Justin Phillips
San Francisco,CA
Summary
Seasoned and multi-award-winning journalist with extensive experience in managing print communications and implementing proactive media strategies. Demonstrated track record of excellence in consistently delivering high-quality, engaging, and informative content. Skilled communications specialist adept at conveying complex information clearly and concisely. Expertise in building strong relationships with key stakeholders and deep understanding of the ever-evolving media landscape.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Columnist - Race and Equity
The San Francisco Chronicle
08.2019 - Current
- Leading The Chronicle's coverage of complex issues around race and equality in a variety of spaces, from local and state government policies to sports, restorative justice and the outdoors.
- Optimized columns for search engines, ensuring higher visibility and reach across the digital landscape.
- Spearheaded special projects within the publication, such as guest columns or themed series, to diversify content offerings and attract new readership segments.
- Maintained open communication with readers, responding to feedback and using it to inform future column topics.
- Increased reader retention by delivering insightful analysis and commentary on important issues affecting the community.
- Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
- Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
- Utilized SEO principles to optimize content for search engine rankings.
Diversity Committee Lead
The San Francisco Chronicle
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Initiated, led and oversaw a comprehensive review of The Chronicle's coverage of underrepresented groups in the region.
- Enhanced committee efficiency by streamlining communication channels and implementing a structured meeting agenda.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to junior staff members, fostering a positive team dynamic and encouraging career growth opportunities.
- Developed comprehensive reports on committee achievements, presenting findings to executive leadership and board members for review and action planning purposes.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Podcast Co-host - Extra Spicy
The San Francisco Chronicle
01.2020 - 01.2021
- In 2020, I was instrumental in launching Extra Spicy, a food and culture podcast I co-hosted with former restaurant critic Soleil Ho.
- Supported marketing efforts by attending promotional activities and representing the show at industry events.
- Coordinated with producers to ensure smooth transitions between segments and maintain a consistent flow throughout each episode.
- Developed strong relationships with guests and publicists, fostering a positive reputation for the show within the industry.
- Participated in community outreach initiatives on behalf of the show, strengthening its connection with listeners and local organizations.
- Interviewed show guests and moderated discussions.
Restaurant Industry Reporter
The San Francisco Chronicle
11.2016 - 01.2020
- Led our coverage of Bay Area restaurant industry issues through feature stories, investigations and daily beat reporting detailing new openings, closures and movements of celebrated chefs.
- Established credibility with sources by building strong relationships, resulting in exclusive interviews and scoops.
- Captured and edited audio, video and photographs to provide multimedia content to enhance stories.
- Enhanced storytelling capabilities by utilizing data visualization tools to create impactful visuals accompanying news articles.
- Contributed to increased readership by consistently delivering engaging and timely stories.
Reporter - City, Gaming, Features, Food Columnist
The American Press
08.2013 - 11.2016
- Led local coverage of Lake Charles' city government
- Articles ranged from hard news on local legislation to feature stories on the increase of city-wide redevelopment.
Weekly Restaurant Columnist
The Tri-Valley Herald
07.2011 - 11.2011
- Covered the region's expanding dining and nightlife scene which included numerous popular bars and Southern-inspired restaurants.
Reporter
The Contra Costa Times
06.2011 - 08.2011
- Served as the feature writer and breaking news reporter for print and web publications.
Multimedia Reporter
The Herald Times
06.2010 - 09.2010
- Served as the multimedia reporter for local news coverage
- Shot photos for both print and web publication while also creating long-form multimedia projects.
Multimedia Reporter
The Reporter-Times
06.2010 - 09.2010
- Served as the multimedia reporter for local news coverage
- Spent time as the web budget coordinator while also producing articles for web and print publications.
Corporate Communications Specialist
ToTal
07.2009 - 12.2009
- Served as photographer, videographer and layout and design coordinator
- Created print and multimedia pieces for both monthly magazines as well as the company web site.
Freelance Writer
The Town Talk
05.2008 - 09.2008
- Served as feature writer, investigative reporter, sports reporter and copy editor.
Feature Writer
The Jackson Sun
05.2008 - 09.2008
- Served as a feature writer, sports reporter and copy editor
- Spent time covering local nightlife including live shows and festivals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA05.2011
Skills
- Journalism
- Copy Editing
- Copywriting
- Content Creation
- Proofreading
- Media Relations
- Digital Marketing
- Blogging
- Team management (10 years)
- Project management (10 years)
- Exceptional Writing
- Proofreading skills
- Fact-checking proficiency
- Content Strategy
- Ethical reporting
- Deadline Adherence
Personal Information
- Title: Journalist - Media Relations - Communications - DEI
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Awards
- James Beard Award nominee 2018, 2019 - San Francisco Chronicle Food Section
- Louisiana-Mississippi Media Editors Award 2016 - Personal Column (Food)
- Established the Chronicle's Diversity Committee in 2018 aimed at increasing representation within the newsroom
- Chronicle podcast Extra Spicy's second season, won Best Podcast from the Society for Features Journalism
- Won a Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Media Editors award for his weekly while working in Louisiana
Timeline
Podcast Co-host - Extra Spicy
The San Francisco Chronicle
01.2020 - 01.2021
Columnist - Race and Equity
The San Francisco Chronicle
08.2019 - Current
Diversity Committee Lead
The San Francisco Chronicle
01.2018 - 12.2022
Restaurant Industry Reporter
The San Francisco Chronicle
11.2016 - 01.2020
Reporter - City, Gaming, Features, Food Columnist
The American Press
08.2013 - 11.2016
Weekly Restaurant Columnist
The Tri-Valley Herald
07.2011 - 11.2011
Reporter
The Contra Costa Times
06.2011 - 08.2011
Multimedia Reporter
The Herald Times
06.2010 - 09.2010
Multimedia Reporter
The Reporter-Times
06.2010 - 09.2010
Corporate Communications Specialist
ToTal
07.2009 - 12.2009
Freelance Writer
The Town Talk
05.2008 - 09.2008
Feature Writer
The Jackson Sun
05.2008 - 09.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Louisiana Tech University
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