Communications and Media Specialist

Darren Jackson

Dolton, IL 708-***-**** ***************@******.***

Communications Specialist

Professional Profile

Dynamic communications and media professional with 11+ years of experience across journalism, broadcasting, education, customer service, warehouse operations, and public engagement. Proven track record of supporting live productions, improving audience engagement, managing high-volume responsibilities, and delivering effective communication across diverse environments. Professional Experience

Substitute Teacher – Delta T Group (Oct 2024 – Present)

• Delivered instructional support across 10+ classrooms and multiple grade levels while maintaining classroom continuity.

• Adapted to fast-paced educational environments with strong classroom management and communication skills.

Substitute Teacher – Kokua Education (Oct 2023 – Oct 2024)

• Supported student engagement and academic continuity across diverse Chicago-area schools.

• Built positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff to maintain productive learning environments.

Graduation Specialist – My FootPath (Mar 2024 – Oct 2024)

• Assisted students with individualized graduation planning and academic advising support.

• Conducted outreach initiatives and contributed to improved student retention and completion efforts.

Juvenile Justice Specialist – Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (Oct 2023 – Apr 2024)

• Managed youth caseloads while coordinating rehabilitation and support services.

• Facilitated communication between courts, families, and community organizations to support positive outcomes.

Visual Verification Specialist – ID Plans (Oct 2022 – Oct 2023)

• Verified and documented commercial property data with high accuracy using digital verification tools.

• Assisted in maintaining project efficiency through detailed reporting and collaboration. Sales Representative – TruGreen (May 2020 – Oct 2022)

• Increased customer engagement through strategic outreach and consultative sales techniques.

• Consistently met performance expectations while maintaining strong customer satisfaction. Associate Producer – WSIL ABC News (Oct 2018 – Dec 2019)

• Assisted in coordinating live news broadcasts and newsroom operations in a fast-paced media environment.

• Supported production scheduling, segment preparation, and script coordination for daily broadcasts.

• Collaborated with reporters, anchors, and production teams to ensure timely delivery of content. Associate Producer – WSIU-TV (PBS Affiliate) (Sep 2017 – Dec 2019)

• Supported production and broadcast operations for PBS-affiliated television programming.

• Coordinated scripts, production schedules, and studio preparation for live and recorded content.

• Assisted production teams in delivering organized, high-quality broadcasts. Camera Operator – ESPN3 (Sep 2017 – Dec 2019)

• Operated cameras for live sporting events and televised productions with attention to broadcast quality.

• Worked collaboratively with directors and crews to execute smooth live event coverage. Digital Journalist / Videographer Intern – What’s the Word Media (May 2017 – May 2019)

• Shot, edited, and published multimedia content highlighting community stories and events.

• Conducted interviews and contributed engaging digital storytelling content for online audiences. Camera Operator / Video Production (2016 – 2019)

River Region News, SIUC SPC-TV – Carbondale, IL

• Operated studio and field cameras for news and television productions.

• Assisted with directing and coordinating student-run broadcast segments. Intern – Crawford Broadcasting (May 2018 – Aug 2018)

• Assisted with radio production, script preparation, and promotional support.

• Supported live events and station operations in a fast-paced media setting. Warehouse & Forklift Experience

• Experienced in warehouse operations, inventory management, shipping & receiving, and forklift operation.

• Maintained workplace safety standards while supporting efficient material handling and logistics operations.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

Graduated: August 2015 GPA: 3.2

Skills

Broadcast Production, Journalism, Videography, Public Speaking, Digital Media, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, Microsoft Office, Customer Service, Forklift Operation, Warehouse Operations, Team Leadership

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