Jenny Swigoda Leyh
Haddonfield,NJ
Summary
Communications professional with editorial planning, content strategy, and copyediting expertise across nonprofit research and media. Advises leaders on messaging, develops talking points and briefing notes, and manages content calendars. Produces clear, consistent web and donor communications supported by visual storytelling and rigorous fact-checking.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Specialist
Healing Works Foundation
Washington, DC
01.2021 - Current
- Advised leadership on communications strategy and messaging to engage donors, communities, and stakeholders effectively.
- Prepared talking points and briefing notes for executive meetings to facilitate informed discussions.
- Developed and edited content to ensure clarity and consistency in organizational voice across all platforms.
- Coordinate outreach materials with program teams and external partners.
Freelance Copywriter
Self-Employed
04.2017 - Current
- Wrote website copy for clients across multiple industries, tailoring content to engage target audiences and meet project goals.
- Collaborated with designers and creative professionals to develop original content that aligns with client branding and objectives.
- Edited existing copy for clarity and consistency, enhancing readability while maintaining the original message.
- Managed concurrent client assignments and met tight deadlines.
Communications Coordinator
Samueli Foundation
Washington, DC
03.2019 - 12.2020
- Advised leadership on communications strategy to enhance organizational messaging.
- Coordinated with stakeholders across departments to ensure consistent messaging across all communications channels.
- Drafted press releases, newsletters, and website copy.
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Single Carrot Theater
Baltimore, MD
11.2015 - 06.2016
- Prepared press materials for productions and special events to generate media coverage and increase visibility.
- Developed social media content and newsletters to enhance audience engagement for productions and community programs.
- Updated website content with timely production details and ticket information to improve user experience.
Communications Specialist
Samueli Institute
Alexandria, VA
06.2014 - 11.2015
- Directed communications for health research initiatives and public education, enhancing stakeholder engagement.
- Wrote website content to promote research, programs, and institute's mission, improving online visibility.
- Managed content calendars for campaigns, events, and organizational announcements, ensuring timely and coordinated messaging.
- Edited reports, newsletters, publications, and briefing materials for accuracy, clarity, and brand consistency.
- Supported leadership with strategic messaging and internal communications.
Content Manager
Reserve Officers Association
Washington, DC
04.2013 - 06.2014
- Coordinated editorial calendars for web, email, and social channels to ensure consistent messaging.
- Managed website content and edited newsletters and articles to enhance member communications and advocacy.
- Reviewed content for accuracy and alignment with brand voice and policy to maintain high-quality standards.
- Wrote congressional alerts, veteran-focused content, and membership outreach materials.
Executive Editor
The Wire
Cherry Hill, NJ
02.2012 - 12.2012
- Directed editorial planning and commissioned impactful stories for daily news coverage.
- Edited stories and headlines for accuracy, clarity, and structure, ensuring publication readiness.
- Coordinated reporters, editors, and freelancers to streamline fast-paced newsroom workflows.
- Oversaw fact-checking and source verification for sensitive coverage.
Photo Editor & Staff Photographer
The Northeast Times
Philadelphia, PA
03.2006 - 02.2012
- Selected and edited photographs for breaking news, features, and local coverage, ensuring timely delivery of compelling visuals.
- Edited and retouched images using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Collaborated with reporters and editors to enhance visual storytelling and crafted contextual captions to provide clarity.
- Maintained editorial image archives and assessed photographs for publication quality, contributing to a streamlined editorial process.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Rutgers University
06-2005
Skills
Communications Strategy - Content Strategy - Writing and Copyediting - Executive Communications - Donor and Stakeholder Messaging - Website Content Management - Editorial Planning - Newsletters and Press Materials - Fact-Checking - Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
Selected Awards
The War Within (2012): First Place, Multimedia, National Press Photographers Association; Second Place, Distinguished Writing, and Honorable Mention, Investigative Reporting, Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Keystone Awards. Coverage followed veterans navigating illness, employment, and permanent housing while living in a community center., Moms Interrupted (2011): Honorable Mention, Investigative Reporting, Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Keystone Awards. Coverage examined the experiences of pregnant women in Philadelphias prison system.
Advocacy and Training
- Young Survival Coalition, State Leader, 2018, Present
- National Breast Cancer Coalition, Project LEAD Graduate, 2023
Timeline
Communications Specialist
Healing Works Foundation
01.2021 - Current
Communications Coordinator
Samueli Foundation
03.2019 - 12.2020
Freelance Copywriter
Self-Employed
04.2017 - Current
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Single Carrot Theater
11.2015 - 06.2016
Communications Specialist
Samueli Institute
06.2014 - 11.2015
Content Manager
Reserve Officers Association
04.2013 - 06.2014
Executive Editor
The Wire
02.2012 - 12.2012
Photo Editor & Staff Photographer
The Northeast Times
03.2006 - 02.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Rutgers University