senior News Editor in copy editing, content planning, and photography/video coordination.

Contributing Editor 2003-2009

Home Companion Magazine

Successfully supported the editor with managing schedule and flow of materials for design production of national lifestyle-shelter magazine with a circulation of 550,000.

Helped increase circulation 30% by developing, researching, and write engaging features and artist profiles.

Tapped into top-notch people skills to manage and coordinate photographers, graphic artists, designers, and illustrators.

Helped transition magazine into digital age by contributing podcasts and blogs.

Grabbed readers’ attention with engaging headlines, subheads, and photo captions.

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Alumni Editor

San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

Collaborated with editor on schedule and content for each print edition, successfully helping transition Washington Square Magazine from a black and white tabloid to a 26-page, four-color glossy publication.

Wrote a range of stories including in-depth alumni profiles on notable alums including Bill Walsh; contributed to “Spartan News” and “Alumni Chronicles.”

Forged alliance with San Jose Downtown Association and conceived engaging features including “After Dark: Adventures on and Around Campus” to bridge Town and gown connection.

Copy edited, fact-checked and proofed copy; supervised freelancers and interns.

Secured artwork and managed deadlines for photographers and graphic designers.

Contributed compelling stories about special events/fundraisers including the Fiesta de San Jose Auction and Sparta Block Party.

EDUCATION

BA Journalism & Psychology, San Diego State University

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