I'm James Bell, a versatile multimedia journalist and program manager with 15+ years of experience in digital media and team leadership. I excel in social media management, digital marketing, and training development, delivering impactful content across platforms and guiding teams to success. I’m seeking remote roles that leverage my journalism background and tech-savvy approach to drive innovative media solutions. I thrive in fast-paced environments, building transparent communications, cultivating strong media relationships, and transforming complex projects into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.…

James Bell

I'm James Bell, a versatile multimedia journalist and program manager with 15+ years of experience in digital media and team leadership. I excel in social media management, digital marketing, and training development, delivering impactful content across platforms and guiding teams to success. I’m seeking remote roles that leverage my journalism background and tech-savvy approach to drive innovative media solutions. I thrive in fast-paced environments, building transparent communications, cultivating strong media relationships, and transforming complex projects into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.…

Available to hire

I’m James Bell, a versatile multimedia journalist and program manager with 15+ years of experience in digital media and team leadership. I excel in social media management, digital marketing, and training development, delivering impactful content across platforms and guiding teams to success. I’m seeking remote roles that leverage my journalism background and tech-savvy approach to drive innovative media solutions.

I thrive in fast-paced environments, building transparent communications, cultivating strong media relationships, and transforming complex projects into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.

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Skills

Experience Level

Work Experience

Public Relations Manager at City of Hays
February 1, 2025 - Present
Public-facing communications lead directing information strategy, modernizing internal systems, and managing crisis communications for municipal initiatives. Built statewide media relations and standardized procedures to ensure a unified civic voice with increased transparency and engagement.
Owner at Press Made Easy
August 1, 2016 - Present
Founder and operator of a full-service public relations and marketing agency serving hundreds of clients. Oversaw operations, client relations, and campaigns, leveraging journalism experience to craft compelling narratives and secure media placements.
Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Chamber in Hays, Kansas
October 1, 2023 - February 1, 2025
Led member communications, digital strategy, and content management to promote economic growth in Hays and Ellis County. Directed annual Community Guide production, monthly newsletter, and ongoing member outreach.
Programmer at Eagle Communications, Inc.
May 1, 2019 - December 1, 2024
Primary news voice for the Hays Post while overseeing backend digital operations. Managed CMS, troubleshooting, publishing workflows, and cross-market digital campaigns; enhanced audience reach through SEO and multi-channel distribution.
Training Manager at TravelCenters of America
May 1, 2017 - August 1, 2019
Led development of new managers within the QSR division and drove organizational transformation by updating mission, values, and operational structure.
Campaign Canvasser at Rodriguez Strategies
September 1, 2016 - November 1, 2016
Participated in political canvassing and outreach efforts to promote Yes on State Question 792 through direct and indirect communications.
Multimedia Journalist at Hays Post/Eagle Communications
June 1, 2015 - September 1, 2016
Reported on breaking news, business, community, and government events; produced radio news updates and transformed on-air content into web-native articles.
News Editor at Fort Hays State University
September 1, 2013 - June 1, 2015
Led a team to produce web, print, radio, and television news; mentored students in broadcast journalism and photojournalism.
Webmaster at Fort Hays State University - Department of Political Science
June 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013
Redeveloped department webpages and led a social media campaign to increase online engagement.
General Manager at Applebee's
July 1, 2010 - December 1, 2012
Promoted to general manager, overseeing store operations, team management, and media coordination.
Training Manager at Pizza Hut
June 1, 2007 - June 1, 2010
Managed operations and trained management staff across two western Kansas locations.
News Editor at The University Leader
August 1, 2006 - May 1, 2007
Directed story development and finalization of weekly campus newspaper content.
Assistant Editor at The Edge Newspaper
September 1, 2005 - August 1, 2006
Assigned stories and edited content for a local weekly newspaper.

Education

Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) at Fort Hays State University
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
Bachelor of Arts in Political Management (B.A.) at Fort Hays State University
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Avid Media Composer 7 professional user
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization

Skills

Experience Level