Mark Falkenberg

Background

About Mark Falkenberg

Seasoned communications professional. Media manager. Storyteller. Problem solver. I have held several different job titles in my career but the work has always boiled down to telling stories, connecting with people and making a difference. From my start as a small-town newspaper reporter, through my years as a big-city news editor and media manager, I have been driven by a desire to connect with readers – to inform, entertain, startle and move them – whether through writing my own stories or by helping other storytellers make their work the best it can be. My work for multiple media organizations has helped me hone an array of skills: Communication – Excellent communication, collaboration, intercultural, listening skills. Superior news, op-ed and feature writing skills in a wide range of areas. – Excellent English skills, superior ability to write compelling stories, headlines and other display copy; fast, accurate copy editor. Managerial – Recognized organizational, leadership and motivational skills. Long record of fostering excellent working relationships with writers, editors, photographers, and sources. – Supervisory skills: As editor-in-chief of three Vancouver-area news organizations, was responsible for online and print news coverage in five municipalities, supervising editorial team of 11 reporters and assistant editors. Oversaw digital media presence, print and quarterly magazine publications, editorial planning, social media strategy. Managed hiring, scheduling, payroll. – Online engagement skills: Managed Burnaby NOW, Tri-City News and New West Record websites, and, before, that, Business in Vancouver’s website and associated Glacier Media papers. supervising, assigning and editing daily online coverage. – Production skills: Responsible for content, layout and proofing for weekly publication of the NOW, Tri-City News and the Record. Co-supervised production of Business in Vancouver and several BIV magazines and supplements. Also supervised print production of Arts & Life section for The Vancouver Sun. Extensive experience working with writers, editors and graphic artists, assigning and developing stories, photographs and graphics for print and online editions. Extensive experience in quality control of news and feature pages, and meeting multiple daily and weekly deadlines. – Approachable, with good listening and problem-solving skills. – Instructional skills, with experience training and mentoring new hires and summer interns at papers including the NOW, the Record, the Tri-City News, BIV and The Vancouver Sun