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I'm a journalism- and communications-focused professional with deep experience in higher education marketing, content strategy, and public affairs. I bring a Pulitzer Prize finalist background and a track record of turning complex ideas into clear, engaging editorial output and community-facing programs. I thrive at the intersection of storytelling, media relations, and organizational communications, helping institutions connect with diverse audiences. Over the years I've connected university thought leaders with national outlets, built influential podcasts, and led government and community relations initiatives that help organizations listen, respond, and lead.…I'm a journalism- and communications-focused professional with deep experience in higher education marketing, content strategy, and public affairs. I bring a Pulitzer Prize finalist background and a track record of turning complex ideas into clear, engaging editorial output and community-facing programs. I thrive at the intersection of storytelling, media relations, and organizational communications, helping institutions connect with diverse audiences. Over the years I've connected university thought leaders with national outlets, built influential podcasts, and led government and community relations initiatives that help organizations listen, respond, and lead.

Robert M. Ehlert

Writer, Video Editor, Podcast Producer, +3

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I'm a journalism- and communications-focused professional with deep experience in higher education marketing, content strategy, and public affairs. I bring a Pulitzer Prize finalist background and a track record of turning complex ideas into clear, engaging editorial output and community-facing programs. I thrive at the intersection of storytelling, media relations, and organizational communications, helping institutions connect with diverse audiences. Over the years I've connected university thought leaders with national outlets, built influential podcasts, and led government and community relations initiatives that help organizations listen, respond, and lead.…I'm a journalism- and communications-focused professional with deep experience in higher education marketing, content strategy, and public affairs. I bring a Pulitzer Prize finalist background and a track record of turning complex ideas into clear, engaging editorial output and community-facing programs. I thrive at the intersection of storytelling, media relations, and organizational communications, helping institutions connect with diverse audiences. Over the years I've connected university thought leaders with national outlets, built influential podcasts, and led government and community relations initiatives that help organizations listen, respond, and lead.

Available to hire

I’m a journalism- and communications-focused professional with deep experience in higher education marketing, content strategy, and public affairs. I bring a Pulitzer Prize finalist background and a track record of turning complex ideas into clear, engaging editorial output and community-facing programs. I thrive at the intersection of storytelling, media relations, and organizational communications, helping institutions connect with diverse audiences.

Over the years I’ve connected university thought leaders with national outlets, built influential podcasts, and led government and community relations initiatives that help organizations listen, respond, and lead.

Skills

Podcast Production

Copywriting

Experience Level

Podcast Production

Expert

Copywriting

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Commentary Editor/Podcast Producer at Southern Methodist University

September 1, 2018 - July 1, 2025

Parachuted into an environment with few op-eds; mentored SMU thought leaders and achieved an average of 50 placements per year in national and regional media, including NYT, Washington Post, and Dallas Morning News; added podcast production (SMU Perspectives) beginning in 2023.

Editorial Page Editor at Idaho Statesman

March 1, 2013 - July 1, 2017

Produce daily and weekend Opinions section for print and digital, write editorials and columns, manage Guest Opinions and Letters to the Editor; schedule and manage Editorial Board and conduct community outreach.

Communications Director / Senior Field Representative at U.S. House of Representatives – California Office

August 1, 2009 - January 1, 2013

Handle media interactions, author press releases, speeches, talking points, newsletters and inquiries; facilitate town halls and inter-governmental meetings; speak on behalf of the Congressman in a Sacramento-area district serving 750,000 constituents.

Assistant Features Editor/Writer at Sacramento Bee

January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2009

Assistant Features Editor/Writer; contributed to features coverage and edited content.

Features Editor at Colorado Springs Gazette

January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2003

Led features desk; managed feature writing and editing.

Senior Editor at Meredith Corporation

January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1999

Senior Editor overseeing publications; staff management.

Writer, Editor, Projects at Minneapolis Star-Tribune

January 1, 1984 - December 31, 1994

Wrote and edited projects; managed editorial assignments.

Writer, Editor at Virginian-Pilot

January 1, 1978 - December 31, 1984

Wrote and edited across assignments in Norfolk-based paper.

Communications Director / Senior Field Representative at Office of the California Congressman

August 1, 2009 - January 1, 2013

Communications Director / Senior Field Representative; handle media interactions, author press releases, speeches, talking points, newsletters, correspondence and inquiries in a Sacramento-area district serving 750,000 constituents; facilitate town halls, inter-governmental meetings on issues, make public appearances and speak on behalf of the Congressman.