Ray Downs
Philadelphia,PA
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Content Manager
Endeavor Schools
Miami, FL
02.2019 - 10.2025
- Created marketing content strategies for a nationwide education company
- Produced a monthly newsletter and podcast about children's education and parenting that reaches more than 12,000 subscribers
- Led business-to-business communication efforts to acquire new schools, helping the company double its total number of campuses
- Collaborated with educators to create academic information materials for parents
Reporter
United Press International
Miami, FL
11.2015 - 01.2019
- Wrote and edited news stories with special focus on Florida and Latin America
- Covered wide range of issues, including science, environment, business, and politics
- Assisted editors with interns and junior reporters to ensure accuracy and style
Staff Writer
Voice Media Group
Miami, FL
08.2013 - 10.2015
- Wrote longform, feature stories for the print editions of award-winning alt-weeklies, the Riverfront Times in St. Louis (2013–2014) and the Miami New Times (2014–2015)
- Contributed daily news stories covering local issues to the websites
- Produced video and audio components to enhance web-based stories and provide compelling social media content
Freelance Journalist
Various News Outlets
Nicaragua
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Wrote articles on various issues including Nicaraguan drug trade, American policing, and crime
- Published in several outlets, including VICE, The Atlantic, the North American Congress on Latin America, and more
Education
BA - Philosophy
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY12-2011
Professional Certificate - Screenwriting
University of California, Los Angeles
Remote12-2021
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Missouri Press Association, Best Feature Story, 2nd place, 2013
- International Center for Journalists, Bringing Home the World Fellow, 2015
Timeline
Content Manager
Endeavor Schools
02.2019 - 10.2025
Reporter
United Press International
11.2015 - 01.2019
Staff Writer
Voice Media Group
08.2013 - 10.2015
Freelance Journalist
Various News Outlets
01.2012 - 12.2012
BA - Philosophy
Brooklyn College
Professional Certificate - Screenwriting
University of California, Los Angeles