Daniel Drains Jr.

Philadelphia, PA *****

ad4c3j@r.postjobfree.com

+1-215-***-****

As a seasoned news writer with four years of hands-on experience, I bring a wealth of expertise in crafting compelling narratives that inform, engage, and resonate with audiences. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in researching, interviewing, and synthesizing information to deliver accurate and insightful news stories across a diverse range of topics. My journey in journalism has equipped me with a keen understanding of the ever-evolving media landscape and the importance of staying ahead of the curve in terms of industry trends and emerging technologies. Whether covering breaking news, investigative pieces, or feature stories, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and ethics. One of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to distill complex information into accessible and engaging content that captivates readers and drives meaningful conversations. I thrive in fast-paced environments, where tight deadlines and shifting priorities are the norm, and I excel at multitasking and managing projects with meticulous attention to detail. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a relentless pursuit of truth, serving as a trusted source of information for my audience. I am adept at leveraging various digital platforms and social media channels to expand the reach of my work and foster meaningful connections with readers.

With a proven track record of delivering high-quality journalism under pressure, I am poised to make a significant impact in any newsroom or media organization. I am eager to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling and contributing to the ongoing evolution of the media industry. Work Experience

Freelance Writer

Chestnut Hill Local - Philadelphia, PA

January 2023 to February 2024

• Conducting in-depth research on various topics related to the Chestnut Hill community, including local events, businesses, personalities, history, and current affairs.

• Pitching unique and compelling story ideas to editors, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the publication's audience and editorial guidelines.

• Interviewing a diverse range of individuals, including community members, business owners, local officials, experts, and stakeholders, to gather information and insights for articles.

• Writing clear, accurate, and engaging articles that capture the essence of Chestnut Hill life, covering a wide array of subjects such as news, features, profiles, human interest stories, and opinion pieces.

• Adhering to strict deadlines and submitting completed articles on time, while also being adaptable to changes in editorial priorities and scheduling.

• Collaborating closely with editors and other team members throughout the writing process, incorporating feedback and revisions to ensure the highest quality of content.

• Conducting fact-checking and verification to ensure the accuracy and credibility of all information presented in articles.

• Developing and maintaining relationships with local sources, cultivating a network of contacts to facilitate ongoing story development and research.

• Attending community events, meetings, and gatherings to stay informed about developments and trends in Chestnut Hill, and to identify potential story opportunities.

• Generating multimedia content to complement written articles, such as photographs, videos, audio recordings, and interactive features.

• Adapting writing style and tone to suit different article formats and audience preferences, ranging from informative news pieces to engaging human interest stories.

• Contributing ideas and insights to editorial meetings, brainstorming sessions, and strategic planning discussions to help shape the direction and focus of the publication.

• Upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, ethics, and professionalism in all aspects of reporting, writing, and interactions with sources and readers.

• Promoting published articles through social media channels, newsletters, and other platforms to maximize visibility, reach, and audience engagement.

• Continuously seeking out opportunities for professional development, skill enhancement, and career advancement within the field of journalism and writing. Intern

Fox Corporation - Philadelphia, PA

June 2023 to December 2023

• Conducted extensive research on various local, national, and international news topics to assist in story development and content creation.

• Assisted in the writing and editing of news scripts for on-air broadcast, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to journalistic standards.

• Collaborated closely with producers, reporters, and editors to pitch story ideas, contribute to editorial meetings, and brainstorm creative approaches to storytelling.

• Monitored breaking news developments through multiple sources, including social media, wire services, and official press releases, to provide timely updates and coverage.

• Transcribed interviews, press conferences, and other relevant events to gather accurate quotes and information for news stories. Contributed to the production of multimedia content, including videos, slideshows, and interactive graphics, to enhance storytelling across different platforms.

• Conducted thorough fact-checking and source verification to uphold the integrity and credibility of news stories.

• Assisted reporters in field production, including conducting interviews, gathering footage, and capturing B-roll to support news coverage.

• Managed and updated content on the station's website, ensuring timely and accurate publication of articles and multimedia materials.

• Engaged with viewers on social media platforms, responding to comments, sharing content, and soliciting feedback to foster audience interaction and loyalty. Provided administrative support to the newsroom team, including organizing files, answering phones, and coordinating schedules. Participated in training sessions and workshops to develop and refine writing, reporting, and broadcasting skills.

• Adhered to strict deadlines and performed effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Upheld ethical guidelines and standards of journalism, including objectivity, fairness, and impartiality in reporting.

• Solicited feedback from supervisors and colleagues to continuously improve performance and enhance skills. Represented the station professionally at community events, press conferences, and other public appearances.

• Adapted quickly to new technologies and software tools used in the newsroom for writing, editing, and content management. Assisted in the coordination and execution of special news features, series, and investigative reports.

• Conducted interviews with newsmakers, experts, and community members to gather insights and perspectives for news stories. Monitored audience metrics and engagement analytics to evaluate content performance and inform editorial decisions.

Contributing Writer

Lancaster Bible College - Remote

January 2020 to December 2023

• Conducting in-depth research to identify newsworthy events, initiatives, and accomplishments within Lancaster Bible College.

• Interviewing faculty, staff, students, and alumni to gather firsthand information, quotes, and perspectives for news articles.

• Crafting engaging and informative news stories, feature articles, and profiles for publication across various platforms, including the college website, newsletters, and social media channels.

• Collaborating closely with the marketing and communications team to ensure alignment with branding guidelines and strategic objectives.

• Editing and proofreading articles to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to journalistic standards and college policies.

• Generating creative ideas and angles for storytelling to highlight the unique aspects and achievements of the college community.

• Attending campus events, lectures, and meetings to stay informed about developments and opportunities for coverage.

• Managing deadlines effectively to deliver content on schedule and meet publication requirements.

• Incorporating multimedia elements such as photos, videos, and infographics to enhance the visual appeal and impact of news articles.

• Monitoring audience engagement and feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of content and identify areas for improvement.

• Collaborating with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers to coordinate multimedia assets and ensure cohesive storytelling.

• Cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, sources, and community members to facilitate access to information and enhance coverage.

• Adhering to ethical standards and professional integrity in all aspects of reporting, including accuracy, fairness, and objectivity.

• Contributing insights and suggestions to editorial meetings to help shape content strategy and prioritize coverage areas.

• Staying informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in journalism and communications to continually enhance skills and knowledge. Education

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Leadership Lancaster Bible College

March 2024 to Present

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Lancaster Bible College

January 2020 to December 2023

Skills

• Fact Checking

• Journalism

• Content Creation

• Proofreading

• Blogging

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Public Relations

• Copy Editing

• Writing Skills

• Email Marketing

• Content Management

• Social Media Management

Languages

• English - Expert

Links

https://danieldrainsjr.com/blogs

Awards

Grace Endowed Scholarship Award

October 2022

Christian College Scholarship Award

March 2021

Certifications and Licenses

An Introduction to Proofreading

November 2022 to Present

Groups

President - Minority Student Association (MSA) at Lancaster Bible College November 2020 to December 2023

As the former President of the Minority Student Association at Lancaster Bible College, I spearheaded initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. I collaborated with faculty, staff, and students to organize events, workshops, and discussions aimed at fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of the college community. Through effective leadership and communication skills, I facilitated dialogue and advocated for the needs of minority students, contributing to a more vibrant and culturally enriched campus experience.

Contact this candidate