Quick Navigation:

Hello, Define American!

My name is Jake and I'm a passionate storyteller, experienced project manager, and fierce advocate for systemic change. I believe in telling stories with purpose and amplifying the voices of traditionally marginalized identities in the process. These are the stories I choose to tell in my own filmmaking and the causes I champion in the places I work.

When I discovered Define American's Associate Director of Digital Storytelling posting, I immediately knew I had to apply. I strive to work at the intersection of advocacy, storytelling, and strategy in all that I do and that's why I am so excited to apply for this position.

I currently lead marketing and communication strategy for a culture-focused diversity, equity, and inclusion consultancy. This experience has given me the opportunity to help inspire change within companies themselves, but I'm looking to return to the nonprofit world to utilize my masters degree in Digital Storytelling and experience as a project manager, producer, and storyteller in a new role that achieves measurable impact.

My experiences project managing large events, awareness campaigns, multi-channel marketing campaigns, and producing films, podcasts, webinars, and marketing video content will set me up for success in this role. Combined with my passion for advocacy, I know I would be a fervent team member and leader at Define American.

My experience

How my experience aligns with what you're looking for in your Associate Director of Digital Storytelling

An adaptable and highly motivated self-starter with a curious mind and passion for Define American’s mission

I was the first Marketing and Communications professional hired by my current organization, a diversity, equity, inclusion, and culture consultancy. I created their first ever integrated marketing and sales plans, developed systems for structured a approach, and have expanded our team to include a Communications Associate, while being the organization's only MarComm leader. I work for organizations that align with my passions. Transforming the way people view culture, identity, and race and interrupting bias and discrimination is what fuels me. Being able to use storytelling to advance that mission would be a dream come true.
Experience facilitating paperwork and contract negotiation

I lead (or have led) large-scale projects for my organization that often require outside vendors, partners, and facilitators. I’ve identified and negotiated contracts with: Third-party subject matter experts for webinar events Web developers Gala keynote speakers Branding consultants Podcast guests
Experience in branded content production, particularly talent recruitment

I have created branded content across various mediums including: video, social graphics, infographics, and print collateral, both independently and working with a graphic designer. Additionally, I just finished project managing new brand identity standards for my current organization, featuring a new logo and color palette. While I have not applied this skill to talent recruitment, I would use the skills utilized above to analyze the audience, set KPI’s to define success, and ensure that the content being produced is equitable and accessible across identities and abilities.
Experience collaborating with digital media content creators

I produce my current organization’s podcast and webinar series; this means identifying, contacting, and securing guests for these series. Our podcast guests are typically subject matter experts with social media followings of 10k or larger on the channels that are most important to our organization’s goals. Our webinar guests are internal or external subject matter experts that present on specific topics relevant to heritage months or trending skills. Topics and guests for podcasts and webinars are research driven; we use social listening and keyword trends to drive our content strategy.
Proven expertise in social media and online marketing experience

I have directly managed social media channels for non-profit and purpose driven organizations, with an emphasis on KPI reporting and cross-channel cohesion in our storytelling. Similarly, I have led multi-channel marketing campaigns for, among others: My current consultancy (LCW) that spanned email marketing, paid social, & paid search My former non-profit organization (OHU) and their early learning centers that included direct mail, print advertising placements, email marketing, retargeting, and paid social A former educational non-profit organization’s (The Chicago Public Education Fund) Chicago-wide principal appreciation campaign that included newspaper advertising placements, transit print advertising placements, organic social media partnerships, and an in-person event
Goal orientation, with comfort working with some ambiguity in a growth environment

Being the first marketing and communications professional for my organization, I partnered with Business Development to create our very first strategic goals and our Integrated Sales and Marketing plan. This meant operating in complete ambiguity, however, the result was 40% YOY sales growth. Our current marketing plan breaks down our organizational goals, department strategies, individual tactics for execution, and the KPIs that will demonstrate success.
On-set cinematography or producer experience is a plus

