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ABOUT ME

I'm a talented and experienced editor, content developer and project manager. 

 

I enjoy traveling, reading books that take my breath away, whiling away my time with a fun jigsaw puzzle, and supporting youth literacy.   

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Fun facts: 1) I once spent less than 24 hours in Helsinki, Finland, touring a McDonald's bun factory and 2) I'm terrible at Mario Kart 8 but have a blast playing it. 

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    ©2021 by Mari Rydings

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    EXPERIENCE

     

    Senior Content Writer (remote position)

    American Family Insurance | Madison, WI | 2021-present

    Develop compelling content marketing copy for social media, email and direct mail, digital advertising, campaign web pages, website articles and video scripts (voice over and visual direction) • Partner with team members and key stakeholders to shape content strategy, develop storylines and determine the best content channel/format • Provide customer-driven solutions, support and service • Ensure adherence to brand, design and compliance guidelines • Mentor team members with less experience • Serve as a content contributor to the Women’s Business Resource Group

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    Content Development Coordinator

    North Kansas City Hospital (non-profit) | North Kansas City, MO | 2014-2021

    Planned, developed and managed content for websites, emails, e-newsletters, fliers, direct mail, ad campaigns, social media, print publications, blogs, video scripts and brochures for internal, external and physician audiences • Drafted CEO talking points for events, community messages and employee communications • Wrote video scripts, coordinated shoot details, and served as the producer for patient education and patient testimonial videos • Identified opportunities to promote brand awareness and increase audience engagement • Audited web content to identify gaps and opportunities to optimize pages for SEO • Analyzed key metrics to determine effectiveness of content messaging and delivery • Mentored other team writers • Led style guide committee • Spearheaded efforts to bring production of a quarterly magazine in-house, saving the business $100,000/year • Served on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council

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    Freelance Editorial Services Provider

    Self | 2008-2014

    Researched and developed content for B2B and B2C clients • Projects included CEO profiles, industry trend features, technical features, blog posts and parenting pieces, industry association directories, technical conference proceedings and beta novels

     

    Advertising/Public Relations Coordinator

    Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin | Kansas City, MO | June 2000-March 2001

    Served as the media buyer • Coordinated materials for advertising campaigns

     

    Features Editor, Managing Editor, Special Projects Editor, Freelance Writer

    Sosland Publishing | Kansas City, MO | 1998-2000, 2001-2013

    Led an editorial team to write, design and produce multiple marketing pieces targeting attendees to a triennial international trade show, including a pre-show guide and three on-site show dailies • Collaborated with international advertisers to launch a first-of-its-kind innovation showcase for a triennial international trade show • Coordinated the research, writing, editing and production of special-interest publications • Researched and wrote industry trend features and technical articles • Managed daily production of a 130+ page monthly B2B trade publication

     

    Proofreader, Publications Writer, Advertising Coordinator, Sr. Communications Specialist

    Black & Veatch | Kansas City, MO | 1993-1998

    Researched, wrote and edited internal and external communications • Coordinated advertising program

     

    Language Arts/Special Reading Teacher | 2005-2012

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    EDUCATION

     

    Park University — Master of Education, Language and Literacy, Special Reading Certification

    West Chester University — Post-baccalaureate teacher certification program (English, 7-12)

    Truman State University — Bachelor of Arts, English

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    PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

     

    Missouri Association for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing, 2014-present; current board member

    Kansas City Healthcare Communicators Society, 2014-present; current board member

     

    CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

     

    FEMA, Center for Domestic Preparedness — Advanced Public Information Officer: Health and Hospital Emergencies, 2016

     

    HONORS & AWARDS

     

    Missouri Association for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Show-Me Excellence Awards

    2019 – 3rd Place, Special Purpose Publications > Patient Information Guide

    2018 – 2nd Place, Video > Loosening Stroke's Grip

    2017 – 1st Place, External Publications, Routine > Club W Chat e-newsletter (writing, design, production, distribution)

    2016 – 2nd Place, External Publications > Your Health consumer health and wellness magazine

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