Open to opportunities

CAROLYN GUNISS

@carolynguniss

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Visionary communications leader with expertise in editorial excellence.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that allows me to leverage my editorial expertise while fostering team growth and community engagement.

I am a visionary communications leader with extensive experience in editorial excellence, strategic branding, and managing digital and remote teams. My career has been marked by significant achievements, including directing a hybrid newsroom at the Orlando Business Journal, where I successfully increased productivity and website traffic within just three months. I thrive on using my expertise to amplify an organization’s mission and drive impactful storytelling.

Throughout my career, I have held various editorial roles, from Editor-in-Chief to Senior Content Editor, where I have led coverage on critical issues such as local government and health. My leadership has resulted in doubled digital newsletter subscribers and enhanced social media presence, solidifying the reputation of the publications I have worked with. I am passionate about mentoring and fostering the professional growth of my team members, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed our editorial goals.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Editor-in-Chief

Current

Orlando Business Journal

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 8 months)

Directed an eight-person hybrid newsroom, increasing productivity by assessing team strengths and realignment. Achieved a 17% increase in website traffic and a 15% boost in story production within three months.

Team Leadership Digital Analytics Content Strategy Strategic Planning Recruitment Performance Optimization

Senior Content Editor

Orlando Sentinel

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 8 months)

Led coverage on local government, health, and transportation, ensuring impactful storytelling. Initiated and coordinated a town hall event tied to the “Toxic Secret” series, fostering community engagement.

Community Engagement Strategic Partnerships Storytelling

Executive Editor

The Miami Times

Jan 2014 - Present (11 years 8 months)

Spearheaded editorial strategy, managing creative teams across print and digital platforms. Doubled digital newsletter subscribers in one year and enhanced social media presence through innovative roles.

Team Management Digital Publishing Social Media Management Content Development Public Speaking Brand Reputation

Interim Executive Editor/Managing Editor

South Florida Times

Jan 2009 - Present (16 years 8 months)

Elevated the publication's profile through consistent, high-quality coverage. Launched new editorial products, including the entertainment tabloid SoFloLive.

Editorial Product Development Quality Assurance Freelancer Mentoring Professional Development Content Strategy Media Relations

Section Editor

The Miami Herald

Jan 2005 - Present (20 years 8 months)

Edited metro and 1A stories, produced tabloid community news sections, and wrote food reviews. Initiated and directed redesign aspects for a magazine-style tabloid featuring Miami-Dade communities.

Editing Feature Writing Community Professional Coaching Journalism Content Creation Layout Design

Assistant Metro Editor

Bradenton Herald

Jan 2002 - Present (23 years 8 months)

Supervised reporters and planned comprehensive city and state news coverage. A direct report received the crime reporter of the year award from a statewide organization.

Reporter Supervision News Planning Mentorship Performance Management Journalism Local News State News

Program Manager, Executive Director

Society of American Business Editors & Writers Inc.

Jan 1997 - Present (28 years 8 months)

Executed 5 or more fiscally successful educational conferences annually across the United States; managed a 15-member volunteer board; leveraged relationships to secure sponsorships to support journalism excellence. Played a pivotal role in setting up an endowment for business journalism education.

Program Management Conference Planning Fundraising Relationship Management Endowment Event Execution

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Northwestern University

Certificate, Content Strategy

Completed a specialized certificate program focusing on content strategy principles and practices. Gained expertise in developing and implementing effective content strategies for various platforms.

Florida Atlantic University

Executive Certificate, Project Management

Obtained an executive certificate in project management, enhancing skills in planning, executing, and closing projects efficiently. Focused on leadership and strategic oversight in project delivery.

St. Thomas University

Bachelor of Arts, Communication Arts and English

Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual focus on Communication Arts and English. Developed strong analytical, writing, and communication skills essential for media and editorial roles.

University of Missouri School of Journalism

Master's, Media Management

Undertook coursework towards a Master's degree in Media Management. Studied advanced topics in media operations, leadership, and strategic management within the journalism industry.