Julia M. Hunter

Summary Statement 

Strategic communications leader with more than 15 years of experience spanning public service journalism, civic engagement, membership strategy and development. Proven track record in advancing press freedom, advancing newsroom sustainability and growing community support. Passionate about elevating mission-driven organizations, fostering collaboration, and equipping local news organizations with digital tools and strategies to enhance storytelling and drive audience engagement.

Experience

Engagement Editor & Co-Founder

Hoptown Chronicle | Hopkinsville, Ky. | May 2019 – Present

As co-founder and engagement editor of this nonprofit digital news outlet, I led the launch and development of hoptownchronicle.org. In this role, I work to strengthen community connections, drive audience growth, and increase the impact of our journalism. Key responsibilities include:

  • Designed and launched hoptownchronicle.org; implemented SEO and content strategies that grew organic traffic significantly.
  • Develop and produce digital content, including data visualizations, newsletters and fundraising appeals. Execute multi-platform audience engagement strategies based on data and analytics.
  • Lead donor development and community outreach campaigns, doubling individual donor support over three years.
  • Establish audience engagement strategies focused on reader trust, retention and participation. Track engagement and impact via analytics tools, media monitoring and surveys.
  • Cultivate distribution partnerships and guide organizational messaging across platforms.

Membership & Communications Director

Wisconsin Newspaper Association & WNA Foundation | Madison, Wis. | Sep 2014 – July 2024

In this leadership role, I oversaw the full scope of communications, membership services and programming for both the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and its nonprofit arm, the WNA Foundation. My work supported Wisconsin’s newspaper industry through advocacy, education, outreach and resource development. Key responsibilities included:

  • Directed communications and branding for the WNA and WNA Foundation; produced weekly newsletters and strategic outreach materials.
  • Organized annual conventions, leadership summits, award programs and other events; grew convention attendance by 25% and tripled trade show revenue.
  • Led creation of the Wisconsin Civics Games, securing sponsorship and statewide engagement.
  • Led membership evaluation to identify needs, set priorities and drive continuous improvement.
  • Advocated for access laws and press freedom through public campaigns and legislative outreach.
  • Designed fundraising strategies for member newsrooms, including the launch of the Wisconsin Community News Fund, and the WNA Foundation.
  • Built member resources, managed partner relationships and oversaw educational programming.
  • Developed and implemented a statewide content-sharing platform during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Freelance Writer & Genealogist

Travel Wisconsin, Wisconsin Travel Guide, Professional Mariner, Legacy Tree Genealogists | July 2012 – Present

  • Research, report and write articles for various publications.
  • Conduct genealogical research; write detailed, evidence-based reports for clients.


Deputy Clerk & Community Relations Manager

City of New Berlin, Wis. | March 2012 – Sept. 2014

In this role, I led core functions of municipal governance, including election administration, licensing, community outreach and public transparency. I served as a key liaison between city leadership and the public, while ensuring compliance with legal and administrative standards. Key responsibilities included:

  • Oversaw elections, business licensing and community outreach for a city of 40,000+ residents.
  • Led public records compliance and managed transparency initiatives.
  • Coordinated communications for city departments and legislative bodies.

Reporter & Editor

Rockford (Ill.) Register Star, (Binghamton, N.Y.) Press & Sun-Bulletin, (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era | July 2007 – March 2012

  • Led investigative reporting and enterprise packages; contributed to award-winning A1 centerpieces and watchdog journalism.
  • Trained reporters on use of public records laws and data-driven reporting techniques.
  • Launched and managed social media presence and blog strategies to enhance reader engagement.

Education

University of Southern Indiana – Evansville, Ind.
Bachelor of Science in Print Journalism, 2007

Awards

  • Beat Reporting, Best of Gannett – Finalist (2011)
  • Best Investigative Story, Syracuse Press Club (2nd Place, 2011)
  • Best Spot News Coverage, Kentucky Press Association (2nd Place, 2010)
  • Best Investigative Story/Series, Kentucky Press Association (1st Place, 2009)
  • Best Feature Photo, Kentucky Press Association (1st Place, 2009)
  • Best General News, Kentucky Press Association (3rd Place, 2009)
  • Scripps Howard Internship Grant, Courier & Press (2007)

Skills

Communications & Strategy: Brand messaging, fundraising communications, donor engagement, strategic storytelling

Digital & Technical: WordPress, SEO, social media strategy, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, Formstack, Givebutter, Donorbox, HTML/CSS

Project Management: Airtable, event planning, content calendars, team coordination, cross functional collaboration