CV – Victoria Watts Kennedy

MY WORK HISTORY

Freelance writer and editor

Since 2008, I have worked as a freelance writer and editor for companies including the British Red Cross, Oxfam, Marie Curie, Plan UK, Yelp, Planetary Collective, Expedia and Travel + Escape. I write and edit all forms of copy including articles, campaign materials, speeches, mobile apps, web pages, case studies, social media content and blogs.

I specialise in both the charity and travel sectors.

2008 – present
Director

Bridges and Balloons Creative

I co-run a small creative agency, providing branding, social media, design, copywriting and video services. We have worked with companies including Visit Britain, Expedia, and a local social enterprise cafe in Bristol.

March 2016 – present
Magazine editor

Marie Curie

I edit Marie Curie’s bi-monthly magazine for staff and volunteers. The 20-page magazine includes news, features and interviews about the charity’s work and the subject of palliative care.

April 2016 – present
Writer

Oh Comely magazine

I write features, interviews and narrative non-fiction for Oh Comely magazine. People I have interviewed include Lionel Shriver, Lydia Cacho and Andrew Bird.

March 2011 – present
Travel and lifestyle blogger

Bridges and Balloons

Bridges and Balloons is an award-winning travel-lifestyle blog, featuring travel stories, photos, videos, personal tales, interviews, curated content, and practical guides. It focuses on places worth sharing – the special finds and expereinces that you can’t wait to tell people about.

Aside from the design, I am responsible for all roles on the website – writer, editor, programmer, interviewer, photographer, project manager, marketeer and social media specialist. It combines everything I have trained in and worked on professionally.

I have collaborated on campaigns for companies including Visit Britain, Lonely Planet, and Visit Finland.

February 2012 – present
Online editor

Plan UK

I managed, produced, commissioned and edited content for Plan UK’s website. This was a short-term contract that required someone who could grasp the role quickly. Whilst at Plan I also provided consultancy on its online content and SEO strategies, as well as providing blogging training to key staff members.

Feb – June 2015
Writer

British Red Cross

At the British Red Cross, I wrote and edited content across all internal and external communication channels including the website, blog, mobile app, campaigns, social media and Red Cross Life magazine. My specialism was fundraising.

October 2009 – January 2012
Online communications assistant

The Brooke

Temporary position writing and editing content for the organisation’s website. I also advised on its new social media strategy.

August – October 2009
Communications assistant

Oxfam International

Temporary position as assistant to campaign co-ordinator. I managed and wrote online internal communications, and researched and advised on online campaigning techniques.

June – September 2009
News and features writer

CMPi Media

I was selected for a competitive graduate traineeship at CMPi Media. This included four months on Building Design, and one month each at TTG and Theme, writing news and features.

July – December 2008
Editorial assistant / Social media consultant

Oxfam GB

Project managed and contributed to areas of Oxfam’s youth website. Ran a social media campaign about the G8. I was offered and I accepted a job as a social media consultant following my initial internship.

October 2006 – June 2007
Features editor

Londoners

I managed the features section of an online magazine about things to do in London, which I co-founded at journalism school. The website was nominated for a Guardian Student Media Award.

March 2008 – Sept 2009

“Victoria’s a great, creative writer who’s comfortable writing on pretty much any topic or for any audience. She’s got great digital skills and is also very calm, which is helpful! I’d recommend her to anyone looking for a talented freelance copywriter or editor – you’ll be in good hands.”

Charles Williams, British Red Cross
“I always relish the opportunity to work with Victoria. She is a talented writer and interviewer, whose perceptiveness, sincere warmth and engaging approach set her apart. Her professionalism and reliability are obvious in everything she does.”

Liz Bennet, Editor, Oh Comely Magazine