ABOUT
Diane Knich is a communications specialist, journalist and writer who most recently worked at the Coastal Conservation League in Charleston, SC. Before jumping into advocacy communications, she worked as a reporter at The Post and Courier, South Carolina’s largest newspaper. She earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master of arts in journalism and public affairs from American University. Diane is passionate about the written word, telling stories that change lives, and making a difference.
Professional Summary
Highly accomplished in internal and external communications and media relations; extensive media contacts; knowledge of the inner workings of business, government, and community organizations and the people affected by them; seasoned project manager; excellent writing and editing skills; deadline-driven; proficient in digital and social media; team player; data enthusiast; vibrant storyteller
Work Experience
Coastal Conservation League
Communications Manager
Charleston, SC | June 2018–Present
Managed media relations for South Carolina’s most influential environmental organization, engaging with local, state, and national media daily
Worked as part of a team to develop communication strategies related to conservation, land use, and transportation; articulated complex issues into understandable, engaging prose
Produced communication materials that inspired action on community and environmental issues
Developed, managed, and led trainings and workshops for employees and the media
Wrote engaging digital and long-form stories and edited a magazine for donors
Built a system for digital communications and maintained a publications calendar
Mastered content management systems and customer relationship management software
Independent Contractor
Writer, Editor, Researcher, Strategist
Charleston, SC | April 2017–June 2018
Worked with clients to produce high-quality written products
Launched an award-winning newsletter to help the Charleston County School District improve community engagement
Edited popular nonfiction books
The Post and Courier
Reporter, Higher Education and Metro
Charleston, SC | February 2006–March 2017
Identified, researched and wrote news stories, features and investigative reports in a rapidly growing metropolitan area at the largest newspaper in the state
Conducted extensive interviews with people from all walks of life
Prepared stories for quick online publication, including shooting and editing video and photographs
Developed a following on social media
Edited local news stories
Acted as spokesperson to community groups
The Island Packet
Reporter
Charleston, SC | July 2003–February 2006
Covered education issues in a growing part of the state
Identified, researched and wrote news, features and enterprise stories, such as award-winning coverage of the Beaufort County School District
The Washington Post
Editorial Assistant, Health
Washington, DC | August 2000–June 2003
Gathered information on health-related events and prepared the community calendar for publication at the sixth-largest daily newspaper in the United States
Wrote stories about physical and mental health issues
Conducted research for news stories
Association of American Colleges and Universities
Program Associate
Washington, DC | February 1996–November 1999
Managed grant-funded projects and established grant review and award process
Reviewed survey data using statistical software
Coordinated national advisory committee meetings and regional conferences
Supervised interns
Education
American University
Master of Arts in Journalism and Public Affairs
Washington, DC
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Minneapolis, MN
Honors and Awards
Launched Focus on CCSD — a newsletter for the Charleston County School District that explained controversial issues —which was awarded a 2018 Reward of Excellence from the South Carolina Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association
From the South Carolina Press Association, won a Montgomery Freedom of Information Award, 2010 and 2011; First Place, Reporting in Depth, 2012, Enterprise Reporting, 2010 and Education Reporting, 2005; Second Place, Education Reporting, 2006 and Enterprise Reporting, 2008
One of 10 journalists awarded a Science Journalism Fellowship on tissue biofabrication and stem cell research from the South Carolina Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and Institutional Development Awards (EPSCoR/IdeA), 2010
One of 15 U.S. journalists awarded a Covering America, Covering Community Colleges fellowship from the Hechinger Institute on Education and the Media, Columbia University, 2007