Jessica Pietsch: Information Management & Digital Engagement Professional Connecting People, Ideas, and Data for Social Impact
I am a seasoned communications and engagement professional, and an accredited archivist, librarian, and recordkeeper. My diverse career has spanned subsea engineering, international development, information management, libraries and archives, and various levels of government, including recent work in space, surveying, spatial, and state government. I am driven by a passion for innovation through diversity and inclusion, advocating for human rights via open data and knowledge movements.
My work focuses on digital preservation and making personal data, records, and memory more navigable, especially for neurodivergent individuals and where traditional record-keeping systems fall short. I excel at transforming connections between people, places, and data into strategic improvements that bolster organisational success.
Key Expertise & Skills
• Information Management & GLAM Sector Leadership: ◦ Accredited Archivist, Librarian, and Recordkeeper. ◦ Holds a Master of Information Management from Curtin University, with a thesis on digital volunteers in state libraries. ◦ Extensive practical experience in digital preservation, accessioning, description, and deaccessioning through practicums at ACMI and the University of Melbourne Digitisation Centre. ◦ Specialisation in digital asset management systems (DAMS) and content management systems (CMS), with administrator-level experience in various platforms including Vernon, Tessitura, Omeka, Koha, WP Library, AtoM, Archivematica, SharePoint, and Squiz Matrix. • Digital Communications & Engagement: ◦ Expert in plain language & accessible technology, ensuring web content meets Victorian and federal accessibility standards. ◦ Skilled in digital content creation, writing, editing, and publishing for multiple audiences and channels. ◦ Proficient in Internet Communications tools such as Mailchimp, SendinBlue, Tweet Deck, SoundCloud, iTunes, iMovie, YouTube, GoToWebinar, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Blogging. ◦ Experience in stakeholder management and building relationships, facilitating online stakeholder groups and communities of practice. • Project Management & Organisational Skills: ◦ Holds a CERT IV in Project Management (PMBOK). ◦ Highly skilled in project management, particularly for digitisation, digital design, and web communication projects. ◦ Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise activities, and meet deadlines. ◦ Experience with procurement processes and rollout of Electronic Document Records Management Systems (EDRMS). • Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: ◦ Adapts systems & processes quickly to changed priorities & situations. ◦ A proactive and impact-oriented approach with a commitment to process improvement. ◦ Identifies ADHD as a strength for working to tight deadlines with high intensity workloads, capturing, brainstorming, and strategizing.
◦ Successfully readied the Archive's digital collection of 60,000 digital objects for public release.
◦ Managed the procurement process and roll-out for an organisation-wide Electronic Document Records Management System (EDRMS).
◦ Forged partnerships with Wikipedia and Creative Commons.
◦ Secured $180K funding for the multi-platform 'Wavemaker Stories' project aimed at bringing more girls into STEM fields. This project included videos, podcasts, social channels, a comic book, and a touring exhibition. Managed communication strategy and website development.
Industry Engagement Officer / Content Designer & Training Facilitator, Victorian Government (DELWP & DPC)
◦ Led the production and delivery of Land Use Victoria's first online stakeholder reference group and engagement.
◦ Involved in the Digital Cadastre Modernisation project, establishing transformation plans and digital communications during COVID-19.
◦ Current role as Content Designer and Training Facilitator for the Single Digital Presence platform at DPC, developing learning programs and content that meets accessibility standards for 400+ content editors.
◦ Supported the development of protocol and standards documentation for presenting Aboriginal content in government-managed online environments, deepening understanding of cultural governance and Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS&G) principles.
• WA State Manager, Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) ◦ Managed digital communications, blog management, events, and training. ◦ Increased social media following by over 150%.
• Master of Information Management (MInfoMgmt) ◦ Curtin University, Perth (November 2017). • Bachelor of Arts, Internet Communications (Minor in Web Development & Design) ◦ Curtin University, OUA (November 2015). • CERT IV Project Management (PMBOK) ◦ Ascet TAFE, Melbourne (2011).
• Graphic Design: Adobe Design Suite, Canva, Gimp. • Web Design & Content Management: HTML5, CSS, Java, WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Craft CMS, Squiz Matrix, Weebly. • Internet Communications: EMMA, Vision 6, Mailchimp, SendinBlue, Tweet Deck, SoundCloud, iTunes, iMovie, YouTube, GoToWebinar, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogging, GarageBand. • Finance & Business Development: MYOB, Greentree, Xero, Bond Adapt, MS Dynamics, Salesforce, Pipeline Deals, Pipe Drive. • Data Analytics & Processing: Atlas.ti, Microsoft Office Suite. Project Management: MS Project, Visio.
- Commitment to Learning: Extensive professional development activities and memberships demonstrate a dedication to staying current.
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments and systems across diverse sectors and roles.
- Ethical & Human-Centred Focus: Strong grounding in feminist principles, a belief in collaboration, and a commitment to social justice and human rights through access and preservation of culture. This is also evident in work with the First Peoples unit and the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
- Neurodiversity Awareness: Personal insight into ADHD informs an understanding of diverse cognitive needs, driving an interest in more navigable solutions.
I am actively seeking opportunities to leverage my diverse skill set and passion for information management and digital transformation to contribute to meaningful projects.