Sarah Zupko

Experience

1. Founder Editor-in-chief CEO

   Popmatters

   Oct 1999 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Created and founded PopMatters in as a bridge between popular writing and academia in the field of popular culture.Built PopMatters into one of the world\'s leading prestigious independent cultural criticism websites without any outside investment in our 23-year history. Grew audience to 1.5 million unique readers monthly in a highly desirable demographic of educated, upscale, urban intellectuals, influencers, and hipsters.Lead all editorial operations, developing the site and myself into a major tastemaker. Curate the selection of musicians, authors, directors, and creators that we cover.Manage and recruit staff of more than 250 writers and editors penning everything from essays to reviews, news to premieres across all aspects of popular culture, including music, film, TV, politics, books, comics, games, and more. Direct all business development efforts and manage outside advertising representatives to develop a growing and diversified revenue stream. Developed a content partnership with Tribune Company, wherein PopMatters content is syndicated via Tribune New Service wires.Created the PopMatters book imprint which has led to six published print books and two ebooks.Liaise with advertisers and clients to create compelling sponsorship campaigns. Lead cross-functional teams of editorial, design, and technology to produce all aspects of the site. Head up all UX, social media, SEO, and brand management.

Education

• University of Chicago

  BA, General Studies in the Humanities

• The University of Texas at Austin

  MA, Journalism

Skills

• Copy Editing
• Content Management
• Publications
• Web Content
• Magazines
• New Media
• Strategic Planning
• Publicity
• Content Development
• Content Strategy
• Blogging
• Copywriting
• Journalism
• Pop Culture
• Press Releases
• Digital Media
• Storytelling
• Writing
• Editorial
• Publishing
• Radio