I’m a journalist and freelance communications consultant with a track record of delivering clear, accurate, and high-quality content across political, cultural, and social topics. I thrive in cross-cultural and international environments, building credibility and strong relationships with stakeholders, clients, and audiences. I work well in fast-paced, remote settings, combining storytelling with audience focus to drive engagement and results. I’m pragmatic, solution-oriented, and enjoy coaching others on communication, interviewing, and client engagement strategies.

Maria-Dominique Illés

I’m a journalist and freelance communications consultant with a track record of delivering clear, accurate, and high-quality content across political, cultural, and social topics. I thrive in cross-cultural and international environments, building credibility and strong relationships with stakeholders, clients, and audiences. I work well in fast-paced, remote settings, combining storytelling with audience focus to drive engagement and results. I’m pragmatic, solution-oriented, and enjoy coaching others on communication, interviewing, and client engagement strategies.

Available to hire

I’m a journalist and freelance communications consultant with a track record of delivering clear, accurate, and high-quality content across political, cultural, and social topics. I thrive in cross-cultural and international environments, building credibility and strong relationships with stakeholders, clients, and audiences.

I work well in fast-paced, remote settings, combining storytelling with audience focus to drive engagement and results. I’m pragmatic, solution-oriented, and enjoy coaching others on communication, interviewing, and client engagement strategies.

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Language

French
Fluent
Hungarian
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Freelance Communications Consultant at Self-Employed
October 1, 2024 - Present
Manages high-profile client relationships and international event projects; develops proposals, quotes, and presentations aligned with client requirements; achieves sales and business development targets in fast-paced, remote environments; sources and negotiates partnerships and vendor contracts; coaches entrepreneurs on oral communication and client engagement strategies; focuses on stakeholder management and results-driven execution.
Radio Journalist at Unique FM
May 1, 2022 - July 1, 2024
Produced over 300 news items on political, cultural, and social topics (90% field reporting); covered official events, conducted interviews with public figures, and edited content for broadcasting using Adobe Audition; managed and mentored four interns, guiding reporting, content production, and professional development; maintained strong client and stakeholder relationships to ensure high-quality content delivery.
Digital Communications & Recruitment Specialist at Fast Forward French
November 1, 2020 - February 1, 2022
Developed a multi-channel digital strategy, increasing social media engagement by 30%; led recruitment during rapid growth, sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, checking references, and negotiating offers (averaging 10 teacher hires per month); produced web and visual content for international audiences; managed end-to-end recruitment processes and coordinated with internal teams to align communications and talent acquisition strategies.
Freelance Digital Communications Consultant at Self-Employed
September 1, 2018 - August 1, 2020
Developed and executed multi-channel digital strategies for wellness businesses, increasing social media engagement by 30%; produced web and visual content tailored to target audiences; managed social media communities to drive engagement and audience growth.
Political Advisor Assistant at French Embassy
July 1, 2017 - July 1, 2018
Organized official protocol events (National Day, Goût de France); drafted diplomatic notes, briefs, and correspondence; welcomed and assisted clients, visitors, and service providers according to embassy standards; managed calendars and coordination between the political department and local authorities; supported cross-functional communication and ensured smooth operational execution.
Journalist Freelance at France EU News
January 1, 2015 - March 1, 2017
Wrote news flashes in Hungarian; authored online articles in Hungarian and French; provided live coverage of international events.
Customer Support Specialist at Computacenter
March 1, 2013 - January 1, 2015
Provided end-to-end user support via phone, email, and in-person; logged and tracked incidents using an IT ticketing system; maintained high levels of user satisfaction through responsive support; collaborated with IT teams to escalate and resolve complex technical issues.

Education

Master’s Degree in Journalism at Centre Universitaire d'Enseignement du Journalisme (CUEJ), Strasbourg
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
French Language at University of Pécs
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2011

Qualifications

CRM: Zoho (Interests & Engagement)
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Government