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MELISSA TOMS SCHOONMAKER
Creator and Project Manager

Melissa Toms' Headshot
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ABOUT

Edward R. Murrow Award-winning content creator with more than 10 years of digital and broadcast production experience. Expert ability to work with stakeholders to manage projects across multiple platforms. Results-oriented self-starter with a strong track record of resolving complex problems, managing simultaneous projects, meeting aggressive deadlines, and thinking critically and strategically under pressure. 

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MY EXPERIENCE

Producer
2022- Present
Associate Producer

2019-2022
AARP, Washington D.C.

  • Produce videos that contributed to improved performance across multiple platforms including AARP.org with an increase of 24% total views YoY

  • Managed production of a long-term project including 60 deliverables created in English and Spanish

  • Manage and produce monthly deliverables for the Top Tips/Explains series featured on AARP's Answers YouTube channel with more than 15 thousand subscribers

  • Ensure quality control and production coordination for Video Voter Guide series, including 216 deliverables for aarp.org and state social pages

  • Launched new video series, "How I Discovered," telling first-person medical diagnosis stories

  • Produced marketing video content promoting AARP Foundation's Connect2Affect website

  • Use project management software to develop a production schedule and ensure all projects meet key benchmarks

  • Conceptualize and create content that advances AARP's brand and captures a target audience through collaboration with a team of video editors, journalists, stakeholders, and General Counsel

  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure smooth workflow and adherence to project goals and objectives.

  • Manage and maintain relationships with external stakeholders and partners, such as production companies, talent agencies, and influencers, to ensure successful collaboration and alignment with AARP's production goals and objectives.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, Slack, Box, and Airtable

Content Producer
WUSA9, Washington D.C.

2014-2019

  • Managed team to plan, develop, and execute daily projects with strict deadlines

  • Provide daily project status updates and progress to stakeholders

  • Adhered to strict deadlines with the ability to quickly pivot priorities and project goals in fluid, high-pressure, and unpredictable environments

  • Lead retrospective after project delivery and assist the team in identifying ways to improve on subsequent projects

  • Trained new hires and existing employees in software platforms

  • Develop and implement strategies to improve team coordination and collaboration

  • Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and ensure project success

Social Media Specialist and Team Administrator
Annapolis Junior Rowing Association, Annapolis, MD

2015-2018

  • Created paid advertising campaign on Instagram to increase engagement by 117%

  • Produced Facebook and Twitter content to promote team enrollment, fundraising, and events

  • Managed athlete information database and ensured timely payment processing 

  • Created and managed website content including coach biographies, event calendars, and registration information

  • Wrote and distributed weekly newsletters

Communications Manager
Oak Ridge Rowing Association, Oak Ridge, TN

2013-2014

  • Spearheaded media relations and publicity efforts to bring community awareness to events, competition results, and team achievements

  • Launched and maintained two social media pages and website to provide a centralized location for updates

  • Wrote and distributed detailed press releases to local media outlets

  • Represented organization as onsite media coordinator for large regattas and events including US Rowing Club Nationals 2014, an event featuring 1,500 athletes from across the country

  • Identified members of the organization as experts and facilitated conversations with the media

  • Developed and promoted corporate brand, images, and identity to media and public

Producer, Digital Content Creator
WBIR-TV (NBC), Knoxville, TN

2011-2014

  • Produced a live, two-hour-long morning show featuring guests and remote shots

  • Owned the content creation for Mornings with Fox 43's Twitter and Facebook pages

  • Field producer for a one-hour-long weekly live, community events show

  • Managed station's web content and wrote error-free stories on local and national news and events

  • Trained and mentored new hires and interns, contributing to their professional growth in the newsroom

Freelance
Scripps Networks Interactive, Knoxville, TN

2014

  • Scouted videos, negotiated fees, and obtained video rights for use in the HGTV Dream Home 2015 Location Announcement video

Design Book

EDUCATION

Bachelors of Science
University of Tennessee

Major: Communications- Journalism and Electronic Media 

Minor: Political Science

Home: Education

Awards

Regional Edward R. Murrow Award Winner- News Documentary, DC Police: Stop and Frisk

Off Script with Bruce Johnson

New Channel

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News & Politics
People & Blogs
The Mueller Report has been released. Now what?
05:48
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The Mueller Report has been released. Now what?

What can the city do to help DC residents afford to stay in the city?
06:55
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What can the city do to help DC residents afford to stay in the city?

Providing financial assistance for military families
04:21
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Providing financial assistance for military families

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