Resumé

I suppose not many folk post their resumé anymore, but what the hey. At least you can see that I’ve been around the block with this writing/editing/content management thing (and yes, that’s a thing). 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

2017- current (Vernon, BC) Usher Ink – Freelance writer/editor, content strategist.
Writing and editing for a variety of cross-sector clients. 

2006 – 2017 (Calgary, Alberta)Travel Alberta – Global Content Specialist 
Content creation and management for Travel Alberta’s global consumer websites, media,  travel trade and MICE webpages and print publications (travel planner and seasonal  magazines), as well as e-newsletters, advertorials and banner ads. Contributed to the organization’s enterprise content strategy through research, analysis, content creation,  curation and content lifecycle management. Project management for high-end print pieces.  Developed and maintained the in-house style guide. Managed a team of freelance contract  writers, coaching and training in brand voice and style. Extensive writing and editing (substantive, stylistic, copy editing and proofreading). Online publishing using content  management software and CRM databases. Created best practices and standards for  internal business units and partner-generated content.  

2000 – 2006 (Calgary, Alberta) Contractor/Consultant 
Specializing in: communication planning (research, analysis, strategic plan development,  implementation & evaluation); survey design & analysis; writing (business and technical); copyediting & proofing. Operational planning and execution, financial forecasting,  resource development & acquisition. Cross-sectoral client list (public, corporate and  voluntary). 

1996 – 1999 (Calgary, Alberta) Communication Inc./Shandwick International: Account Manager 
Strategic communication planning; issues management; media relations; community  relations; employee relations; marketing, promotion & publicity; extensive writing (web,  print, electronic); and technical writing and editing. Experienced in communication  components of fund development and capital campaigns.  

EDUCATION  

BA, Applied Communications (Public Relations), Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB

Technical Writing Certificate, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB 

Applied Diploma in Public Relations (GPA: 3.92/4.0; graduated top of class, Deans’ List,  President’s Honour Roll), Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB 

PROFICIENCIES  

Exceptional communication, writing (B2B, B2C), editing, publishing, research and analytical  skills. Public relations, media relations and marketing background. 

Programs and platforms: MS Office, Google Docs, MS SharePoint, Adobe PhotoShop,  customized Content Management System (CMS), publishing software (Sitecore, Percolate,  Kapost, Divvy HQ). 

APTITUDES 

Creative and critical thinker, idea generator. Well-organized, self-starter, team builder. Big picture viewpoint but detail oriented. Adept at multi-tasking, meeting deadlines on time  and on budget. Makes excellent pickled beets. 

RELATED EXPERIENCE 

Research, interviews, stakeholder liaison, writing, editing, photography. Extensive work  with graphic designers and experienced in print production processes. Annual reports,  newsletters (electronic and print), brochures, and big ticket travel guides. 

Strategic liaison with senior management of a North American retailer: developed a  methodology for promoting employee buy-in of corporate policies; subsequently produced  the corporation’s quarterly employee newsletter. 

Using PhD-level research to write and edit best practice technical manuals for the cattle  industry. Co-produced a variety of A/V materials for cattle producers and handlers. 

Technical writing: produced a how-to manual for employees of mid-sized companies  addressing volunteerism in the workplace. Distributed nationally by Volunteer Canada. 

Chaired a citizens’ advisory committee to motivate municipal government officials to  respond positively to stakeholder concerns.  

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS  

CM Pros (Content Management Professionals) 

Currently on membership hiatus: 

• STC (Society for Technical Communication) 
• EAC (Editors’ Association of Canada) 
• IABC and CPRS, Calgary chapters

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE 

2018: Cochrane Tourism, brand advisory board. Collaborating to create an executable brand  strategy to encourage travellers to visit Cochrane, Alberta. 

2008-2010: Board member, Vision Theatre Players Guild, Cochrane Alberta – position of Secretary (‘09), position of Membership & Communications (‘10). Associate producer and assistant director  of bi-annual productions. Created the design and content of the guild’s website. Wrote and edited the e-newsletter and updated web content as needed. 

2003-2005: Chair, Community Advisory Committee, Shaw Millennium Park (CACSMP), Calgary – member of municipal government’s Working Committee creating a strategic management plan for  Shaw Millennium Park (including marketing and communications components). 

1997-2003: Parks Foundation, Calgary – Communications Committee: strategic communication plan  development, public relations, media relations, special event coordination, capital campaign  communication planning, website navigational design, content development, writing and editing.