Melanie Waithe
Tunapuna
Summary
Editorial leader with over a decade of experience managing newsroom production, with emerging expertise in coastal and ocean sciences. Skilled in shaping content strategy and elevating visual and written communication across print and digital platforms. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, maintain rigorous quality standards, and deliver high-impact publications on tight deadlines. Skilled in editorial workflow design, cross-team collaboration, and coaching creatives for growth.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Sub-editing
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Port Of Spain
2021.12 - 2026.01
- Managed the Editorial Production unit, supervising the Head Graphics Designer and seven subeditors.
- Maintained daily publishing schedules, ensuring consistent on-time delivery across print and digital platforms.
- Established and enforced editorial quality standards, including grammar, style, layout accuracy, and legal compliance.
- Ensured adherence to house style, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, fact-checking, and legal compliance.
- Crafted engaging headlines, abstracts, and captions; edited copy to fit design templates, and narrative intent.
- Oversaw the creation of logos and graphics for articles and in-house advertisements, supporting visual storytelling.
- Conducted performance evaluations and coached staff to strengthen editorial and visual communication skills.
Editor, Special Publications Unit
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
2018.07 - 2021.12
- Conceptualised and edited thematic publications, including environmental features, cultural magazines, and community‑focused supplements.
- Managed editorial calendars, and coordinated multiple concurrent projects.
- Provided detailed feedback to writers, photographers, and designers to elevate clarity, accuracy, and visual cohesion.
- Collaborated with advertising, graphics, and production teams to deliver polished, research-informed publications.
- Oversaw layout design and coordinated with the production team on weekly schedules.
- Negotiated contracts with freelance contributors.
Features Editor
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Port of Spain
2015.06 - 2018.06
- Conceptualized, assigned, and edited copy for the Features section of the daily newspaper.
- Kept abreast of developments in news, culture, the arts, and the environment, both locally and internationally.
- Cultivated a registry of contacts to be used as sources for stories and for comments on relevant stories and issues.
- Liaised with the Editor-in-Chief and Assignments Editor to assign reporters, photographers, and freelancers to cover stories and assignments.
- Prepared monthly rosters for the Features staff.
Lecturer, Photojournalism (Contract)
SBCS Global Learning Institute
Port of Spain
2012.10 - 2013.03
- Delivered theoretical and practical instruction in photography, journalism, and photo editing.
- Developed course outlines, teaching schedules, and assessment materials.
- Evaluated and graded assignments, projects, and examinations.
Education
Diploma - Coastal And Ocean Sciences
The University of Trinidad And Tobago
Chaguaramas Campus2027-01
Bachelor of Arts - Media And Communications
University of Greenwich
(Through SBCS)2011-09
Skills
- Editorial management and production oversight
- Visual communication and layout design
- Writing, editing, and fact-checking
- Content strategy and narrative development
- Environmental and science communication
- Project management and scheduling
- Cross-functional team collaboration
- Coaching and performance development
Technical Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
- Photography and photo editing
- Basic GIS and marine biology exposure through coursework
- Environmental observation and data recording
- Coastal fieldwork fundamentals
- Microsoft Office Suite
Certification and Training
- PADI Open Water Diver (In progress)
- Train the Trainer I & II — SBCS Global Learning Institute
- Business Journalism Workshop — Media Institute of the Caribbean and Unit Trust Corporation
- HR & Industrial Relations for Managers — Cipriani College
Volunteer Work
- Treasurer, Proman Starlift Steel Orchestra (2020–2024)
- Secretary, Revelation Institute for Performing Education (2014–2017)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager, Sub-editing
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
2021.12 - 2026.01
Editor, Special Publications Unit
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
2018.07 - 2021.12
Features Editor
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
2015.06 - 2018.06
Lecturer, Photojournalism (Contract)
SBCS Global Learning Institute
2012.10 - 2013.03
Diploma - Coastal And Ocean Sciences
The University of Trinidad And Tobago
Bachelor of Arts - Media And Communications
University of Greenwich