Danielle Gordon
Danielle Gordon
Editor, designer, and producer Danielle Gordon weaves together words and visual elements into compelling print, web, and social media content. Danielle has 30 years of communications experience, including 14 years at the Chicago Tribune. As a freelancer, Danielle works on marketing and design projects, builds websites, develops social media strategies, and creates editorial content.
Resume
Content Creations and Communications Consultant (Chicago, IL 2017-present)
• Create editorial and marketing content (web/print designer, writer, editor).
• Collaborate with clients, including non-profits, startups and established businesses.
Director, Content and Editorial (Chicago, IL 2015 – 2017)
• Developed editorial content strategy for web, social, and print.
• Wrote and edited for the PAWS Chicago magazine and social media channels.
• Led grant-writing efforts focused on major national foundations.
Editor, Digital News Department (Chicago, IL 2013-2015)
• Managed Chicago Tribune’s 30-person editorial team focused on transforming the newspaper into a vibrant, real-time online experience.
• Grew digital audience by maximizing readership through an emphasis on local breaking news, interactivity, and utility (5 million views/daily).
• Worked on stories from breaking news to presidential elections.
• Created award-winning presentations for in-depth investigative reports.
Producer/Senior Producer, Digital Content (Chicago, IL 2002-2013)
• Managed digital coverage of Chicago and suburban breaking news.
• Developed a digital journalism training program for the print newsroom.
• Launched 20 local news micro-sites and newsletters.
Multimedia Producer (Chicago, IL 2002-2003)
• Sourced and edited stories, video, audio, and interactive content.
Managing Editor/Reporter (Chicago, IL 1995-2000)
• Managed investigative magazine and website covering race and poverty.
• Wrote numerous articles about police-community relations, immigration, public housing, and employment issues.
• Conducted a 5-month investigation into the living conditions of 1,500 Arlington International Racecourse workers. Following the article, state lawmakers designated funding to improve their conditions. Won the Society of Professional Journalist’s Sigma Delta Chi Award for the story.
• Contributed to the “Chicago Matters: What’s Working?” series, produced in collaboration with WBEZ, WTTW, and the Chicago Public Library.
Associate Editor (Chicago, IL 1995-1996)
• Wrote about nuclear issues and international security.
• Edited complex technical articles for a wide-ranging audience.
• Facilitated an international journalism exchange program.
• Edited bi-monthly magazine.
Editorial Intern (Johannesburg/eGoli, South Africa, Summer 1993)
• Joined the City Desk and covered. community meetings, protests, and courts.
Developed social media strategies, built channels, and produced content for numerous sites, including:
- Chicago Tribune
- PAWS Chicago
- Chicago Animal Care and Control
- Corazon Capital
- Heartland Animal Shelter
- Many more
• Illustrator
• Wix
• WordPress/Elementor
• AP Style
(Evanston, IL 1993 – 1994)
MA Medill School of Journalism
Internship in South Africa
University of Michigan
(Ann Arbor, MI 1991-1992)
MA Political Science
Master’s thesis in South Africa
Grinnell College
(Grinnell, IA 1985-1989)
BA Political Science/Art
Graduated second in class
Feline Friends Chicago (Chicago, IL 2016-present)
• Foster cats, participate in fundraisers, and contribute to social media.
Chicago Animal Care and Control (Chicago, IL 2017-present)
• Assist with program implementation, social media, events, graphics, volunteer training, and animal care.
Chicago Women in Publishing: 1998, 1999, 2000
Lisagor Awards: 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
NAA’s Digital Edge Awards, Most Innovative Storytelling: 2007
Online News Association, Service Journalism: 2006
Sigma Delta Chi Award, Society of Professional Journalists: 2010 (team), 1995
Work Examples
Danielle worked with the Corazon Capital team to develop a site that represents their unique brand.
Danielle developed the design and built the site for V838 Monoceros’ Initial Public Offering on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Chicago Tribune Site
During her 14 years at the Chicago Tribune, Danielle directed many complex online design projects, including redesigning the 300-page flagship site. She also oversaw the launch of sister-sites focused on weather, shopping, and breaking news.
Billboards
Danielle designs outdoor billboards for the City of Chicago’s campaign to increase animal adoption. She also created dozens of flyers, brochures, and social media graphics.
Danielle illustrated and published Lost Cat to encourage families to adopt homeless pets. She donates proceeds from the book to Chicago shelters.
Danielle enjoys creating paintings, collages, and ceramics. She sells metal/enamel jewelry and other objects.
Testimonial
“Working with Danielle will go down as a highlight of my almost 11-year career at the Tribune. I always admired Danielle for handling all of the work she had to juggle, almost always with a smile. One of her biggest ongoing tasks was making chicagotribune.com better and more robust.
This was, at times, difficult work, but she always stayed calm and cool under pressure. And she somehow always found time to meet with me once a week to talk about how things were going and what my needs were. When I had questions or needed advice, Danielle was quick to respond.
I remember when she left the company how happy we were for her but how sad we were for all of us. She’s hard-working, trustworthy, honest, meticulous, and digitally savvy. But more than that she’s a trusted friend and mentor, a boss that cares and a perfect fit for any role you give her.”
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