Robert F. Dixon
 
 
Resume

SUMMARY
Editor and content manager with substantial experience in marketing communications, editing, business-to-business, Internet marketing, e-commerce and print media. Accustomed to P&L responsibility, experienced with startups, redesigns, mergers, turnarounds.


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Editor May 2003 – Current

The Business Press San Bernardino, CA
Edit weekly business-to-business newspaper and related Web site, annual publications including the Book of Lists, Inland Empire Guide by City and Market Facts Guide. Untitled Assistant Business Editor for The Press-Enterprise, a 200,000-circulation, 7-day daily newspaper with print and Web operations. Managed web redesign including online access to publications and databases, addition of blogs, video, audio and Podcasts. Develop content for annual events including economic forecasts and awards programs. Manage full-time and freelance reporters, writers, web producers, researchers, page designers, artists, photographers and editorial assistants. Matrix management of shared resources in editorial, marketing, graphics, page layout, prepress, printing and web production. Publication earns several editorial awards from the Society of Professional Journalists annually.


Assistant Editor Feb. 2000 – March 2003

Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor Los Angeles, CA
Edit monthly print and online newsletters and content for related Web site and conferences; manage e-mail newsletter program. Managed creation of industry awards program. Assisted with marketing, content, presentations, scripts for industry conferences.

Marketing Consultant/Freelance Writer Jan. 2000 – June 2003

Successful Media
Develop and write articles, web content, white papers, press releases and marketing materials for several clients. Managed content redevelopment for relaunch of Deloitte Consulting web site. Worked on business and marketing plans and materials for a variety of clients. Freelance contributor to Buyside Magazine, Small Times, Criminal Defense Weekly, Publish! Magazine, Success Newsletter and many others. Edit books for Federal Point Publishing and Waterview Press.

Director of Marketing Communications Feb. 1998 - Nov. 1999

Home Account Holdings Inc. / First Data Direct Banking Los Angeles, CA
Managed public relations, advertising, web site, sales collateral, events and internal communications for vendor of Internet-enabled financial services to banks, card issuers, brokerage firms and other Internet-based financial service providers. Managed public relations and advertising agency relationships, trade show/event operations and developed presentations and speeches.
  • Directed creation of external and internal web sites
  • Ran a public relations effort that resulted in more than 200 press mentions in one year
  • Drove corporate identity project following merger from naming/branding effort through launch of web site and completion of print and presentation collateral materials
  • Managed internal and external merger-related communications
  • Wrote and ghosted articles for industry publications and booklet for trade group


Business Editor 1994 - 1998

Middlesex News / Community Newspaper Co. Framingham (Boston), MA
Ran business news operations and sections including business, real estate, technology, Internet and employment for chain of four daily and 100+ weekly newspapers.
  • Created internal service for distribution of business-related content for newspaper chain
  • Edited business/finance/real estate/employment content for web site
  • Managed and expanded Internet news section
  • Revamped and expanded business sections of award-winning daily newspaper

Publisher / Turnaround Specialist 1990 - 1992

New England Business magazine Boston, MA
Managed turnaround situation with full P&L responsibility, reporting to company owners.
  • Developed new revenue streams, including special events, merchandising and reprint programs. Implemented free-to-paid circulation conversion
  • Reduced annualized operating expenses by more than $1 million (approx. 33%) Created profitable "Businessperson of the Year" event to build visibility, attract advertisers
  • Repositioned magazine to focus on new markets during business recession

Director of Publications / Editor 1986-1989

Wire Association International Inc. Guilford, CT
  • Full P&L responsibility in for-profit publishing subsidiary of international engineering organization
  • Created association's first sales and marketing department
  • Managed revision in series of engineering/manufacturing manuals

Founding President and Publisher 1984-1986

Alaska Business Publishing Co. Anchorage, AK
  • Wrote business plan, identified investors, obtained financing and launched successful business magazine.
  • Full P&L responsibility, reporting directly to board of directors
  • Created and launched the only ranking of Alaska's top businesses


AWARDS AND HONORS
Small Business Journalist of the Year, U.S. Small Business Administration, Santa Ana District, 2007
Contest jurist, American Society of Business Press Editors, 1997
New England Business received two Association of Area Business Publication awards, 1990
Alaska Press Club, first place, Business Reporting, 1985-86
Alaska Press Club, first place, Magazine Writing, 1985-86
Alaska Business Monthly received 9 press club awards in its first year of publication
Association of Area Business Publications, Most Improved Magazine, 1983

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Advisory Board Member, LaSierra University Graduate School of Business
Board Member, MetroWest Economic Research Center Advisory Board, 1995 to 1998
American Society of Association Executives, 1986-1989

EDUCATION
Studied Journalism, Ball State University
Studied Journalism and Political Science, Franklin College