1. No category

HILARY SIMMONS
0404 509 260 | [email protected] | hilarysimmons.com
I am a media/arts graduate with a flair for words, an eye for detail, and extensive experience in print and
online publishing. I have a great track record of developing original digital content which meets business
needs and suits a variety of social media platforms. I am currently collaborating with Apostrophe
Copywriters to create conceptual copy for Malthouse Theatre and iBuildNew, and available for editorial
and copywriting opportunities.
Education
The University of Melbourne, 2004 – 2008, B. Arts / Professional Writing and Editing. Graduated with
First-Class Honours.
Freelance Career History
Freelance Journalist, Books+Publishing, Feb 2015 – present. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
Write pre-publication reviews of local and international books
Write feature articles for magazine as well as for website and newsletter
Conduct author interviews and attend book industry events in order to report on them
Freelance Journalist, Time Out Melbourne, Feb 2014 – present. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
Write feature articles for magazine as well as for website and newsletter
Interview up-and-coming artists, musicians and public figures
Pitch and develop original editorial content and ideas
Freelance Journalist, The Glow, Feb 2015 – present. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
Research, write and edit news stories on beauty, health and wellness
Integrate sponsored content from the Partnerships team into web copy
Source, edit and upload accompanying images for articles
Freelance Journalist, SPOOK Magazine, Dec 2014 – present. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
Write feature articles for magazine as well as website and newsletter
Pitch and develop original editorial content and ideas
Source, write and edit engaging content for social media networks
Freelance Journalist, Concrete Playground, Oct 2010 – Sep 2013. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
Write feature articles covering theatre, film, music, food, drink and culture
Write, design and send compelling and unique email newsletters
Maintain a national business database of clients and sponsors
Prepare, issue and follow-up media releases
Freelance Journalist, Quickflix Film Blog, May 2011 – May 2012. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
Source, write and edit weekly film reviews, entertainment news and film festival coverage
Source, write and edit engaging content for social media networks
Write occasional content for streaming video on demand services
Interview actors, producers and directors, and attend film premieres in order to report on them
1
Grant Writer, Phunktional Dance Theatre Film Youth Projects, May – Oct 2010. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
Develop, design and deliver a Victorian Community Support Grant application
Identify and research key benefit groups and partnership opportunities
Create and maintain a project budget as well as a production timeline
Prepare, issue and follow-up press releases
Full-time Career History
Assistant Editor, Books+Publishing, Jun 2014 – Feb 2015. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Develop, design and deliver feature stories for magazine as well as for website and newsletter
Manage all aspects of social media and subscription campaigns
Commission pre-publication reviews and editorial features
Assist with magazine layout, and all aspects of sub-editing and fact-checking
Write, design and schedule email newsletters
Attend book industry events in order to report on them
Copywriter and Social Media Manager, The Jacky Winter Group, Jun 2013 – Jan 2015. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
•
Develop, design and deliver original web content for The Jacky Winter Blog and The Peter-Peter
Newsletter
Create conceptual copy for website as well as marketing collateral, press releases and annual print
publications
Write social media updates, and drive audience growth by measuring and analysing responses
using Google Analytics and Facebook Insights
Support the Director by building and implementing creative marketing strategies for EDMs,
blogs and social media
Prioritise content from multiple clients, and manage the timing and execution of all
communications activities
Copywriter, RMIT University, May 2012 – May 2013. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
•
Write and research daily news stories for a digital news hub
Work with internal and external subject matter experts to deliver tailored content for education
brochures
Prepare materials for events, including briefings, reports (including the Annual Report),
correspondence, publications, and promotional material
Write, upload and moderate social media updates
Create an internal content schedule and manage the digital content database
Assistant Editor, RMIT English Worldwide, Jan – May 2012. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
•
Edit and proofread pre-production manuscripts, business reports, marketing communications
and digital news stories
Edit media analysis reports across a variety of formats and for an array of different clients
Write, edit and upload editorial features for a digital news hub
Check audio tapes and transcripts for sequencing and tracking
Assist in the management of website, computer programs, office admin and digital equipment
Journalist and Sub-Editor, The Power Index, Aug 2011 – Jan 2012. Key responsibilities:
•
Write and research daily news stories on power, influence and politics in Australia
2
•
•
•
•
Identify opportunities for editorial (print, broadcast, online) and prepare content
Provide editorial assistance to the launch editor in the development of a digital strategy
Compile, design and edit a daily newsletter
Manage and monitor social media accounts
Copywriter & Social Media Manager, brandsExclusive, Jul – Dec 2011. Key
responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
•
Design, develop and deliver engaging web content and blog posts on fashion, beauty and online
shopping
Write creative and strategic copy for e-coupons, e-blasts, online prize competitions and customer
reward programs
Write social media updates, and drive audience growth by measuring and analysing responses
using Google Analytics and Facebook Insights
Prepare, issue and follow-up press releases
Provide promotional and marketing support to the Sales team
Content Specialist, nineMSN, Sep 2010 – Aug 2011. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
•
Write and upload daily horoscopes and ‘lovescopes’
Pitch, develop and deliver original editorial ideas and content to MusicFIX, CelebrirtyFIX and
MyRestaurants
Source, edit and upload national and local event listings for Tourism Australia
Edit and sub-edit the live news feed for Qantas, Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank
Assisting the Team Lead in the daily administration of content creation by keeping digital content
up-to-date and free of error or omission
Editorial Assistant at Macmillan Secondary Education, Melbourne: Jun 2009 – May 2010. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
Edit and proofread manuscripts across all subjects and year levels
Assist senior editors with sub-editing and fact-checking
Provide administrative support to reception and take on front-of-house duties
Respond to internal and external enquiries about third party image rights, publishing schedules
and production deadlines
Customer Service Officer, Intellectual Property Australia, Mar – Aug 2009. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
Assist customers preparing Patent, Trade Mark or Design applications
Write and research plain-language briefs for the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark
Attorneys of Australia and the Trade Marks Combined Interest Groups
Prepare written content for state-specific publications on new legislation and industry
developments
Manage bulk mail-outs, automated payments and office calendar
Gallery Assistant, Mossenson Galleries, Jan – Mar 2009. Key responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
•
Prepare, issue and follow-up press releases for gallery exhibitions and events
Develop editorial content for website as well as newsletter and events
Maintain a log of incoming and outgoing artworks
Arrange transport for artworks between Perth and Melbourne showrooms
Assist with the hanging of shows and exhibition openings
References available on request.
3