QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Writing, Editing, Strategic Communication, Internal Communication, External Communication, Investor Communication, Social Media, Internet Research, Market Research, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Microsoft Project, Adobe Acrobat, Desktop Publishing 

EXPERIENCE

Principal

September 1997 - Present

Joshua Brett Writing and Communications Solutions - Philadelphia, PA 

For more than a decade, I have worked on a freelance basis to help organizations and publications across the United States fulfill their needs in research, writing, editing and marketing communications. My portfolio includes breaking news stories, multi-part feature stories and opinion columns in print and online media outlets, data collection and organization for real estate market analysts, press releases and research reports.

I have clips from the following publications, amongst others:

• Boston Globe
• Baltimore Sun
• Seattle Times
• Newark (NJ) Star Ledger
• Worcester Telegram & Gazette
• Portland (ME) Press-Herald & Maine Sunday Telegram
• Albany Times Union
• New England Hockey Journal

Communications Consultant                                                                                                                                                   February 2010 – Present

Topaz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Horsham, PA

Reported to the Vice President of Commercial Planning and Operations. Developed internal, investor and government communications for a late-stage pharmaceutical development company.

• Synthesized market and scientific research to effectively and efficiently communicate with potential investors, grant application reviewers and other target audiences
• Researched and wrote white papers to assist the development of the company’s life-cycle plan
• Worked with senior management to develop a strategic business plan and launch marketing plan
• Wrote a successful grant application that produced needed capital for a start-up company
• Collaborated with Operations, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs to prepare the company’s first New Drug Application submission to the FDA
• Researched the head lice treatment market to help senior management better understand trends and competition



Correspondent                                                                                                                                                                                       June 2007 – Present

The Times of Trenton - Trenton, NJ                                                                                                                                                                      

Researched, planned, and produced news and feature story packages on a variety of topics in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Promoted just 4 months after hire to cover minor league hockey.

• Broke major sports/news story on New Jersey Kings arena football team owner losing team following issues with the league.

• Authored timely piece in June 2008 on the rising cost of gas and its impact on families of young athletes and their ability to travel to tournaments.

• Teamed with news department on high-profile feature that discussed declining revenues and attendance at the local arena.

Marketing Communications Assistant                                                                

March 2009 – October 2009

Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital - Darby, PA

Authored press releases and internal newsletters, as well as messaging for corporate intranet, website, and digital signage. Designed and produced compelling marketing materials for internal and external events to advance promotional efforts. Partnered with senior hospital management and corporate marketing communications team to implement messaging initiatives.

• Helped overcome hospital’s size/funding disadvantages and overshadowing by larger facilities through strategic promotion of Mercy Fitzgerald as a caring, community-based hospital – contributed to 66% increase in press releases.

• Supported record number of patient consultation appointments trough direction of a small media outreach campaign for Hospital’s bariatric surgery product line.

• Played key role in planning and coordination of 2 major health fairs that attracted hundreds of visitors.

• Actively marketed key selling points – including free health screenings and workshops – to boost visibility. Composed dynamic materials to maximize awareness and reputation.

Contract Proofreader                                                                                                                                                        August 2008 – December 2008

ConvaTec - Skillman, NJ

Reported to the Package Development Compliance Manager and the Associate Director of Graphics and Packaging Design. Assisted with the re-branding of a major medical devices manufacturer following a change in ownership

• Worked with a team of contractors responsible for updating product packaging, labeling and inserts
• Completed quality control checks and documentation paperwork to ensure accuracy and compliance with FDA and corporate requirements
• Started and maintained the project’s archive database, allowing for fast and easy location of completed work



Staff Writer

September 2004 – May 2007

The Trentonian - Trenton, NJ

Researched, planned and produced news and feature story packages on a variety of topics in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Edited copy and designed pages for the daily newspaper and special sections.

• Promoted only 8 months after hire to cover highly popular minor league baseball scene
  
• Aided the launch of the publication's online media initiative by starting one of its first blogs to supplement the print edition's daily coverage
  

Part-Time Editorial Assistant

September 2002 - May 2004

The Boston Globe - Boston, MA

Part of a team of clerks in the sports department of the largest daily newspaper in New England. Collected results from high school and college events for publication. Assisted the section editors and copy editors.

• Contributed to the Globe's coverage of Curt Schilling's historic trade to the Boston Red Sox in November 2003
• Received other bylines in the Globe from coverage of Massachusetts state high school championship events

EDUCATION

M.S. in Communication Management

Temple University - Philadelphia, PA

May 2011

B.S. in Journalism

Boston University - Boston, MA

May 2004