Bridget O’Shea

Download a PDF of my resumé:

Chicago, Illinois
phone  (773) 459-8216
email  info@bridgetoshea.com


Summary

I would be a great asset to any organization. My public relations and journalistic work has given me valuable experience as a storyteller across a broad range of topics. I excel at crafting compelling narratives for a range of audiences and platforms. I welcome the opportunity to tackle creative challenges and use my extensive writing skills to convert complex ideas into simple and understandable reads.

Education

Certified Medical Writer University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Certified Veterinary Technician Vet Tech Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Certified Grant Writer DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts Journalism, Columbia College, Chicago, Illinois
Associate of Arts Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, Massachusetts

Experience

Assistant Teacher North Suburban Special Education District, Glenview, Illinois
August 2020 – April 2021 | Provided critical support in the classroom with assistance to students on the autism spectrum and other elementary-aged students with special needs. Maintained the professional atmosphere of the classroom area and helped with individual student goals, recorded data on students’ progress, improved school experiences, and added value to individualized education plans.

Grant Researcher Faith Community of Saint Sabina, Chicago, Illinois
January 2018 – August 2019 | Performed integral research on grant pursuits for the organization’s programs for young people and unemployed or underemployed individuals, providing ample visibility for the organization. Wrote letters of inquiry and need statements, maintained spreadsheets of local and national organizations and donors. Provided ample publicity for the employment resource center.

Writer and Researcher Freelance, Chicago, Illinois
May 2016 – December 2017 | Conducted research and wrote for a variety of projects including articles for the Lincoln Park Zoo Magazine and research for the Street Corners initiative, a local news organization.

Reporter Pioneer Press, Tribune Media, Winnetka, Illinois
March 2012 – May 2016 | Acted as the primary reporter for local newspapers the Barrington Courier and the Winnetka Talk. Covered all community news areas including business, education, politics, breaking news, and special events. Attended town hall and school board meetings, and cultivated relationships with key officials, interviewing them on a daily basis. Had the opportunity to shoot photos and videos as part of the coverage.

Reporter Chicago News Cooperative, Chicago, Illinois
September 2010 – February 2012 | Reported on the historic 2011 aldermanic elections and other local news including crime, business, and city housing foreclosures. The stories I wrote for the Chicago News Cooperative ran in the Chicago edition of the New York Times. 

Researcher The Deal from Hell, Chicago, Illinois
2010-2011 | Primary researcher for best-selling book by James O’Shea about the rise and fall of the Tribune Company in Chicago.

Editor United Press International, Chicago, Illinois
April 2006 – August 2007 | Edited items for the UPI wire service, including national and international news, features, business, and science stories. Effectively paired down longer stories into smaller items for the Newstrack section of the UPI website.

Public Relations Coordinator Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois
November 2006 – April 2007 | Generated several specialized press kits for the zoo’s Earth Day celebrations. The media kits that I wrote and assembled included press releases, project summaries, program lists, and education materials.

Press and Marketing Coordinator Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago, Illinois
March 2003 – November 2005 | Created a special series of lectures and discussions examining homelessness in America. Wrote and edited press releases that the organization depended on for expanding reach and event attendance. Handled other correspondence with the media, gaining the organization increased visibility in the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times. Contributed to newsletters, program brochures, press kits, websites, and volunteer materials. Doubled contact lists database for marketing.

Features Intern Lerner Community Newspapers, Lincolnwood Illinois
May 2002 – September 2002 | Reported on, wrote, and edited stories for the Features section of various local newspapers.

Assistant and Receptionist Tree House Humane Society, Chicago, Illinois
August 1999 – August 2000 | Solicited donations, performed clerical duties, aided in the adoption process, and the upkeep of the shelter.

Freelance Writer Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
1999 | Wrote articles for the Special Town section of a major daily newspaper that highlighted local community leaders.

Skills

  • Blogging, writing, editing, researching, interviewing, reporting, proofreading, and grant writing.

  • Headline, caption and content writing.

  • Creative approach to solving problems and achieving goals.

  • Able to maintain productive and positive interactions with managers, colleagues, and the public.

  • Deadline and detailed oriented, and can perform well under tight deadlines.

  • Can effectively synthesize complex issues and utilize a range of storytelling techniques for a broad range of audiences.

  • Proficient at prioritizing concurrent tasks and projects.

References furnished upon request.