I am a documentary filmmaker that is passionate about amplifying untold stories, especially of traditionally marginalized communities. This has meant producing: We Are Tuvalu (Executive Producer, Camera, Editor) A feature length documentary that took me to the Pacific island country Tuvalu to partner with youth there This film was distributed on PBS and in 51 countries via ABC International Disappeared: Chicago’s Lost Lesbian Bars (Sole filmmaker) This short film explores why Lesbian spaces are disappearing across the country and what is lost with their extinction This film has been featured at 5 screenings and won 2 awards The Chicago 51 (Sole filmmaker/producer) This multimedia film project features 6 shorts that showcase the glaring inequity in solving murders of Black women on Chicago’s West and South sides. This project won a BEA award
A self-starter who has the proven ability to work both as a part of a team and independently and the ability to work remotely

I’ve had the opportunity to work as a team of one and grow out a team I manage in my current position. This has meant being independent and extremely aware of priorities and detail. In the past, I’ve also had the pleasure of working on small teams and in large departments inside organizations spanning 15 to 800 employees; I am adaptable to what style my team needs and independent and collaborative regardless of our team's size. Since the pandemic began, remote work is all I have known. I’ve found that with a high level of communication and a passion for our mission, often I’m able to be even more efficient than working in-person.
Organizational skills and proficiency in Powerpoint, Excel, project management tools (Asana), and all Google applications are a plus

I take pride in my organization, attention to detail, and management style. When leading a project, I set others up for success by providing clear deliverable dates, consistent communication, and an updated shared tracker to set my team up for success. But I also know from experience that it is necessary to be agile; when deadlines/needs change, I try to reprioritize and reconcile so we can still meet the projects deadlines and goals but communicate changes in real-time with all stake-holders involved. I’ve managed a wide-range of projects including: Film production (from pre-production to shooting on-location, to post-production and distribution) Podcast production (from securing guests through production and distribution) Virtual webinars and events Website creation Organizational rebranding Digital fundraising gala (requiring an outside production vendor and pre-recording) Creation of an email lead sourcing and automation tool (requiring work with a developer) City-wide awareness campaigns (working with aldermen, CPS leadership, and the mayor's office) Multichannel marketing campaigns (for small businesses, consultancies, and non-profit organizations) I do not currently use Asana, but I’d be happy to get a certificate so I am set up for success.

Featured Portfolio Items

Scroll through below to view examples of a few of my projects that are most relevant to this role.

The Chicago 51

This six part social series showcases how I tell stories through interactive media in multiple parts.

Disappeared: Chicago's Lost Lesbian Bars

This short form documentary and multimedia article demonstrates my project management and storytelling abilities.

Rev. Jesse Jackson - Pick Up Your Rock Election Social Video

This short animated social video features animations similar to some Define American partner video styles.

Marketing Campaign Case Study: OHU Early Learning Centers

This case study is just one example that demonstrates my approach to multi-channel marketing campaigns.

We Are Tuvalu

This feature-length documentary was distributed on ABC International and PBS. This project showcases my on-location experience and exposure to pre-production, production, and post-production processes.

Project Management Case Study: OHU Gala

This tracker is one example of my approach to project management and leading events.

About Me

A little more about me...

An adaptable and highly motivated self-starter with a curious mind and passion for Define American’s mission

I was the first Marketing and Communications professional hired by my current organization, a diversity, equity, inclusion, and culture consultancy. I created their first ever integrated marketing and sales plans, developed systems for structured a approach, and have expanded our team to include a Communications Associate, while being the organization's only MarComm leader. I work for organizations that align with my passions. Transforming the way people view culture, identity, and race and interrupting bias and discrimination is what fuels me. Being able to use storytelling to advance that mission would be a dream come true.
Experience facilitating paperwork and contract negotiation

I lead (or have led) large-scale projects for my organization that often require outside vendors, partners, and facilitators. I’ve identified and negotiated contracts with: Third-party subject matter experts for webinar events Web developers Gala keynote speakers Branding consultants Podcast guests
Experience in branded content production, particularly talent recruitment

I have created branded content across various mediums including: video, social graphics, infographics, and print collateral, both independently and working with a graphic designer. Additionally, I just finished project managing new brand identity standards for my current organization, featuring a new logo and color palette. While I have not applied this skill to talent recruitment, I would use the skills utilized above to analyze the audience, set KPI’s to define success, and ensure that the content being produced is equitable and accessible across identities and abilities.
Experience collaborating with digital media content creators

