JEFF WATTRICK
Grosse Pointe Park,MI
Summary
Writer and communications professional focused on developing effective content for external and internal audiences. Adept at taking on a wide range of functions such as media relations, content creation and event planning.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance
Self Employed
01.2024 - Current
- Detroit Free Press columnist.
- Media relations support for clients.
- Freelance content creator.
Deputy Communications Director
State Of Michigan Licensing And Regulatory Affairs
11.2021 - 01.2024
- Facilitated executive-level internal and external communications.
- Created and produced monthly department-wide employee newsletter.
- Managed media inquiries and announcements.
- Organized and managed large-scale virtual meetings.
- Participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations of communications staff.
Deputy Communications Director
Office of Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans
01.2016 - 10.2021
- Drafted releases, op/eds, talking points, FAQs, and website content.
- Developed and executed County's social media strategy, achieving 50% audience growth year-over-year.
- Managed production of multimedia content.
- Managed media relationships, coordinated interviews, and served as organizational spokesman.
- Assisted with planning and execution of events including annual State of the County presentations.
Digital Managing Editor
WDIV/ClickOnDetroit.com
04.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed team responsible for Comscore-leading tv news website and social media channels.
- Delivered site's highest trafficked day with around-the-clock coverage during 2014 flooding event.
- Developed and produced special event live webcasts to expand content footprint.
- Verified facts, dates and statistics for content prior to publication.
- Developed story and content ideas for digital and broadcast.
Reporter
Deadline Detroit
03.2012 - 04.2014
- Covered political, business, sports and culture stories throughout Southeast Michigan.
- Developed and produced video and podcast content.
- Featured participant on local radio and television programs.
- Collaborated with editors to identify publication style and tone.
Reporter/Blogger
MLive Media Group
10.2010 - 03.2012
- Covered political, business, and sports culture stories throughout Southeast Michigan.
- Published multiple stories and blog posts daily.
- Managed social media and moderated comments sections.
- Reviewed and implemented editorial feedback to improve written content.
Copywriter
Digitas
05.2008 - 10.2010
- Managed content for monthly OnStar subscriber email program.
- Drafted and edited copy for email and direct mail marketing for General Motors clients.
- Participated in OnStar global rebranding, refreshing web and email content.
Project Manager
Tiger Stadium Conservancy
11.2006 - 05.2008
- Developed messaging and vision that ultimately led to baseball-redevelopment for former Tiger Stadium.
- Assisted with organization's development, including board building and working with contractors.
- Drafted successful grant proposals and Congressional earmark funding request.
- Managed multiple stakeholders, aligning common goals and communicating risks.
Reporter/Broadcast Engineer
WDET-FM
01.2004 - 06.2006
- Covered political, business, sports and culture stories throughout Southeast Michigan.
- Engineered local daily broadcast of NPR's Morning Edition program.
Education
Bachelor of General Studies -
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
05-2024
Skills
- Writer
- Media relations
- Social media storytelling
- Event production
- Communication planning
- Crisis communications
- Audio & video editing
- Multimedia journalism
References
Lauren Ann Davies – Meliora Creative
248-514-4103; Lauren.Ann.Davies@gmail.com
Bill Emkow – Bridge Michigan
734-218-2500; bill.emkow@gmail.com
Craig Fahle – VVK PR
704-995-5957; craig.fahle@gmail.com
William Nowling – Duffy Petrosky
313-310-2484; bill.nowling@gmail.com
James Martinez – CraftWord, LLC
313-348-0424; craftword.net@gmail.com
Timeline
Freelance
Self Employed
01.2024 - Current
Deputy Communications Director
State Of Michigan Licensing And Regulatory Affairs
11.2021 - 01.2024
Deputy Communications Director
Office of Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans
01.2016 - 10.2021
Digital Managing Editor
WDIV/ClickOnDetroit.com
04.2014 - 01.2016
Reporter
Deadline Detroit
03.2012 - 04.2014
Reporter/Blogger
MLive Media Group
10.2010 - 03.2012
Copywriter
Digitas
05.2008 - 10.2010
Project Manager
Tiger Stadium Conservancy
11.2006 - 05.2008
Reporter/Broadcast Engineer
WDET-FM
01.2004 - 06.2006
Bachelor of General Studies -
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY