Joni Whitworth

Hi! I'm a mid-career Communications Director with a diverse background in for-profit and non-profit creative production, freelance writing, and community management. I'm skilled in strategic communication, creative storytelling, and community engagement, and I'm passionate about using my skills to create compelling narratives, engage diverse communities, and support positive change. Please let me know if you are interested in chatting!

FOR-PROFIT EXPERIENCE

Airbnb Community Manager, May 2014 - May 2020  
During a period of rapid expansion at Airbnb, I played a crucial role in cultivating a thriving community, contributing to the company's culture, mission, values, and growth. My involvement was instrumental in leading up to Airbnb's successful IPO.
  • Community Engagement: I devised and implemented various engagement strategies, orchestrating events and meetups for hosts, local partners, and guests. These efforts fostered a strong sense of belonging and trust within the Airbnb community.
  • Market Expansion: I identified growth opportunities within the Pacific Northwest region. I worked with the Business Development team to attract new hosts and promote Airbnb as the go-to platform for local accommodations.
  • Local Advocacy: I liaised with local authorities, tourism boards, and neighborhood associations to foster a favorable environment for Airbnb and address regulatory concerns.

Square Cash App Senior Community Manager, June 2020 - June 2021  
I nurtured a robust community and enhanced user experiences with Cash App, driving brand growth and success.
  • Empowering Teams: Skillfully managed, mentored, and nurtured a dynamic team of 14 junior community managers, cultivating a collaborative atmosphere and sharing best practices. This hands-on approach boosted productivity and elevated team KPIs by 31%.
  • Innovative Community Building: Devised and executed cutting-edge strategies to amplify customer engagement across diverse platforms, such as social media, online forums, and in-app chat. These efforts generated a 14% surge in active users and a remarkable 21% uptick in engagement rates.
  • Captivating Content Creation: Partnered with creative talents to produce captivating, tailor-made content for our user base, including blog posts, social media updates, and in-app notifications. This engaging content fueled a 38% growth in organic traffic and a 16% improvement in user retention.



FREELANCE AND NON-PROFIT EXPERIENCE

Pacific Northwest Museum of Queer Art Founder and Creative Director, January 2018 - Present  
As Founder and Creative Director of the Pacific Northwest Museum of Queer Art, I've aimed to celebrate and amplify LGBTQ+ voices through visual arts, performances, and educational programs. 
  • Programming and Education: Designed public programs, workshops, and educational initiatives for LGBTQ+ community and allies.
  • Branding and Marketing: Managed marketing and communication, including social media, PR, and promotional materials for a consistent brand identity.
  • Management and Fundraising: Developed fundraising campaigns and strategies for grants, sponsorships, and donations. Increased annual attendance by over 50% in three years, solidifying the museum as a premier cultural organization. Established partnerships with local and national LGBTQ+ organizations for cross-promotion and collaboration. Launched the museum's first Artist-in-Residence program, supporting emerging queer artists with resources, mentorship, and visibility.

Creative Producer, January 2012 - Present 
As a dynamic Creative Producer, I have spent over a decade collaborating with renowned clients, including Nike, Filson, Shinola, The Moth, and many others in the arts, culture, and education sectors. My expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives and producing immersive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences, elevate brand identities, and foster meaningful connections. By engaging with a wide range of creative partners, I have consistently delivered exceptional results and exceeded client expectations. My versatile skill set and passion for storytelling have driven successful projects for:
  • Top-tier brands (Nike, Filson, Shinola, Instrument Agency, Swift Agency)
  • Prestigious cultural institutions (Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, Portland Art Museum, Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Humanities)
  • Distinguished foundations (Mellon Foundation, Bodecker Foundation, Collins Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation)
  • Prominent educational entities (Oregon State University, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Literary Arts, Regional Arts & Culture Council)
  • Local government and community organizations (City of Beaverton, Prosper Portland, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, Portland Parks & Recreation)

Community & Communications Manager, January 2010 - Present  
By implementing innovative strategies and targeted messaging, I have empowered my clients to connect effectively with their audiences, drive meaningful conversations, and foster a sense of community. Some of the prominent organizations I have collaborated with include: AIGA, ChowNow, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Regional Arts and Culture Council, Oregon Cultural Trust, Honeybook, Oregon Community Foundation, Prosper Portland, Blick Art Materials, Portland Art Museum, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Arts Commission. 

Education

Portland State University, Bachelor's degree, Business · (2007 - 2011)
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