MELISSA TOMS SCHOONMAKER
Creator and Project Manager
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.
MY EXPERIENCE
Producer
2022- Present
Associate Producer
2019-2022
AARP, Washington D.C.
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Produce videos that contributed to improved performance across multiple platforms including AARP.org with an increase of 24% total views YoY
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Managed production of a long-term project including 60 deliverables created in English and Spanish
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Manage and produce monthly deliverables for the Top Tips/Explains series featured on AARP's Answers YouTube channel with more than 15 thousand subscribers
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Ensure quality control and production coordination for Video Voter Guide series, including 216 deliverables for aarp.org and state social pages
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Launched new video series, "How I Discovered," telling first-person medical diagnosis stories
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Produced marketing video content promoting AARP Foundation's Connect2Affect website
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Use project management software to develop a production schedule and ensure all projects meet key benchmarks
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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
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Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure smooth workflow and adherence to project goals and objectives.
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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.
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Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, Slack, Box, and Airtable
Content Producer
WUSA9, Washington D.C.
2014-2019
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Managed team to plan, develop, and execute daily projects with strict deadlines
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Provide daily project status updates and progress to stakeholders
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Adhered to strict deadlines with the ability to quickly pivot priorities and project goals in fluid, high-pressure, and unpredictable environments
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Lead retrospective after project delivery and assist the team in identifying ways to improve on subsequent projects
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Trained new hires and existing employees in software platforms
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Develop and implement strategies to improve team coordination and collaboration
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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
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Created paid advertising campaign on Instagram to increase engagement by 117%
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Produced Facebook and Twitter content to promote team enrollment, fundraising, and events
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Managed athlete information database and ensured timely payment processing
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Created and managed website content including coach biographies, event calendars, and registration information
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Wrote and distributed weekly newsletters
Communications Manager
Oak Ridge Rowing Association, Oak Ridge, TN
2013-2014
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Spearheaded media relations and publicity efforts to bring community awareness to events, competition results, and team achievements
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Launched and maintained two social media pages and website to provide a centralized location for updates
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Wrote and distributed detailed press releases to local media outlets
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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
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Identified members of the organization as experts and facilitated conversations with the media
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Developed and promoted corporate brand, images, and identity to media and public
Producer, Digital Content Creator
WBIR-TV (NBC), Knoxville, TN
2011-2014
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Produced a live, two-hour-long morning show featuring guests and remote shots
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Owned the content creation for Mornings with Fox 43's Twitter and Facebook pages
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Field producer for a one-hour-long weekly live, community events show
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Managed station's web content and wrote error-free stories on local and national news and events
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Trained and mentored new hires and interns, contributing to their professional growth in the newsroom
Freelance
Scripps Networks Interactive, Knoxville, TN
2014
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Scouted videos, negotiated fees, and obtained video rights for use in the HGTV Dream Home 2015 Location Announcement video
EDUCATION
Bachelors of Science
University of Tennessee
Major: Communications- Journalism and Electronic Media
Minor: Political Science
My Work
How I Discovered I Had Early-Onset Alzheimer's (Webby Honoree)
Why You Should Make Cold Brew Coffee
Signs of Retinal Detachment
Awards
Regional Edward R. Murrow Award Winner- News Documentary, DC Police: Stop and Frisk