Austen Macalus Email & Phone Number

Crafts contributed articles, data reports, speeches, and other long-form writing assets for enterprise software and technology brands. I specialize in translating highly technical, complex concepts into rich, compelling narratives that align with a cohesive marketing strategy and resonate with expert and non-technical audiences alike. Lead and manage a.

Wrote, researched, and edited long-form writing assets that land in top business publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, and Quartz. Collaborated with client spokespeople to produce content that seamlessly blends brand messaging, expands awareness, and establishes credibility in their field.

Seattle, Washington, United States

Executed media outreach at PR/marketing agency serving technology brands, garnering coverage in top-tier outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Reuters and Forbes. Drafted press releases, talking points and op-eds. Assisted media preparation for C-Suite executives and other client spokespeople.

Covered social services for a daily newspaper in the Puget Sound region, where I focused on homelessness, healthcare and how social programs impacted vulnerable communities. My reporting highlighted rise of unsheltered homelessness in rural communities, the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. and consolidation of local hospital systems.

Covered immigration, race and politics in Central Minnesota and produced a four-part series about the region's divide over its growing East African refugee community.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Wrote digital enterprise stories, daily turnarounds and pieces for a new audience-driven reporting project at the state's leading daily newspaper. Reported a full-spread feature landing on the section's front page.

Reported on administration, governance and higher education issues at the University of Minnesota's award-winning student newspaper. Led coverage of the school's presidential search, as well as controversial efforts to rename buildings on campus. Awarded reporter of the year in a newsroom of more than two dozen.

Produced digital stories, edited tape and pitched on-air segments. Reported a four-minute radio package on a growing homeless encampment in St. Paul.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Covered Minneapolis City Council, transportation and community features.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Assisted media with requests, pitched stories to local journalists and wrote op-eds for the university’s communications team

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Wrote stories, content and social media posts for a student-run public relations agency assisting the College of Liberal Arts.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Reported, wrote and edited long-form magazine stories on a variety of topics, including politics, activism and social movements.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Reported and produced audio stories covering political and social issues in the Twin Cities.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Wrote speeches for a variety of clients, including candidates running for local office, student leaders and an elected official with a national profile.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Managed media relations, wrote statements, speeches and op-eds, and led several multimedia communications campaigns for the student government at the University of Minnesota, which maintained a five-figure budget.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Interacted directly with constituents, monitored press coverage, and researched various policy areas, including rural health care, campus sexual assault prevention, and college affordability issues.

Minneapolis

Wrote two articles per week covering the local art, theatre, music and comedy scene.