joe erbentraut

work history

Professional Writing and Editing:

I have worked as a writer, editor, and content leader in (mostly) digital media for over 16 years now. My specialties include pop and internet culture, travel, politics, and even food and agriculture policy. Over the years, I’ve also dabbled in public relations, content marketing, social media marketing, and copywriting.

For examples of my published bylines, that’s what Muck Rack is for. But these are a few of my favorite pieces I’ve written:

PEOPLE App Weekend Editor (People Inc.) – 2025 (Contract)

  • Edited, pitched and created a high volume of app-exclusive written and video content for the publication’s newly launched PEOPLE App using the company’s proprietary content management system while coordinating with the app’s digital, photo, video, and audience teams.
  • Co-led weekend news shifts while monitoring and quickly mobilizing around coverage for major breaking stories.

Editorial Director (Thrillist) – 2024

  • Previously at Thrillist: Editorial Director, News – 2022-‘24
  • Led a team of eight travel editors and writers producing dozens of feature, service, and news stories each week, and was principally responsible for the stories’ editing and packaging for an audience of more than 6 million monthly users. Owned the editorial calendar and editorial strategy for all international and non-local coverage on the site and reported directly to the editor-in-chief.
  • Conceived of and helped produce and lead key editorial initiatives for the James Beard-nominated publication including Thrillist’s second-ever theme week, “Unplug Week,” its 2022 midterm elections guide, as well as its Pride Month tentpole, “We’re Out Here,” sponsored packages including “Sound Trip,” and priority franchises like Wander Musts, Thrillist Cruise Club, and Thrillist Itineraries.
  • Oversaw the 2024 relaunch of Thrillist’s weekly “Next Flight Out” travel inspiration newsletter and curated the site’s twice-weekly send of its “Before You Go” travel tips newsletter, reaching a combined audience of over 60,000 readers.
  • Participated in the 2024 Vox Media Writers Workshop, which paired Vox staffers with aspiring journalists from underrepresented backgrounds.

Senior News Editor (Built In) – 2021-‘22

  • Previously at Built In: News Editor – 2020-’21
  • Headed up a team of 10 news editors and reporters responsible for creating up to 200 pieces of tech industry news content each month across nine different websites and content-management systems, editing, packaging and distributing editorial content for sites responsible for a specialized audience of tech professionals totaling 2 million monthly users. Reported directly to the senior director of editorial.
  • Launched innovative editorial products including the “Future 5” recurring feature highlighting up-and-coming, often underrepresented tech founders. Inaugurated a social media recirculation project that boosted organic social content referrals by 75 percent.
  • Represented the editorial department of 30 on the cross-department council responsible for updating and distributing our style guide. 
  • Co-founded and co-lead the Built Out employee resource group for LGBTQ+ employees.

Managing Editor (Dose) – 2018-’20

  • Previously at Dose: Senior Editor – 2017-’18
  • Directed, wrote and fact-checked social-first editorial content in a variety of formats for digital channels with massive audiences, reaching a combined 60 million unique users each week. 
  • Led and established goals and strategic direction for a team of 10 designers, editors and interns, also managing hiring and recruitment efforts for the team.
  • Managed the company’s marketing initiatives including a website relaunch and the creation of thought leadership video content and industry white papers. 
  • Contributed analysis to the company’s market research campaigns for clients including Clorox, Procter & Gamble, and Amazon.

Senior Editor & Reporter (The Huffington Post) – 2015-’17

  • Previously at HuffPost: Chicago Editor – 2012-’15, Associate Chicago Editor – 2011-’12
  • Researched, reported and wrote major national stories focused on public policy issues in the areas of food, water and agriculture. Headed up the site’s Chicago bureau.
  • Inaugurated and directed the site-wide “What’s Working” solutions journalism initiative, developing story ideas for the team and executing distribution strategies. Managed large social media platforms including for the outlet’s What’s Working, Green, and Chicago verticals.

Freelance Writer & Editor

Education:

University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Graduated with Distinction, earning a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Certificate (Minor) in LGBT Studies
  • Five-time Dean’s List honoree

Skills:

  • Digital content (WordPress, MT and similar CMS platforms, AP Style)
  • Social media (Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
  • Newsletters and press releases 
  • Media relations
  • Market research
  • Project management
  • Video content (YouTube and iMovie)
  • Photo research and editing
  • Podcasting and audio editing
  • Basic HTML

Honors, Awards, and Mentions:

Additional Professional Experience:

ROP Editor/Proofreader (ShopLocal.com/Talagy, Chicago) – 2008-’11

  • Proofread and edited client promotional materials, product listings and editorial inserts
  • Created daily data reports to manage and direct goals and tasks for the proofreading team

Communications & Public Relations Intern (True Endeavors, Madison) – 2008

  • Implemented an aggressive communications campaign utilizing social networking and blogging
  • Initiated an extensive research project, using quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus group) methods
  • Created benefit events and promotional contests while collaborating with businesses and organizations

Event Coordinator (UW LGBT Campus Center, Madison) – 2007-’08

  • Coordinated speakers, workshops and other programming for campus-wide events
  • Recruited and supervised volunteers and interns to aide with center activities and programming
  • Crafted event and campaign press releases and promotional copy

Peer Academic Advisor (UW Letters and Science Advising Office, Madison) – 2006-’08

  • Communicated policies and degree requirements with students in small and large group presentations
  • Designed materials (flyers, sandwich boards, e-mail blasts) to promote office services and events
  • Staffed the advising office to provide walk-in, one-on-one academic advising to students

Public Education & Outreach Intern (Coalition for Responsible Sex Education/National Organization for Women Wisconsin, Madison) – 2007

  • Conceived and promoted panel discussion forums and other events
  • Reached out to community organizations to build coalitions, fundraise and collaborate
  • Wrote press releases and worked with area media to gain coverage of our issues

Volunteer and Leadership Experience:

Communications Manager (Batavia Community Diversity Initiative, Batavia) – 2020-‘22

  • Wrote and distributed the organization’s press releases, managed its social media presence, including profiles on Instagram and Facebook, and led communications for the organization’s membership.

Co-founder, organizer (Subject to Change, Chicago) – 2011-’14

  • Led and oversaw a DJ and artist collective that planned and executed monthly community fundraising events for LGTBQ and women’s organizations including Howard Brown Health, Project Fierce Chicago and Chicago Women’s Health Center

Media Coordinator (SiNNERMAN Ensemble, Chicago) – 2011

  • Steered theater company’s social media and penned press releases and website/blog copy
  • Coordinated media requests and press coverage for the ensemble’s productions

Co-President (UW Ten Percent Society, Madison) – 2006-’08

  • Coordinated volunteer staffing and entertainment for dozens of large fundraisers and events
  • Designed and distributed all promotional materials and press releases for events and recruitment