Leslie Shiers

(701) 212-8267 leslie.shiers@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/leslieshiers

Creative and dedicated writer/editor and content manager with 8+ years of experience in fast-paced journalism and branded storytelling Trusted producer of compelling fashion, business and lifestyle articles and product messaging for consumer, trade and client-centric media Key player in the development of new editorial outlets, such as Esquires Big Black Book, the NYSEBigStage.com news hub and Footwear Plus magazines weekly trend e-blast

TIME INC. CONTENT SOLUTIONS | Digital Editor | 2010 present

Develop effective content strategies to help clients (including Kohls, Procter & Gamble, the New York Stock Exchange and Westfield Malls) connect with a consumer audience Produce and top-edit cross-platform and social media copy and content to support brand initiatives Analyze performance metrics to identify and plan effective editorial approaches Create editorial line-ups and production schedules; handle budgets and billing Manage approximately 20 external contributors, providing story guidance and feedback while enforcing deadlines Communicate with clients and account team to ensure project integrity and to find new business opportunities Played key role in the launch and ongoing production of new client-centric digital media platforms, such as the news hub NYSEBigStage.com, the NYSE magazine iPad app and the Westfield Style e-mag

9THREADS | Managing Editor, Footwear Plus & Earnshaws | 2006 2010

Drove content production for two fashion industry magazines, plus their websites, blogs, e-blasts and social media Directed an eight-member editorial production team and interns, establishing an efficient workflow system Served as lead copy editor and fact-checker; created two in-house style guides to ensure editorial consistency Covered global trade shows (including Outdoor Retailer) and industry events, building brand relationships and developing story ideas (concentrating on outdoor specialty brands and eco-friendly products) Top-edited custom publications for footwear and apparel brands and industry organizations Conceived and produced a successful weekly trend e-blast covering new footwear brands, technical upgrades and trends

HEARST CORP. | Editorial Assistant, Esquire | 2006

Helped conceive and produce the first edition of Esquires Big Black Book Wrote celebrity profiles, front-of-book stories and elements for special packages Supported senior editors by handling research, reader communications and sample requests for gear reviews

IDG COMMUNICATIONS | Staff Writer, Unlimited | 2005

Produced corporate profiles, lifestyle features and travel stories (skydiving and rappelling in Taupo; rafting in Queenstown) Covered local events, product launches, new companies and more Served as U.S. correspondent after the initial job commitment

PRIMEDIA INC. | Assistant Editor, American Printer | 2003 2004

Wrote and edited technical features, product reviews, and more Maintained website and online archives; compiled e-newsletters Assisted editor in chief; helped art director with photo shoots and preliminary layouts

FREELANCE WRITER | Ongoing

Drafted press releases and marketing materials for various clients in fashion, film, health care and more

Education Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University M.S. Journalism DePaul University B.A. English, honors Skills | InDesign, InCopy, Photoshop, Website Management, HTML/XML, SEO Best Practices Mentorships | Time Inc. Women in Tech advisor, mobile app development competition (2013) Minds Matter NY advisor (20082012)