John Grimaldi
Lake Grove,NY
Summary
Strategic Communications Specialist with a knack for completing tasks both productively and efficiently. Skilled in crafting compelling messages, managing social media content, and developing effective communication strategies. Excel in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving to meet and surpass organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Effects Technician
JDLFX
Bethpage, NY
04.2025 - Current
- Installed and operated atmospheric effects at concert venues, festivals, and events.
- Operated and maintained pyrotechnic and atmospheric equipment to ensure readiness for events.
- Fulfilled venue contracts by coordinating delivery of all client-requested equipment.
- Logged and maintained inventory of FX equipment and power cables to support efficient operations.
Project Employee
National Basketball Association
Secaucus, NJ
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Collaborated with basketball strategy, analytics, and operations departments to improve accuracy of game analysis.
- Monitored real-time game actions to flag critical operational situations for review by officials, ensuring adherence to regulations.
- Identified and tagged statistics during live games for timely distribution to NBA teams, enhancing data accessibility.
Production Assistant
CBS Sports
New York, NY
09.2021 - 04.2024
- Assisted in production of NFL Today, March Madness, Inside College Basketball, Inside College Football, and Super Bowl LVIII.
- Collaborated with lead tape producer to create features and teases for award-winning NFL Today.
- Coordinated logistical support for talent arrivals and departures, ensuring seamless event execution.
- Supported crew members during on-site production activities and events.
- Managed footage sourcing and retrieval within CBS media databases.
- Executed multiple tasks across filming areas, contributing to improved operational workflow.
Contributor
FanSided, ‘Call to the Pen’
Remote
03.2023 - 01.2024
- Crafted engaging news articles and analyses for Fansided's MLB website, enhancing reader experience.
- Collaborated with editors to refine article drafts, ensuring timely publication and alignment with editorial standards.
- Applied writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce error-free content.
- Adhered to company policies and editorial guidelines throughout content creation process.
On Air Talent and Studio Engineer
WRHU 88.7FM
Hempstead, NY
05.2016 - 05.2018
- Delivered play-by-play and color commentary for Hofstra Athletics, enriching audience experience across soccer, basketball, baseball, field hockey, and lacrosse
- Hosted and operated board for talk shows, coach’s shows, and Hofstra Athletics pregame/postgame coverage, enhancing listener engagement and program flow
- Produced live in-game highlights for New York Islanders radio broadcasts, contributing to dynamic content for listeners
Senior Staff Writer
The Hofstra Chronicle
Hempstead, NY
10.2015 - 05.2018
- Covered Hofstra Athletics for weekly publication, editing and refining content from staff writers to ensure clarity and accuracy
- Provided real-time event coverage and engaged audience through social media during live sporting events, enhancing fan interaction
Intern Reporter
Long Islander
Huntington, NY
06.2016 - 04.2018
- Interviewed public officials and athletes to produce publication-ready articles that informed community readership
- Reported on local events and community promotions in the Town of Huntington, enhancing public awareness and engagement
- Contributed weekly articles featured in each publication issue, ensuring timely and relevant coverage of community topics
- Delivered consistent weekly contributions featured in each issue of the publication
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism and English
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY05-2018
Skills
- Content creation
- Social media management
- Writing and editing
- Audience engagement
- Website management
- SEO optimization
- Podcast production
- Proofreading
- Copyediting
- Social media oversight
Involvement And Projects
The Animal House
Writer, Editor and Social Media Manager
- Facilitate partnerships with sports media companies for promotion and to create content.
- Grow and manage social media accounts, create and post videos that properly align with brand.
- Establish editorial direction and publication policies for website while optimizing best SEO practices for maximum exposure.
- Write blogs covering the NFL, NBA, and MLB, including breaking news, opinions and analysis, fantasy, and sports gambling.
- Review articles for grammar, spelling, and accuracy.
From My Point of View Podcast
Creator and Host
- Produce, host, and edit podcast covering major sports leagues storylines, teams, players, and games.
- Distribute audio through Apple Podcasts and Spotify and optimize clips for social media
Timeline
Special Effects Technician
JDLFX
04.2025 - Current
Project Employee
National Basketball Association
09.2023 - 04.2024
Contributor
FanSided, ‘Call to the Pen’
03.2023 - 01.2024
Production Assistant
CBS Sports
09.2021 - 04.2024
Intern Reporter
Long Islander
06.2016 - 04.2018
On Air Talent and Studio Engineer
WRHU 88.7FM
05.2016 - 05.2018
Senior Staff Writer
The Hofstra Chronicle
10.2015 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism and English
Hofstra University