Professional

I am an online communicator and multimedia storyteller with experience crafting messages for multiple channels including blogs, e-newsletters, websites, podcasts, videos and social media networks. I subscribe to the principle that online engagement lies in putting the user at the center of all content creation and design work, and focusing on what your stakeholders want to hear rather than what you want to tell them.

I believe that the act of telling stories has the power to transform both the storyteller and the listener. My true passion lies in harnessing online tools and other technology to hold up a megaphone to people whose stories are traditionally underrepresented in the media.

You can read more about my skills and experience in my résumé below.
 

LOCATION

Bethesda, MD

 

SUMMARY

Online communicator and multimedia storyteller with experience crafting messages for multiple channels including blogs, e-newsletters, websites, podcasts, videos and social media networks. Proven ability to manage and collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts to deliver content on tight deadlines.


KEY SKILLS

  • Online content creation, curation and choreography
  • Multimedia storytelling
  • User experience testing and design
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Content management systems (CMS): WordPress (strong), Alfresco (moderate), LifeRay (moderate), Drupal (basic)
  • Blogging platforms: WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr
  • Social media networks: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Ning
  • Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Office Suite
  • Style guides: AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style

WORK EXPERIENCE

Senior Communications Specialist

Goodwill Industries International (1/2011-current)

Manage GII’s blog, public e-newsletter, and GoodwillTODAY, the daily e-newsletter for more than 6,500 professionals in the international Goodwill enterprise. Manage and support GII intranet projects, including but not limited to user experience, search and information architecture. Track and analyze web user statistics for respective web products. Produce videos on annual award winners. Research, write, edit and acquire content for GII web sites, blogs, e-mail newsletters and other online communications, in collaboration with members and staff, and maintaining GII editorial standards.

Communications Specialist

Goodwill Industries International (6/2009-12/2010)

In alignment with established GII communications strategies, managed, researched, and wrote and edited 3-5 stories per day for GoodwillTODAY,the daily online news page for the international Goodwill enterprise. Managed and edited the weekly mission blog, and monitored and respond to posted comments. Collaborated with and responded to GII staff and Goodwill member requests for newsletter and blog coverage. Tracked and reported on newsletter and blog metrics and made recommendations for improvements and new marketing techniques.

Web Editor and Media Advisor

Changing Lives Through Literature (1/2008-5/2009)

Founded and managed CLTL’s official blog, Changing Lives, Changing Minds. Solicited worthwhile blog content from education and criminal justice community members. Crafted blog posts on topics pertinent to the mission of CLTL. Edited guest essays for content, clarity, and grammatical consistency.

Managing Editor

Temper Literary Journal (4/2008-5/2009)

Managed day-to-day operations of the publication, including editorial and design meetings, print and electronic promotional efforts, and the production process. Appointed and managed journal designer and editorial staff. Coordinated annual marketing and distribution plans. Collaborated with representatives from the campus Publications Department and off-campus print shop. Organized and emceed the annual launch party for the new issue.

Professional Writing Program Assistant

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (9/2008-5/2009)

Created promotional materials such as press releases, brochures, and the annual English Department print newsletter, Word. Conducted department-improvement research and conveyed recommendations and findings in written reports. Facilitated on-campus conference proceedings. Upheld the department’s professional image in print, oral, and electronic communications with outside parties.


INTERNSHIPS

  • Maine State Music Theatre: Marketing Intern (2008)
  • University Press of Kentucky: Marketing Intern (2005-6, Summer 2007)

EDUCATION

MA in Professional Writing

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (2009)
  • Augustus Silva Award Winner
  • Coursework in Web 2.0 design, copyediting, stylistics, grant writing, technical writing and rhetoric
  • GPA: 4.0

BA in English and French

University of Kentucky (2006)
  • Summa Cum Laude
  • Honors in English, French and the Honors Program
  • Phi Beta Kappa honor society member
  • GPA: 3.98

Certificate in Web Design

University of Maryland University College (completion in 2013)
  • Coursework in XHTML, XML, CSS, Javascript and image editing
  • GPA: 4.0

AWARDS (TEAM)

  • SNCR Excellence in New Communications Award 2011 – Internal Communications
  • SNCR Excellence in New Communications Award 2010 – Online Publishing and Blogging
  • Silver Inkwell Award 2010 – Social Media Strategy
  • APEX Award 2010 – Best Microsite or Individual Web Page