About Me

I help experts tell their stories. With a background in U.S. history and nonfiction writing, I’m adept at rapidly gaining insight to complex topics and making them accessible and exciting to various audiences through multiple media. I have worked as a professional writer and editor for 15 years in the fields of planning and design for the built environment and stewardship of the natural environment. I am currently working as a freelance writer/editor and continuing to write independently about U.S. history.

Experience

  • 2022-present: Managing Editor (Part-time), Transit California newsletter, California Transit Association – Public Transit Advocacy Nonprofit
  • 2020-present: Technical Writer/Editor (Contract/Pro-bono), Regenerative Farms – Environmental Nonprofit
  • 2019-2021: Content Marketing and PR Specialist, TEECOM – Engineering Consultancy
  • 2007-2018: Multiple roles including Senior Writer/Editor and Communications Manager, AECOM – Global Architecture, Engineering, Planning Consultancy

“Jake has an extraordinary ability to bring brands to life. A gifted storyteller, Jake creates compelling narratives that are powerful and engaging. He has a strong strategic intuition and marketing mindset that enable him to effectively differentiate and position companies, brands and offerings in highly competitive markets. Jake is incredibly thoughtful about his work and a strong collaborator who drives results.”

Tara McAdam Kassal, Former VP, Global Brand Strategy, AECOM

“Jake Herson was a valuable volunteer and now consultant who assists us with content creation and copy edits for our start up nonprofit reports and donor materials. He is fantastic to work with. I highly recommend him.”

Mary Johnson, Founder/CEO, Regenerative Farms

Skills

  • Writing and editing: articles, web copy, print collateral copy, strategic messaging, case studies, white papers / technical reports
  • Project management: publications, print collateral, videos, web products
  • Media relations: press releases, pitching, fielding inquiries
  • Social media: promoting content, re-posting others’ content, engaging with others’ posts

Programs

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Google Workplace
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • WordPress, Squarespace
  • Hootsuite, Sendible
  • Asana, Slack
  • Zoom, Teams

Education

BA, American Studies and Creative Writing, Hampshire College, 2002-2006