Managing Editor at Imagination Publishing
Greater Chicago Area
- Current
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- Managing Editor at Imagination Publishing
- Past
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- Cross-Platform Editor at Vance Publishing
- Marketing/Advertising Director at Medill School of Journalism, Midwest Current Magazine
- Consumer Affairs Reporter at Medill News Service
- Adjunct Instructor in Composition at Red Rocks Community College
- Editorial Intern, Mpls./St. Paul Magazine at MSP Communications
- Education
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- Northwestern University
- University of Arizona
- Carleton College
- Connections
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39
connections
- Industry
- Media Production
- Websites
Jessica Wangsness’s Summary
Jessica Wangsness’s Specialties:
Content generation and management, cross-platform content strategies, branding/marketing, writing, editing, social media
Jessica Wangsness’s Experience
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Managing Editor
Imagination Publishing
(Privately Held; Marketing and Advertising industry)
February 2009 — Present (6 months)
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Cross-Platform Editor
Vance Publishing
(Privately Held; Publishing industry)
March 2008 — January 2009 (11 months)
● In charge of content and brand strategy for a vertically integrated B2B trade publisher.
● Create innovative content linking strategies for print and web properties: co-led the campaign to unite the branding of four trade and consumer industrial/closets websites and magazines as part of an effort to generate $500K in digital revenue.
● Write extensively for websites and blogs.
● Develop social networking modules to create specialized trade forums and new venues to promote company products and services.
● Involved in SEO campaigns to enhance search engine rankings. -
Marketing/Advertising Director
Medill School of Journalism, Midwest Current Magazine
(Media Production industry)
September 2007 — December 2007 (4 months)
● Led the advertising campaign for an internationally distributed regional travel magazine prototype and website developed at the Medill School of Journalism and targeting over 4.8 million potential readers.
● Shaped a full range of marketing opportunities, including sponsorships, supplements, integrated marketing solutions, custom publishing, strategic alliances and promotions across numerous media channels.
● Conducted a comprehensive advertising campaign: pre-qualified 450 advertisers from a pool of over 1,700; distributed 108 media kits and achieved a 10% conversion rate, resulting in provisional sales of nearly $300K in integrated media packages (web and print) to advertisers such as L.L. Bean and Eucerin.
● Tapped as the presentation coach for the 16-member team, training for a series of three major presentations, including one to Meredith Corporation.
● Contributed extensive content for print and online prototypes.
● Spearheaded competitive analysis. -
Consumer Affairs Reporter
Medill News Service
(Media Production industry)
March 2007 — June 2007 (4 months)
● Covered the consumer affairs beat.
● Clips published in papers and on websites such as Chicago Defender, Daily Herald, Daily Southtown, Northwest Indiana Times, Beep Central and Chi-Town Daily News. -
Adjunct Instructor in Composition
Red Rocks Community College
(Educational Institution; 501-1000 employees; Higher Education industry)
September 2005 — December 2006 (1 year 4 months)
I taught several sections on introductory composition courses with the specific intention of making writing a useful and engaging enterprise. To accomplish that goal, I created workshop groups in which students learned from one another's comments as much as my own. I also taught persuasive writing, encouraged critical thinking and tried to infuse imagination into academic writing.
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Editorial Intern, Mpls./St. Paul Magazine
MSP Communications
(Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Publishing industry)
January 2001 — June 2001 (6 months)
● Published several pieces in a regional lifestyle publication with a total market reach of 575K.
● Interviewed several notable figures connected to the Twin Cities, including polar explorer Ann Bancroft and internationally renowned composer Libby Larsen.
● Managed arts and events listings.
Jessica Wangsness’s Education
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Northwestern University
MS , Journalism (Magazine Publishing) , 2007 — 2007
A grad program structured like a full-time job, Medill offers students a dynamic opportunity to experience journalism, not just study it. We report, edit, launch magazine concepts, shoot video, style graphics, create websites, develop audio sideshows and podcasts, and engage in stimulating conversation about everything under the moon.
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University of Arizona
MFA , Creative Writing (Fiction) , 2001 — 2003
- Activities and Societies:
- Graduate Assistant in Teaching (taught introductory composition courses), Foundation Award winner (2001), Introductory Fiction Workshop (taught one section, opportunity given as an award) (2002). I also spent one semester teaching as an adjunct instructor after graduation.
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Carleton College
BA , English , 1996 — 2000
- Activities and Societies:
- Graduated magna cum laude, participated in several theater arts productions, spent one semester studying theater at the National Theater Institute in Waterford, CT. Winner of Huntington Poetry Prize (1999) and Class of 1885 Prize for Fiction (1999 and 2000)
Additional Information
Jessica Wangsness’s Websites:
Jessica Wangsness’s Interests:
Professional: Media, trade publishing, digital content, social networking strategies, marketing/branding, writing, editing. Personal: Competitive show-jumping (with horses), writing fiction, all things urban and cultural.
Jessica Wangsness’s Groups:
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA national and MN Chapter), Minnesota Magazine & Publications Association (MMPA), United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), United States Hunter and Jumper Association (USHJA)
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LinkEds & writers -
Medill Alumni -
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA National) -
Carleton College Alumni -
Minnesota Public Relations -
FOLIO: MediaPRO -- Magazine & eMedia Publishing Professionals -
Friends of the MMPA -
United States Equestrian Federation -
Custom Publishing
Jessica Wangsness’s Honors:
2008: 1st Place for Consumer Magazine/People Story from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) for "The Keeper of Peacocks"
2008: 2nd Place for Start-up Magazine Project from the AEJMC for Midwest Current Magazine (group effort)
Jessica Wangsness’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
