Available to hire
Leslie Anne Mcilroy has 30+ years writing advertising and marketing copy for a wide variety of clients across multiple mediums, including print, digital (including all social channels). She possesses SEO and AI savvy paired with excellent and compelling writing skills that lead to verified conversions. Her creativity and story-telling skills add a human touch to everything she crafts, from long-form blog posts and instructional materials to in-depth interviews and ultra-clickable headlines. She is also an award-winning poet and author of a sold-out memoir of the iconic Pittsburgh bar, the Squirrel Hill Cafe.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Senior Copywriter at Libsyn, Inc.
January 1, 2025 - October 17, 2025Maintained Libsyn voice and brand across hosting and advertising platforms; produced SEO-savvy copy for digital advertising, social across all channels, AI-assisted blog posts, UX writing, product updates, lifecycle email campaigns, and website content; supported brand awareness, channel growth, educational events, and conference assets.
Advertising Copywriter at Giant Eagle, Inc.
January 1, 2021 - October 17, 2025Conceived, launched and grew the Market District brand; produced print and digital content for B2C and B2B, web updates, direct mail, brochures, store signage/POS, billboards, grand openings; wrote package copy; edited monthly Market District Newsletter; managed multi-channel campaigns and CRM pieces; collaborated with cross-functional teams to meet promotional goals and helped promote GetGo, fuelperks!, and myPerks.
Freelance Writer
January 1, 1986 - PresentPR, brand identity, collateral and marketing materials for clients including agencies and hospitality/retail brands; provided writing, editing and marketing support across projects.
Senior Copywriter at The Kaiser Group
January 1, 2001 - October 17, 2025Concepted and executed radio and TV, brochures, billboards and direct mail; collaborated with Creative Director across accounts in retail, food & beverage, high-tech, industrial, financial and political sectors; specialized in radio & TV production and related print collateral.
Co-founder/Editor at HEArt — Human Equity Through Art
December 1, 1997 - December 31, 2002Co-founded Pittsburgh-based nonprofit; managed design, layout, editing and writing; oversaw publicity, events and fundraising materials; grant proposals and editorial production.
Instructor at Poets-in-Person, Pittsburgh International Poetry Forum / Pittsburgh Public Schools
January 1, 2005 - October 17, 2025Instructed writing programs for public schools; led poetry workshops and classroom activities.
Columnist at The New People, Thomas Merton Center
January 1, 2001 - October 17, 2025Political poetry reviews and columns.
Assistant Editor at Creative Nonfiction Foundation
January 1, 2001 - October 17, 2025Marketing and publicity for issues; promotion of contests/themes; website maintenance; fundraising materials and grant proposals; coordination of educational programs and mentoring; manuscript submission management.
Publications Manager at Consortium for Computing in Undergraduate Education, Carnegie Mellon University
January 1, 1989 - October 17, 2025Produced marketing materials from client newsletters to project proposals; archived projects and proofed firm communications.
Publications Coordinator at Academic Computing, University of Pittsburgh
January 1, 1990 - October 17, 2025Marketing communications coordination for Academic Computing.
Marketing Coordinator at WTW Architects
January 1, 1996 - October 17, 2025Produced marketing materials from client newsletters to project proposals; archiving and editing firm communications.
Cofounder & Development Director at HEArt — Human Equity Through Art
December 31, 2017 - October 16, 2025Led development, grant writing and publication/website management; managed social media, editorial team, and fundraising efforts.
Education
BA in Professional Writing, Creative Writing & Philosophy with Honors at Carnegie Mellon University
September 1, 1982 - June 1, 1986Qualifications
Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Retail, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization
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