James Gent
Dundas,ON
Summary
Experienced content, copy and technical writer, editor, and production coordinator. Resourceful press officer known for high productivity and efficient task completion. More than a decade of communications and editorial experience both online and in-print across multiple countries/cultures in Europe, North America and the United Arab Emirates. Proven track record of generating positive publicity and engaging editorial content for current and previous employers.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Editor-at-Large / Press Officer
CREVENTIC
01.2018 - Current
- Lead content generator for 24H SERIES website and B2C/B2B print magazines.
- Develops, initiates, and oversees weekly and monthly content plans; overhauled previous system for more efficient turnaround.
- Produces all press releases for external and internal communications; implemented a more tailored direction for series' target audience to almost double Mailchimp open rates within three years.
- Lead admin on Twitter/X during event weekends; senior consultant on Facebook, X and Instagram content plans week-to-week.
- Manages and maintains the official online news page, leading to significant quantitative and qualitative improvement of published content.
Editorial - Features, Reviews, and News
TheCharge.ca / AutoTrader
10.2021 - 04.2023
- Head news writer; proven ability to produce time-sensitive content accurately and to tight deadlines
- Coordinated, wrote and photographed products for editorial audience
- Lead liaison with local media fleets and PR/marketing agencies thanks to strong interpersonal relationships
- Made targeted and impactful change as core member of editorial team; spearheaded new ‘twin test’ consumer content for the site within first three months, inspired by user feedback
- Completed multiple B2B sponsored projects for national manufacturers
Features Writer and Head of News Desk
Petrolicious
10.2019 - 07.2021
- Oversaw a team of freelance news writers; delegated tasks as lead editor and proof-reader, and uploaded all SEO-optimized content personally
- Adept at prioritizing time-sensitive content in a high-pressure working environment; outperformed and surpassed office expectations by increasing weekly content turnover by 25 percent
- Researched and authored long-form features, product reviews, list articles and video scripts; liaised directly with editor regarding monthly freelance budget and contributions
- Well-practiced at interviewing OEM CEOs and other heads of industry
Publishing Editor and Web Editor
EVO Magazine / Crankandpiston.com
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
06.2014 - 07.2017
- Lead content generator and chief editor for monthly print magazine and affiliate website
- Managed and maintained official YouTube channel and web domain; focus on long-term planning saw content generation and uploads almost double during first year
- Liaised with EVO’s Editor-in-Chief and Publisher regarding content, deadlines, task allocation, and monthly budgets
- Supervised, supported, and collaborated directly with in-house graphic designers and photographers; edited contributions accordingly to enhance magazine quality month-on-month, indirectly leading to elevated interest from advertisers
- Reevaluated and restructured online content commitments upon promotion from Deputy Editor to Publishing Editor; increased regional-specific posts by up to 30 per cent per month leading to an increase in unique/return visitors and reduced bounce rate
- Social media manager for crankandpiston.com and EVO Magazine; synchronized schedules for Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram
Senior Communications Consultant
Awesome Group
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
01.2012 - 06.2017
- Managed PR and marketing relations with local OEMS and ad agencies, generating regional promotional and sponsorship opportunities; developed and wrote professional presentations for elevator pitches
- Authored tailored B2B and B2C content as per client brief, prioritizing brand voice and tone; assigned as technical writer to content requiring clear and engaging explanation of complex subject matter
- Production coordinator on sponsored video and photography projects for international brands
- Acted as company representative at launches, shows, conferences and other key networking opportunities
Education
Master of Arts - Literary Studies
University of Lancaster
UKBachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Lancaster
UKSkills
- Content Development
- Strong writing skills
- Proofreading and editing abilities
- Brand Messaging
- Press release creation
- SEO writing
- CMS (WordPress, MakeItLive)
- Adobe Creative Cloud Pro
- Google Docs
- Mailchimp email marketing
- Quality Control Analysis (VisibleThread)
Timeline
Editorial - Features, Reviews, and News
TheCharge.ca / AutoTrader
10.2021 - 04.2023
Features Writer and Head of News Desk
Petrolicious
10.2019 - 07.2021
Editor-at-Large / Press Officer
CREVENTIC
01.2018 - Current
Publishing Editor and Web Editor
EVO Magazine / Crankandpiston.com
06.2014 - 07.2017
Senior Communications Consultant
Awesome Group
01.2012 - 06.2017
Master of Arts - Literary Studies
University of Lancaster
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Lancaster
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