Nicole
Nesmith
Communications | Writing | Editing
About Me
I’m Nicole, a freelance writer, editor, and communications specialist, also with a background in video production, website management, and newsletter design.
Before moving to Berlin in 2024, I worked in Chicago for more than a decade. I am currently a Senior Communications Manager for SUBMARINER Network.​
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My freelance writing has appeared in Handpicked Berlin, Newcity Art Chicago, Chicago Reader, V3 Magazine, and other publications.
Portfolio
Skills
Writing
Editing
Newsletters
Project management
Media outreach
Video production ​
Website management
Research
Creativity
Collaboration​
Canva
InDesign
Experience
Freelance Writer & Editor
2012 - Present
SUBMARINER Network
February 2025 - Present
Berlin
CARPLS Legal Aid
June 2022 - May 2024
Chicago
November 2020 - May 2022
October 2018 - October 2020
University of Chicago:
Becker Friedman Institute for Economics
2017 - 2018
The University of Illinois at Chicago
2014 - 2017
I have more than 10 years of experience in freelance writing and editing. My first piece was published in V3 Magazine while I was at Berry College and was a profile piece on a local student violinist. My freelance work has been published in various publications throughout the U.S. and in Berlin. Publications include Handpicked Berlin, Newcity Art Chicago and Chicago Reader.
I manage SUBMARINER's overarching communications strategy, as well as specific deliverables such as our website management, newsletter design, and social media. I also collaborate with and guide project managers and associates with communication best practices.
Director of Communications​
When I first started at CARPLS in October 2018 as a Development and Communications Associate, there was not an official Communications Department. After learning the organization’s mission and communications needs, I made it my goal to fill in those gaps.
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CARPLS is a small nonprofit with a modest budget for a legal services organization. However, in under six years, we revamped the website to include an interactive design and a Spanish-language site, created a new monthly blog, invested in more in-depth fundraising and content videos, and increased our engagement on social media.
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In June 2022, I was promoted to Director of Communications and continued to work with the Executive Director and Legal Director to develop messaging and branding for the nonprofit.
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Specific tasks included writing and editing (such as blogs, press releases, and media talking points), social media, website management, basic graphic design, producing outreach materials, annual reports, donor appeals, advertising campaigns, and budget management.
Communications Manager
Development & Communications Associate
Communications Associate
As an Associate for a globally well-renowned Economics Institute, I produced e-newsletters in MailChimp, wrote and edited outreach materials, and managed the website and social media accounts.
Teaching & Research Assistant
While in graduate school, I worked for the African American Studies Department as the Social Media Manager, assisted Communication Department staff in their research projects, and taught three semesters of public speaking.
Education
The University of Illinois at Chicago
Berry College