Justin Hickland
Media/Communications Specialist
Creative Accountable Problem Solver
Email:
Education:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts in Communication 2024 Concentration in Media & Technology Studies
and Production
A Bit About Me
I’m a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I earned a degree in Communications with a concentration in Media and Technology Studies and Media Production. I’m passionate about creating engaging, high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains.
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With a strong background in writing, research, and media production, I enjoy finding creative ways to communicate across different platforms, whether through audio, video, or text.
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Outside of my professional work, I have spent the past ten years producing music independently and collaborating with artists across the country. I am also an avid fan of UNC-Chapel Hill athletics, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Los Angeles Chargers.
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I am always eager to grow as a content creator and connect with other professionals who share a love for storytelling and creative media.
My Skillset
I bring a well-rounded technical skillset with strong proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Audition. I have over a decade of experience with FL Studio and additional audio production skills in Ableton Live and Audacity. My background also includes hands-on experience with multimedia and content management tools such as Brightcove, Canva, Hootsuite, OBS, Moodle, Trint, Zoom, and website platforms like Wix, Weebly, and WordPress. Whether editing video, producing audio, managing web content, or creating digital graphics, I am comfortable navigating a variety of platforms to bring creative projects to life.
Technical Skills
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Adobe Creative Suite: (Audition, Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
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Adobe Certified in 2020 for Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator
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​Audio Production: (Audacity, Audition, Ableton, FL Studio)
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FL Studio 2024, 10-year proficiency
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Ableton, 1-year proficiency
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Adobe Audition, 2-year proficiency
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Additional Skills: Brightcove, Canva, Hootsuite, Moodle, Open Broadcasting Software, Shopify, Trint Transcription, Video Production, Wix, Weebly, WordPress, Zoom
Work Experience
October 2023 - June 2025
May 2022 - December 2024
July 2021 - August 2022
Training Specialist for RTI International
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Provided technical and multimedia production for RTI’s justice-focused initiatives
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Developed webinars, instructional videos, and interactive training content
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Created visual graphics and promotional materials to support outreach efforts for the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), and related justice programs
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Led audio editing and post-production processes using Adobe Creative Suite tools for The Just Science Podcast, ensuring each episode meets high-quality audio standards
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Coordinated and set up virtual training events
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Managed Learning Management System content
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Social Media Coordinator for Innovate Carolina
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Operated Innovate Carolina's social media channels: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter
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Created graphic and video content within brand guidelines for social media and events
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Copywrote for Innovate Carolina's articles
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Updated WordPress site with upcoming events and removed outdated content
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Communicated with peers on a weekly basis to share ideas and solve problems
Online Marketing Manager for Divequest Adventures
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Designed, managed, and wrote copy for the company website
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Ran company social media pages, including Facebook and Instagram
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Created music for advertisements and brand
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Developed strategies to increase sales and customer retention
Freelance Work Experience
January 2023 - Present Day
Freelance Social Media Marketer/Graphic Designer
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Clients: Happy Campers Crew, Personique Plastic Surgery Center, L.J. Kruse: Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling
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Designed graphics, managed social media, and wrote copy for brand content
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Developed content calendars and strategies to increase viewership and customer engagement
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