FIND ME
e: van.darden@gmail.com
p: 254-715-7537
f: facebook.com/van.darden
Skills:
- Writing quickly and clearly
- Editing with the same speed and consistency
- Meeting deadlines
- Familiarity with AP and Chicago styles
- Strong multi-tasking/organization skills
- In-person communication
Programs:
MS Office Suite; Adobe Photoshop, InCopy and InDesign; Avid iNews NewsRoom, Sony Vegas Pro 10; Digital Rapids Stream Video Suite; Macromedia HomeSite 5HTML Editor
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
- Dec. 2009 - Present
KSAT-12 TV - San Antonio, Texas
Content Editor, KSAT-12 TV
Strategize and develop innovative strategies for increasing site traffic; Manage station’s online social media presence; Produce web news stories, slideshows, videos, sidebars, surveys and polls; Copy-edit incoming, reporter-written web stories; Create and maintain web video livestreams; Cut and edit web news videos and webcasts.
- April 2009-Present
CRUSTCAKE.COM
Editor
Direct editorial direction and maintain copy integrity; contribute news copy, album and live show reviews and conduct interviews for ad-driven music blog.
- October 2009
KWBU-FM - Waco, Texas
Writer, Treasures of the Texas Collection
Treasures of the Texas Collection is a 15-part radio series designed to highlight holdings in Baylor University’s Texas Collection library.
• Researched and wrote 30-minute, on-air radio script for local NPR-affiliate, KWBU (www.kwbu.org).
- June 2009-June 2010
ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY - Austin, Texas
Freelance writer, St. Edward’s University Marketing Office
• Contributed features, interviews and other as-needed copy for university’s direct and internal marketing campaigns, including magazines, web sites, e-newsletters, brochures and other promotional material.
- June 2007-Jan. 2009
WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD - Waco, Texas
Staff Writer
• Covered a variety of stories citywide, including police and crime, city hall and other features/enterprise stories. Contributed entertainment and music-related stories for Brazos Living, the Tribune-Herald’s arts and entertainment section.
Blog contributor, 2008
• Created and maintained “WacoLive,” a Waco-centric music and entertainment-related blog. Focused on news, reviews and interviews.
• Contributed to AccessWaco.com, the Tribune-Herald’s arts and entertainment blog.
- June 2006- Aug. 2006
BRASOV VISITOR - Brasov, Romania
Editorial intern
The Brasov Visitor is a monthly, English-language tourists’ magazine aimed at visitors to Central Romania. Associated with Projects Abroad, an international volunteer organization.
• Edited two issues. Responsibilities included content development, copy-editing and layout. Contributed articles, photographs; developed local contacts for future interns.
EDUCATION:
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, Waco, Texas
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Journalism, May 2007
Focus in editorial writing - Minor in World Affairs
Staff writer, Baylor Lariat - 2004-2006
