Assoc. Director, Content  |  Writer & Editor  |  Client/Audience Community Builder  |  Relationship Manager
Portland, OR  |  linkedin.com/in/cartercmcalister

PROFILE
Creative leader with 10+ years shaping brand voice, editorial strategy, and copy across digital, social, and multichannel campaigns. Proven ability to concept and develop high-impact content that resonates with diverse audiences, build and manage high-performing creative teams, and partner directly with clients to align storytelling with brand and performance goals.

CORE SKILLS
Brand Voice Development  •  Campaign Strategy  •  Copy Direction & Editing  •  Multichannel Content  •  Creative Team Leadership  •  Client Partnership  •  Editorial Workflow Management

EXPERIENCE

Associate Director, Content  |  Skyword  |  Jun 2025 – Present
Leads creative and editorial strategy across 14 brand clients, setting tone, voice, and copy direction for integrated multichannel programs. Manages 12 editors and 40+ writers with ongoing feedback and coaching. Partners directly with client stakeholders to shape content strategy, build trust, and deliver thought leadership. Collaborates cross-functionally with strategists, producers, and SEO analysts to ensure copy drives both brand love and performance.

Executive Editor  |  Skyword  |  Jul 2024 – Jun 2025
Directed copy standards and editorial strategy across multiple brand accounts, managing tone, voice, and style at scale. Built and oversaw a team of 35 freelance writers and 5 editors. Presented brand voice frameworks and storytelling strategy to clients at account launches and QBRs. Developmentally edited and wrote copy across content types, surfacing data-informed recommendations to improve engagement and value.

Sr. Editorial Manager  |  Skyword  |  Apr 2023 – Jul 2024
Drove brand storytelling strategy and copy quality for multichannel content programs anchored in client voice. Managed freelance creative teams and collaborated with SEO analysts and digital producers to keep copy on-brand and high-performing across channels.

Editorial Manager II  |  Skyword  |  Jun 2022 – Apr 2023
Oversaw copy production for 6 brand clients simultaneously from brief through delivery, managing 50 pieces monthly. Shaped tone, voice, and contributor strategy for new account launches; provided developmental feedback to raise the bar for creativity, clarity, and brand alignment.

Editorial Manager  |  Skyword  |  May 2021 – Jun 2022
Created copy briefs channeling brand strategy into clear starting points for contributors. Supported content audits and delivered editorial insights on client calls and business reviews.

Document Production Specialist  |  The Brattle Group  |  Jan 2021 – May 2021
Edited and proofread client-facing reports, presentations, and proposals; upheld brand standards and Chicago Manual of Style across all deliverables.

Web & Content Assistant, Freelance  |  Black Rock Orchard  |  Nov 2020 – May 2021
Wrote and edited copy for weekly newsletter and social channels; established brand voice and content guidelines from the ground up.

Developmental Editor, Freelance  |  Publishers Solution  |  Jun 2019 – Feb 2021
Conducted developmental editorial reviews and pre-production manuscript preparation. Copyedited and proofread content using project-specific style guides, ensuring voice consistency and editorial quality.

Digital Media & Brand Consultant, Freelance  |  A Curated World by Kay McGowan  |  Jun 2019 – Dec 2019
Supported the launch of a new retail store, contributing to market trend research, promotions, and client-facing product recommendations. Shot and staged product photography for clients, Instagram, and the company site.

Associate Editor / Editorial Assistant  |  Jones & Bartlett Learning  |  Jun 2015 – Jun 2019
Managed 10+ manuscripts simultaneously from contract to publication in a fast-paced environment. Built and maintained author relationships; led editorial support team meetings and facilitated new hire training.

EDUCATION

B.A., English  |  Boston University  |  Psychology Minor