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With 25+ years as a communications professional, I've managed digital and print content for publishing companies, universities, Ad/PR firms, and the Smithsonian. In the healthcare industry, I've written and edited content in topic areas including physical and mental fitness, physical rehabilitation and disability, home health, and military medicine. In the development/fundraising sector, I've created and managed content for community and annual giving efforts and multimillion dollar campaigns at large nonprofits. I'm comfortable working with colleagues of all levels, from interns to top execs. I can plan, execute, and evaluate projects large and small. Oh, and I’m friendly and easy to talk to and work with!…With 25+ years as a communications professional, I've managed digital and print content for publishing companies, universities, Ad/PR firms, and the Smithsonian. In the healthcare industry, I've written and edited content in topic areas including physical and mental fitness, physical rehabilitation and disability, home health, and military medicine. In the development/fundraising sector, I've created and managed content for community and annual giving efforts and multimillion dollar campaigns at large nonprofits. I'm comfortable working with colleagues of all levels, from interns to top execs. I can plan, execute, and evaluate projects large and small. Oh, and I’m friendly and easy to talk to and work with!

Melissa Reichley

Writer, Copywriter, Content Strategist, +2

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With 25+ years as a communications professional, I've managed digital and print content for publishing companies, universities, Ad/PR firms, and the Smithsonian. In the healthcare industry, I've written and edited content in topic areas including physical and mental fitness, physical rehabilitation and disability, home health, and military medicine. In the development/fundraising sector, I've created and managed content for community and annual giving efforts and multimillion dollar campaigns at large nonprofits. I'm comfortable working with colleagues of all levels, from interns to top execs. I can plan, execute, and evaluate projects large and small. Oh, and I’m friendly and easy to talk to and work with!…With 25+ years as a communications professional, I've managed digital and print content for publishing companies, universities, Ad/PR firms, and the Smithsonian. In the healthcare industry, I've written and edited content in topic areas including physical and mental fitness, physical rehabilitation and disability, home health, and military medicine. In the development/fundraising sector, I've created and managed content for community and annual giving efforts and multimillion dollar campaigns at large nonprofits. I'm comfortable working with colleagues of all levels, from interns to top execs. I can plan, execute, and evaluate projects large and small. Oh, and I’m friendly and easy to talk to and work with!

Available to hire

With 25+ years as a communications professional, I’ve managed digital and print content for publishing companies, universities, Ad/PR firms, and the Smithsonian.

In the healthcare industry, I’ve written and edited content in topic areas including physical and mental fitness, physical rehabilitation and disability, home health, and military medicine.

In the development/fundraising sector, I’ve created and managed content for community and annual giving efforts and multimillion dollar campaigns at large nonprofits.

I’m comfortable working with colleagues of all levels, from interns to top execs. I can plan, execute, and evaluate projects large and small. Oh, and I’m friendly and easy to talk to and work with!

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Beginner

Beginner

Language

English

Fluent

French

Intermediate

Work Experience

Senior Technical Writer/ Editor at Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF)

April 1, 2018 - December 1, 2025

Contractor for the Consortium for Health and Military Personnel (CHAMP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Elevated content quality and accessibility by editing evidence-based articles, collaborating with scientists and subject-matter experts to ensure accuracy; managed annual report and monthly alumni newsletter planning; developed and delivered training on federal plain language standards and the Chicago Manual of Style; mentored new authors; coordinated content with graphic designers, social media specialists, web administrators, and division leaders.

Freelance Writer and Fundraising Communications Consultant at Self-Employed, Silver Spring, MD

October 1, 2013 - April 1, 2018

Strategized, researched, wrote, and polished fundraising projects for various clients in the DC Metro area (law school, state representative, PR firm, and more), including case statements, solicitation letters, brochures, reports, and web content.

Senior Editor, Campaign Communications at Smithsonian Institution, Office of Advancement

February 1, 2013 - September 1, 2013

Managed fundraising materials for Smithsonian Advancement leaders. Wrote, edited, and coordinated production for case statements, speeches, board presentations, grant proposals, and brochures about Smithsonian research and collections. Collaborated with advancement office staff across multiple museums; selected and worked with printing vendors; hired and oversaw student interns.

Contractor, Campaign Communications at Smithsonian Institution

February 1, 2012 - February 1, 2013

Coordinated content, production, and implementation of a web portal for use by Smithsonian Advancement staff, board members, and major donors during campaign quiet phase. Trained two dozen colleagues via in-person and webinars to add web content via Drupal and according to the Portal User and Style Guide; created content and managed additional projects including recruiting writers, designers, and print vendors; gathered and fact-checked information and images for annual report, brochures, and other publications.

Director, Development Communications at American University, Office of Development and Alumni Relations

August 1, 2005 - November 1, 2010

Directed development communications strategy for the division representing 100,000 alumni, including web, email, and print communications. Implemented campaign messaging during a $200m campaign. Managed three website redesign projects from content development and training to production, and launched a website working group. Spearheaded monthly Alumni Update e-newsletter, creating and editing content and managing writers, production, and distribution. Served as Office of Development liaison for American Magazine, writing content about important donors and notable alumni. Trained and managed more than a dozen website contributors.

Associate Director, Development Communications at American University, Office of Development and Alumni Relations

July 1, 2001 - July 1, 2005

Oversaw multi-channel communications strategy for the division representing 100,000 alumni, including web, email, and print communications. Implemented campaign messaging during a $200m campaign. Hired and managed staff and external vendors; created and distributed materials such as annual reports and newsletters.

Senior Editor at UCG, Rockville, MD

September 1, 1998 - July 1, 2001

Wrote articles targeted toward home health agency owners and executives for SUCCESS In Home Care magazine and Home Health Line newsletter on topics such as disease management, reimbursement, industry trends, and legal issues. Coordinated production with publisher, editors, and designers.