PROFILE
I’m a detail-oriented, results-driven communications professional with a 17-year history of transforming complicated, technical jargon into easy to understand, plain language. I specialize in helping organizations maximize the impact of their internal and external messaging to engage their audience, build business relationships, and increase their revenue.
EXPERIENCE
Freelance Writer/Editor
Self-Employed
July 2020 - Present
- Created copy for communications, technical, and marketing materials.
- Provided writing, editing, and proofreading services.
Business Solutions Manager
Forrest Solutions
March 2018 - July 2020
- Standardized tone across all marketing and sales communications to unify messaging; increased win rate by 21% and secured $19.6M in new business
- Established content repository enabling team members to pre-assemble draft proposals and presentations for corporate overview and pitch meetings; reduced department turnaround time by approximately 35%
- Drafts tailored messaging and content for marketing and communications to current and prospective clients, including presentations, business proposals, and organizational announcements
- Maintains internal performance benchmarking database, ensuring maximum usability through standardized service definitions, standardized service baselines, and accurate data capture
Freelance Writer/Editor
Self-Employed
July 2017 - March 2018
- Created copy for communications, technical, and marketing materials.
- Provided writing, editing, and proofreading services.
Communications Manager
Xcelerate Solutions (Contract)
November 2014 - July 2017
- Developed and executed strategies and plans for customized communications to the field workforce (45,000+).
- Created daily and weekly announcements, operational briefs, program and tool launch marketing materials, and web-based job aids and user guides.
- Developed project summaries, activity reports, and action memos for briefings to Division Director and Assistant Administrator.
- Created and maintained documentation of standards, business rules, and best practices for all Branch activities.
- Project management of all efforts to reorganize internal SharePoint site to increase ease of use. Built cross-department relationships to rebuild site based on best practices in technology and documentation.
- Provided on-demand training to staff on use of Microsoft Office software, document templates, and how to use SharePoint site.
Proposal Manager
Xcelerate Solutions
April 2014 – December 2014
- Managed proposal teams for small and medium-sized submissions including driving schedules, facilitating document reviews, and overseeing final publication and submission.
- Wrote and managed content for strategy, organizational background, human capital management, business process improvement, and past performance volumes.
Senior Technical Writer
Xcelerate Solutions (Contract)
April 2013 – April 2014
- Reviewed and analyzed program documents to identify gaps between existing documentation and new Contract Data Requirements List requirements.
- Used analysis to develop additional content to bring documents into compliance.
- Created and updated a document tracking database to include document numbering and versioning standardizations, lifecycle scheduling, and historical record of submission.
Proposal Coordinator & Marketing Assistant
Xcelerate Solutions
October 2012 – April 2013
- Gathered volume content from Subject Matter Experts and wrote volume content as assigned.
- Facilitated response strategy and document review meetings.
- Created internal library of response content and graphics.
- Updated content and graphic design of Company marketing materials, including external brochures and slicks, messaging guide, and internal messaging slicks.
- Created and managed content for Company website.
Senior Technical Writer
Xcelerate Solutions (Contract)
March 2012 – October 2012
- Interviewed Subject Matter Experts to evaluate thoroughness of existing documentation and update as necessary.
- Designed and implemented project-wide standardized style guide and document templates.
- Conducted quality assurance reviews for accurate formatting, document structure, grammar, and punctuation and provided gap analysis to client for future improvement of documentation.
- Developed instructional design documentation and video presentations, including editing voice-over audio and integrating graphics and audio.
Technical Writer/Editor
WOOD Consulting (Contract)
March 2011 – March 2012
- Wrote and edited regulation and standard operating procedure documents.
- Facilitated Subject Matter Expert reviews for publication approvals.
- Entered text of documents to Content Management System and edited HTML as necessary to properly format online copy.
Investigative Researcher & Legal Assistant
Levetown & Jenkins, LLP
2010 – 2011
- Created press releases for on-going and upcoming investigations and litigations.
- Drafted internal reports for pre-complaint litigation.
- Conducted witness interviews.
- Investigated claims of unethical and illegal activities.
Freelance Writer
2010 – 2011
- Wrote content for locally-focused media website.
- Interviewed area residents for profiles and commentary on local activities.
- Published content online using proprietary Content Management System.
Staff Writer
Performer Magazine
2004 – 2008
- Wrote reviews of records and live performances by bands signed to independent labels headquartered on the West Coast and unsigned bands based on the West Coast.
- Interviewed musicians in support of reviews.
EDUCATION
Portland State University
B.A., English Literature