I produce my current organization’s podcast and webinar series; this means identifying, contacting, and securing guests for these series. Our podcast guests are typically subject matter experts with social media followings of 10k or larger on the channels that are most important to our organization’s goals. Our webinar guests are internal or external subject matter experts that present on specific topics relevant to heritage months or trending skills. Topics and guests for podcasts and webinars are research driven; we use social listening and keyword trends to drive our content strategy.
Proven expertise in social media and online marketing experience

I have directly managed social media channels for non-profit and purpose driven organizations, with an emphasis on KPI reporting and cross-channel cohesion in our storytelling. Similarly, I have led multi-channel marketing campaigns for, among others: My current consultancy (LCW) that spanned email marketing, paid social, & paid search My former non-profit organization (OHU) and their early learning centers that included direct mail, print advertising placements, email marketing, retargeting, and paid social A former educational non-profit organization’s (The Chicago Public Education Fund) Chicago-wide principal appreciation campaign that included newspaper advertising placements, transit print advertising placements, organic social media partnerships, and an in-person event
Goal orientation, with comfort working with some ambiguity in a growth environment

Being the first marketing and communications professional for my organization, I partnered with Business Development to create our very first strategic goals and our Integrated Sales and Marketing plan. This meant operating in complete ambiguity, however, the result was 40% YOY sales growth. Our current marketing plan breaks down our organizational goals, department strategies, individual tactics for execution, and the KPIs that will demonstrate success.
On-set cinematography or producer experience is a plus

I am a documentary filmmaker that is passionate about amplifying untold stories, especially of traditionally marginalized communities. This has meant producing: We Are Tuvalu (Executive Producer, Camera, Editor) A feature length documentary that took me to the Pacific island country Tuvalu to partner with youth there This film was distributed on PBS and in 51 countries via ABC International Disappeared: Chicago’s Lost Lesbian Bars (Sole filmmaker) This short film explores why Lesbian spaces are disappearing across the country and what is lost with their extinction This film has been featured at 5 screenings and won 2 awards The Chicago 51 (Sole filmmaker/producer) This multimedia film project features 6 shorts that showcase the glaring inequity in solving murders of Black women on Chicago’s West and South sides. This project won a BEA award
A self-starter who has the proven ability to work both as a part of a team and independently and the ability to work remotely

I’ve had the opportunity to work as a team of one and grow out a team I manage in my current position. This has meant being independent and extremely aware of priorities and detail. In the past, I’ve also had the pleasure of working on small teams and in large departments inside organizations spanning 15 to 800 employees; I am adaptable to what style my team needs and independent and collaborative regardless of our team's size. Since the pandemic began, remote work is all I have known. I’ve found that with a high level of communication and a passion for our mission, often I’m able to be even more efficient than working in-person.
Organizational skills and proficiency in Powerpoint, Excel, project management tools (Asana), and all Google applications are a plus

I take pride in my organization, attention to detail, and management style. When leading a project, I set others up for success by providing clear deliverable dates, consistent communication, and an updated shared tracker to set my team up for success. But I also know from experience that it is necessary to be agile; when deadlines/needs change, I try to reprioritize and reconcile so we can still meet the projects deadlines and goals but communicate changes in real-time with all stake-holders involved. I’ve managed a wide-range of projects including: Film production (from pre-production to shooting on-location, to post-production and distribution) Podcast production (from securing guests through production and distribution) Virtual webinars and events Website creation Organizational rebranding Digital fundraising gala (requiring an outside production vendor and pre-recording) Creation of an email lead sourcing and automation tool (requiring work with a developer) City-wide awareness campaigns (working with aldermen, CPS leadership, and the mayor's office) Multichannel marketing campaigns (for small businesses, consultancies, and non-profit organizations) I do not currently use Asana, but I’d be happy to get a certificate so I am set up for success.

Contact

I hope to have the chance to talk with you more about this role, your organization, and my experiences. Please reach out with any questions!

pieczynski.jacob@gmail.com

708-793-3348

Telling stories with purpose.