James Blake Wiener

Strategic Communications | Public Relations | Media Relations | Nonprofit & EdTech | Research

Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

About

Strategic communications and public relations professional with more than 15 years of international experience supporting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, start-ups, and mission-driven initiatives across Europe and the United States. My work focuses on public relations, media relations, content strategy, storytelling, speechwriting, and stakeholder engagement. As Co-Founder of World History Encyclopedia, I helped establish and grow an international digital nonprofit dedicated to making scholarly historical knowledge freely accessible. I led communications, editorial strategy, media outreach, brand development, and international partnerships, contributing to the organization's global reach and long-term growth. Originally trained as a world historian, I have also taught European and American history at the university level in both Switzerland and the United States. My academic background informs a communications approach grounded in research, clarity, and cultural understanding. I enjoy helping organizations communicate complex ideas in accessible ways, build meaningful partnerships, and engage audiences across cultures, borders, and languages. Areas of expertise: • Strategic Communications • Public Relations • Media Relations • Content Strategy • Storytelling • Speechwriting • Stakeholder Engagement • International Outreach • Nonprofit Communications • Educational Initiatives • Public Speaking • University Teaching •

Experience

  • Communications Consultant at (Self-Employed)
    May 2010 - Present · 16 yrs 3 mos

    Content Creation | Digital Strategy | Public Relations | Writing & Editing Communications, content development, and public relations support for cultural organizations, nonprofit institutions, start-ups, and private companies. Experience in editorial planning, copywriting, interviewing, and digital communications across print and online platforms. •Developed and implemented content strategies aligned with organizational communication objectives. •Researched, wrote, and edited articles, interviews, web content, and communication materials for diverse audiences. •Managed digital communication initiatives, including websites and social media, to strengthen audience engagement and organizational visibility. •Collaborated with clients and stakeholders to develop clear, accurate, and audience-focused content. •Produced communication materials for cultural, educational, and commercial projects. Further information and references are available upon request.

  • World History Encyclopedia ()
    • Co-Founder and Chairman of the Advisory Board
      Mar 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 5 mos

      My work with World History Encyclopedia (WHE) supported its mission to make scholarly historical knowledge freely accessible online through digital publishing and educational technology. I am a co-founder and held the roles of public relations manager and communications director. Since 2019, I've been Chairman of the Advisory Board. •Worked with the Directors to plan Advisory Board meetings and develop agendas aligned with the organization's strategic priorities. •Coordinated annual Advisory Board meetings and maintained regular communication with board members to support effective governance. •Served as the primary point of contact between the Advisory Board and the Directors, facilitating the exchange of information and supporting informed decision-making. •Coordinated the identification, recruitment, and appointment of new Advisory Board members in collaboration with the Directors. •Supported and led an international Advisory Board comprising university professors, museum professionals, lawyers, financial advisors, and venture capitalists from Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East.

    • Co-Founder and Communications Director
      Aug 2014 - Mar 2019 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      • PR Strategy & Representation: Developed and implemented the organization's public relations strategy, establishing media partnerships and representing World History Encyclopedia at conferences, exhibitions, and industry events. • Content Strategy & Audience Growth: Directed content strategy and editorial development for one of the world's leading open-access history platforms, contributing to its growth to more than 4 million monthly readers. • Strategic Partnerships: Built and maintained relationships with media organizations, academic institutions, museums, and strategic partners to support the organization's communications and educational mission. • Communications Management: Managed a broad range of communications activities, including digital content, editorial planning, grant writing, marketing communications, and the translation of promotional materials. • International Outreach: Developed outreach initiatives and strategic partnerships that expanded the organization's international profile and increased access to educational content. • Global Grant & Project Management: Managed international grant-funded projects in Japan (Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation) and Armenia (National Association for Armenian Studies and Research; Knights of Vartan), and secured additional project funding through a grant from the British Korean Society.

    • Co-Founder & Public Relations Manager
      Mar 2011 - Aug 2014 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      • EdTech & Brand Development: Contributed to the early development of an educational technology startup by conducting user research, interviewing educators and learners, and helping shape the organization's brand and communication strategy. • Social Media Growth: Increased social media engagement by 400% within six months (2011–2012) through content planning, audience analysis, and targeted digital campaigns. • Large-Scale Audience Management: Managed content across social media channels with a combined audience of more than 700,000 followers, supporting sustained audience growth and engagement. • Editorial Planning & Interview Production: Planned, conducted, and edited interviews with academics, museum professionals, authors, and cultural leaders, producing editorial content featured on the platform's homepage. • Global Education Research: Researched international education systems, curricula, and developments in digital learning to support editorial planning and ensure content remained relevant to a global audience.

  • Professor of History at Pepperdine University
    Jul 2022 - May 2023 · 11 mos

  • Co-host & Contributor at the Florida Caribe Show at WSLR 96.5 LPFM
    Dec 2013 - Jan 2015 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Co-hosted a live current affairs programme covering Latin America and the Caribbean, conducting research and interviews with international experts, while translating multilingual news content for the radio broadcast. •Broadcast Journalism: Co-hosted and presented a weekly, live current affairs program focused on Latin American and Caribbean politics, economics, and culture for listeners in Florida. •Expert Interviews: Researched, prepared, and interviewed high-profile subject matter experts, including policymakers, journalists, and academics. •Multilingual Translation: Translated, summarized, and adapted current affairs content from Spanish, French, and Portuguese sources into English, maintaining high accuracy for a broad audience.

  • Project-Based Curriculum Writer at Shmoop
    Feb 2012 - Jul 2012 · 6 mos

    Designed and developed online learning modules for Advanced Placement (AP) World History, contributing to a digital learning platform used by millions of students in the United States and around the world. • Curriculum Development: Designed online learning modules for AP World History, creating accessible educational content aligned with College Board frameworks. • Assessment Design: Developed, edited, and reviewed examination materials and practice questions to ensure accuracy and alignment. • Instructional Design: Applied educational research and instructional design principles to build engaging digital resources that boosted student exam readiness.