Résumé

Jonathan Snyder

A highly motivated and accomplished public affairs specialist and visual storyteller with more than 20 years’ experience as a strategic communicator, photojournalist, videographer, writer, and social media manager for the United States Air Force. In 2026 he retired from the Air Force and is currently freelancing.

  • Organized and creative communicator with a passion for storytelling and problem solving
  • Proven strengths in formulating and executing communication objectives that increase brand awareness and client satisfaction across web-based applications and social media platforms
  • Exceptional problem-solving skillset with the ability to identify and implement corrective processes
  • Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills to include Associated Press writing and editing formats, interviewing and public speaking
  • Expert with digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) and mirrorless photography techniques and concepts, image editing and desktop publishing software such as Adobe: Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, Bridge and Photo Mechanic
  • Experience with DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro video editing software
  • Proficient with Meltwater and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook programs

Experience

Production Training Section Chief, 2nd Audiovisual SquadronMarch 2025 – March 2026
Location: Hill AFB, Utah
  • Evaluated and analyzed video production training deficiencies for 18 members, developed training plans and workshops to increase squadrons video productions quality
  • Stage manager, camera operator, and switch board experience for live television broadcast operations
  • Lead high level video production projects supporting the Department of the Air Force and Department of Defense.
Asia-Pacific Correspondent, Stars and Stripes PacificMarch 2021 – Present
Location: MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
  • Lead reporter covering Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Sasebo Naval Air Station, Japan and Air Force policies
  • Researches, writes and edits print news and feature stories for Stars and Stripes daily newspaper and Stripes social media platforms; personally produces 50+ products annually
  • Plans and coordinates to produce professional photo and video products to accompany print and web news stories
Air Force Social Media, Secretary of the Air Force Public AffairsOctober 2019 – March 2021
Location: Pentagon
  • Part of a four member team that managed the Air Force and Space Force enterprise level social media accounts with 7.8 million followers
  • Responsible for curating and scheduling daily content across multiple social media platforms to communicate Air Force and Space Force strategic messaging

NCOIC of Command Information, Spangdahlem Air Base Public AffairsMay 2016 – October 2019
Location: Germany
  • Managed a team of 15 photojournalists and broadcast journalists, responsible for tracking, assigning and reviewing all content produced by team members for publication on website and social mediaㅤ
  • Responsible for internal and external communication products and ensured communications efforts were alignedㅤ

Aerial Combat Photojournalist, 3rd Combat Camera Squadron May 2010 – May 2016
Location: San Antonio, Texas
  • Highly trained and qualified to attach and document aircrew on all aircraft platforms and combat operations
  • Aircrew experience in C-130J, AC-130J, AC-130U, HC-130, C-17, KC-135, KC-10, B-52, T-38, F-16, HH-60 and UH-60 aircraft
  • Trained in close-quarters combat, convoy operations, combat forensics documentation and sensitive site exploitation
  • Has deployed to document combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, can operate in difficult and dangerous situations, trained in basic combat lifesaver medical course

Photographer, Visual Information CenterMarch 2006 – June 2009
Location: Eielson AFB, Alaska
  • Documented daily life and operations at Eielson for historical documentation, photos sent to the National Archives and the Library of Congress for preservation
  • Maintained, scheduled and shot official portraits using a three light setup in a studio environment
  • Crime scene and forensic photography experience


Education and Training

  • Penn State University, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media (2026)
  • Community College of the Air Force, Associate in Applied Science in Mass Communications (2018)
  • Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Communications, Military Photojournalism Program (2010)
  • Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Maryland
    • Basic Still Photography (2006)
    • Digital Multimedia Course (2009)
    • Intermediate Public Affairs Specialist Course (2016)
  • NCO Academy, Kadena Air Base, Japan, Leadership and Management II (2022)
  • Airman Leadership School, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Leadership and Management I (2010)
  • Eddie Adams Workshop, Student (2014)
  • National Press Photographers Association
    • The Advance Storytellers Workshop (2011)
    • The Platypus Workshop (2012)
  • Maine Media Workshops
    • Conservation Photojournalism Course (2011)