Experienced, award-winning investigator, journalist, and researcher, currently conducting confidential background checks on high-level officials for the New York City Department of Investigation. Skilled analyst with an aptitude—and an appetite—for finding the key themes and the pertinent details. Tactful interviewer who knows how to locate people from all levels of society and persuade them to open up. Persistent, discreet fact-finder and checker for extremely sensitive and often very high-profile articles and investigations.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Confidential Investigator, New York City Department of Investigation
Conduct background investigations on people selected to work in sensitive and high-level positions in New York City government. Interview candidates; review documents; verify employment and education; corroborate criminal, disciplinary, and financial disclosures and allegations using more than a dozen civil, criminal, commercial, and government databases. Evaluate findings for potential New York City government conflicts of interest. Prepare report for candidate’s agency commissioner. August 2016 to present
Freelance Writer and Editor
Writing, editing, and research for private clients such as Johnson & Johnson. March 2016 to July 2016
Executive Features Editor, More Magazine
Generated, wrote, and edited investigative stories, news features, and deeply personal essays for a national women’s lifestyle magazine, identifying trends to find the most compelling subjects and angles. Recruited top investigative journalists to the magazine. Posted stories and slideshows to More.com and managed More’s Twitter account. Represented More on television and radio and at industry events. Conducted reader surveys and polls, analyzing results across multiple filters and cross-tabs to identify and illuminate demographic issues and trends for special packages. Features editor from November 2004 to July 2013; executive features editor from August 2013 to February 2016
Senior Contributing Editor (Contract Writer), Glamour Magazine
Wrote news features, editorials, investigative pieces, and profiles on such topics as domestic violence in the military, the civil commitment of sex offenders, and surviving a kidnapping. July 2001 to October 2004
Senior Editor, Glamour Magazine
Acquired and edited news features, investigative pieces, interviews, service copy, and lifestyle pieces. Launched magazine's editorial page. Wrote features and editorials. Managed editorial component of the Glamour Women of the Year event, including magazine content, winner- and celebrity-presenter selection, winner-video production, and presenter scripts. Freelance senior editor from November 1998 to December 1998, helping with transition to new editor-in-chief, then invited to join staff; senior editor from January 1999 to June 2001
Articles Editor, Success Magazine
Edited features at national business magazine. Also brought in book excerpts and revamped five-page front-of-book “Inside Track” section. September 1997 to October 1998
Senior Editor, The New York Times Syndicate
Edited columns and book excerpts covering entertainment, consumer electronics, cars, food, beauty, pet care, personal finance, and humor for international newspaper syndicate. Associate editor from February 1995 to January 1997; senior editor from February 1997 to August 1997
Freelance and Short-Term Editing and Writing
The New York Times Syndicate: book excerpts. TV Diners (The Food Network): script-writer. Russell-Simenauer Literary Agency: manuscript evaluation. Inside Edition and American Journal: story coordinator. Her New York newspaper: editor and writer. August 1993 to January 1995
Articles/First Serial Rights Editor, Penthouse Magazine
Acquired and edited articles, interviews, investigative pieces, columns, and book excerpts (entertainment, politics, business, social issues, crime, humor, travel, and more) for top men's lifestyle monthly. Wrote features, including celebrity profiles. July 1991 to May 1993
Senior Editor, Penthouse Magazine
Acquired and edited front-of-book columns, features, and book excerpts. Trained and supervised research/fact-check staff. Reduced overtime costs by streamlining system for taking editorial from manuscript through legal clearance. January 1989 to July 1991
Associate Editor, Penthouse Magazine
Conducted editorial research and fact-checking. Worked closely with writers, editors, managing editor, and legal counsel to vet material for publication. Edited columns and wrote captions. February 1988 to January 1989
CERTIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
Certified Fraud Examiner
Notary Public, State of New York
M.A., Communications, Fordham University
B.A., Communications, Fordham University
CONTACT nanettevarian@gmail.com