Ashley Watson
** ******** *****, **** *** 802-***-****
South Burlington, VT 05403 *************@*****.***
Profile
Self-motivated and creative professional with extensive writing, marketing, and online publication experience.
Excellent writing and communication skills with high attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to adapt to new
platforms and work in fast-paced environments. Proven customer service and interpersonal skills. Able to work
independently and as part of a team. Experience with various content management systems, Sales Force, WordPress,
basic HTML, and SEO best practices for website content development. Familiar with Final Cut Pro, InDesign,
SoundCloud, as well as podcast and radio production experience. Dedicated to expanding writing and content
development career while contributing my skills, experience, and enthusiasm to growing, socially conscious
organizations.
Professional Experience
®
Media Content Developer: FoodScience Corporation, April 2013-July 2014
Responsible for creating copy for blogs, website content, eBlasts, ads, video scripts, catalogs, and social media posts
Collaborate with marketing team to create a range of general marketing collateral for four different brands
Researching SEO tactics for best practices, keyword evaluation, and improving content and meta data
Senior Web Writer: iMarket Solutions, Nov. 2011-April 2013
Creating relevant and technically accurate content to increase traffic for clients in the HVAC and Plumbing vertical
Working with project managers, web developers, and SEO team to produce innovative strategies for our brand
Writing and editing site content, blogs, e-newsletters, and other marketing materials as needed
Freelance Writer: Contently.com, New York, NY, June 2011-Nov. 2011
Creating, editing, and delivering content that is engaging and informative
Working with content management systems to ensure that articles are written with SEO best practices
Submitting bi-weekly articles syndicated across various sites and platforms
Staff Writer, Freelance: Wisebread.com, Los Angeles, CA, June 2011-Present
Writing up to six articles a month in accordance with the site’s topic and time-specific needs
Implementing SEO language into metas, headlines, and tags to effectively market each post
Pitching ideas and working with Senior Editor to engage readers through interactive forums
Contributing Writer: Dealnews.com, Brooklyn, NY, Nov. 2010-May 2011
Researching and writing ten to twelve fact-based news articles per month for a consumer audience
Compiling and comparing online data for buyer’s guides, surveys, and top pick lists on various consumer goods
Working closely with editor and deal aggregators to integrate deals from our affiliates into content
Contract Writer: StudioGraphia, Tucson, AZ, 2009-2010
Gathering facts from McGraw Hill content to generate standardized test questions
Working with StudioGraphia writers to ensure quality control and accuracy of content
Maintaining communication with Senior Editor and updating progress and files as needed
Contract Writer: Prestwick House, Inc., Cheswold, DE, 2007-2008
Creating innovative activities to accompany literary works appropriate for high school English students
Using graphic design tools to create a range activities and lessons at varying difficulty levels
Working with Senior Editor to ensure quality, suggest possible enhancements, and offer solutions
Adjunct Lecturer: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2006-2007
Adapting the University's writing requirements into original syllabi for Freshman Composition courses
Teaching and mentoring students to gain stronger writing skills and to develop educational and career goals
Demonstrating an enthusiastic, articulate, and confident class presence to develop a rapport with each class
Summer Institute Professor: Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, 2005-2007
Designing syllabus for and teaching a Globalization and the Media course for three consecutive summers
Facilitating classroom discussion and maintaining positive relationships among students with various backgrounds
Assisting students with technology during preparation for colloquium presentation and final project
Associated Experience
Member Drive Volunteer: Vermont Public Radio, Burlington, VT, 2009-Present
Answering phones and receiving donations at the VPR call center during member drives
Speaking with members and potential donors in a polite and professional manner
Entering new donor information and updating member information accurately and efficiently
Volunteer On-Air Host: WRUV FM Burlington, Burlington, VT, 2008-2010
Hosting a weekly three-hour show and ensuring content remains complaint with FCC non-profit regulations
Representing WRUV in a positive and confident manner during fundraisers and community events
Writing and producing public service announcements, recruiting underwriters, and garnering listener support
Poetry Series Curator: West End Reading Series, Ithaca, NY, 2003-2005
Grant writing, managing budgets, and marketing for the West End Reading Series monthly poetry readings
Coordinating travel arrangements and accommodations for visiting poets, and maintaining community outreach
Creating and submitting formal reports for the grant committee at the end of each fiscal year
Team Leader: AmeriCorps NCCC, Washington, DC, 2001-2003
Managing and counseling a diverse team of eleven young adults through ten months of volunteer work
Facilitating conflict resolution, administering disciplinary procedures, and encouraging consensus building
Managing team’s work performance, to include quality control, supply management, and training needs
Education
Goddard College, Plainfield, VT 2006
MFA in Creative Writing
Maryville College, Maryville, TN 2001
BA Degree in English, Minor in Art
GPA: 3.97 (cumulative)