Benjamin Kopnick
Richfield,Minnesota
Summary
I'm a thoughtful and dedicated communications professional with strong sense of messaging and attention to detail. I am most passionate about helping people and businesses tell their story
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Journalist
Eden Prairie Local News
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
04.2022 - Current
- Interview subjects, report and write stories for Eden Prairie Local News website
- Collaborate with editors to make necessary changes to stories
- Capture photos to complement online articles
- Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar, and punctuation by following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines
- Discuss issues with editors to establish angles for stories
- Collaborate with editors to create headlines that accurately reflect the story content
- Source expert opinions for stories from professionals in relevant fields
Editorial Assistant (Internship)
MSP Communications
St. Paul, Minnesota
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Ensured the accuracy of facts in the copy of agency publications, with focus on Independent Banker, by following the magazine's fact-check process
- Wrote copy for Independent Banker and other agency publications, including TechChannel
- Pitched stories to agency publications
- Proofread and edited content written by other members of the team
- Researched topics related to assigned projects
- Conducted research to support editorial content, ensuring accuracy and relevance
- Implemented SEO best practices in content creation and editing to enhance online visibility
Special Education Paraprofessional
Seven Hills Preparatory Academy
Richfield, Minnesota
02.2022 - 08.2022
- Assisted and supported special education students in grades 6-8 in mainstream classroom settings
- Furnished accommodations to students when necessary to foster a more suitable learning environment
- Provided academic instruction and support in one-on-one or small group settings
- Communicated and collaborated with classroom teachers, special education staff, and other school staff to determine how to best meet students' needs
- Managed student behavioral difficulties according to students' individualized education plans and communication with colleagues
Collaborative Test Scorer (Temporary)
The Right Staff
Remote
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Contracted by a staffing agency to remotely score standardized language arts tests
- Evaluated and graded tests based on a rubric in multiple states for multiple grade levels
- Met daily goals related to productivity and accuracy throughout the projects
Together Works Better Coordinator
Opportunity Partners
Minnetonka, Minnesota
01.2018 - 07.2020
- Facilitated the growth of the Together Works Better Initiative, a grant-funded pilot program designed to strengthen workplace integration for people with disabilities in community jobs
- Worked closely with colleagues to help nurture and maintain strong relationships with area businesses
- Provided on-site job coaching and assistance to employees, as well as on-site support to employers to help build stronger relationships between the two parties
- Served as the primary contact for employees and employers for questions and concerns related to workplace integration-Communicated with employees' team members when necessary regarding job-related concerns and logistical issues such as transportation
- Completed necessary notes and paperwork related to the program and people on my caseload
Discovery Specialist
Opportunity Partners
Bloomington, Minnesota
08.2016 - 01.2018
- Led people with disabilities through Discovery assessments, helping them build a foundation for their job search process
- Developed plans for best paths forward for participants through observations and interviews
- Wrote reports detailing the assessments, including making recommendations of vocational areas and specific workplaces for them to pursue further
Vocational Transitions and Evaluations Coordinator
Opportunity Partners
Bloomington, Minnesota
01.2016 - 08.2016
- Served as case manager and vocational evaluator for transitions students
- Worked in conjunction with Opportunity Partners' staff and the staff of the students' schools and help determine the best workplace fit for students
- Led the problem-solving process when situations arise involving transitions students
- Observed students in work environments and write evaluation reports for some students, making recommendations for their fitness for a certain work environment based on a variety of factors
Supported Employment Team Supervisor
Opportunity Partners
Minnetonka, Minnesota
03.2015 - 01.2016
- Taught people with disabilities tasks involved in running the mailroom at company's headquarters
- Provided support, including finding accommodations, to help people progress closer to independence in the workplace
- Wrote weekly notes on each person to communicate his or her performance and progress with other staff and involved parties
Job Coach
Minnesota Life College
Richfield, Minnesota
12.2012 - 02.2015
- Assisted post-secondary students with learning differences, including autism and ADHD, at job sites, to help them become more independent workers
- Found and implemented accommodations to support students in the workplace
- Communicated and collaborated with job-site supervisors to ensure that students were working as effectively as possible and the job site's needs were being met
- Noted students' behaviors each week in the categories of work performance, work behavior, workplace social skills, physical and environmental concerns and supervisor feedback
- Wrote quarterly reports for each student, explaining their assets and limitations and helping other staff determine student's long-term fitness for that type of work environment
- Managed a team of five other job coaches
Freelance Journalist
Patch.com
Twin Cities Area
11.2010 - 11.2011
- Conducted interviews and reported stories for the Patch.com group of websites
- Collaborated with editors to make necessary changes regarding story angle, structure, and grammar
- Photographed story subjects and events
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications with concentration in Print Journalism
University of St. Thomas
Skills
- Content marketing
- Copywriting
- Editing
- Interviewing
- SEO optimization
- Microsoft Office
- WordPress
Pronouns
he/him/his
Timeline
Editorial Assistant (Internship)
MSP Communications
01.2023 - 01.2024
Freelance Journalist
Eden Prairie Local News
04.2022 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Seven Hills Preparatory Academy
02.2022 - 08.2022
Collaborative Test Scorer (Temporary)
The Right Staff
04.2021 - 06.2021
Together Works Better Coordinator
Opportunity Partners
01.2018 - 07.2020
Discovery Specialist
Opportunity Partners
08.2016 - 01.2018
Vocational Transitions and Evaluations Coordinator
Opportunity Partners
01.2016 - 08.2016
Supported Employment Team Supervisor
Opportunity Partners
03.2015 - 01.2016
Job Coach
Minnesota Life College
12.2012 - 02.2015
Freelance Journalist
Patch.com
11.2010 - 11.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Communications with concentration in Print Journalism
University of St. Thomas
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