writing design 2in1 - writing and design
innovative writing
portfolio resume

Professional Goals
To use my love of language to inform, inspire and delight. Above all I love a challenge.

Education:

Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing Emphasis, 1998
University of Montana, Missoula
Courses of note: Reporting, Feminist Ethics, Gender & Society

Courses toward a Masters of Communication, Online Journalism Emphasis, 1998-1999
San Jose State University
Courses of note: Public Relations, Media & Social Issues, Professional Technical Writing

Top Skills:
  • Write and communicate in a professional, high-quality manner
  • Develop content that is innovative and on target
  • Complete demanding, time-sensitive work quickly and accurately
  • Conduct detailed research
  • Expert in many office, design and analytical software systems
Experience

Freelance Writer/Web Designer/UI Consultant
1999 - Present
For various clients:

  • Analyzed and enhanced website architecture and messaging for clarity, usability and marketing effectiveness
  • Successfully managed several websites from start to finish, including domain registration, logo and web development/design and site launch

Web Developer
PayPal
2/2006 - 10/2007

  • Working as part of a multi-functional team, design and implement new features for PayPal's merchant applications, using DHTML, XML/XSL, JavaScript and CSS
  • As Web Development Push Czar, liaise with internal and cross-functional bug czars across the technology organization (and 3 time zones) on high-priority bugs; coordinate and troubleshoot resolution of merge conflicts and build breakages; and provide tri-weekly status reports to entire web development team
  • Within the aggressive product life cycle, meet corporate goals and deadlines for high quality, modular, cross-browser optimized features and bug resolution
  • Provide training, support and documentation to team members on internal email testing tool and general Content issues

Product Content Manager
PayPal
9/2004 – 2/2006

  • Wrote, edited and implemented original content for the PayPal website inside an XML-based markup language
  • Chronicled best practices and key information for Content team using community-oriented, web-based application
  • Won two Bug Fu Awards for my successful investigation, troubleshooting and resolution of bugs for the PayPal website
  • Coordinated launch of PayPal China: handled initial spec scope meetings, resource estimation, implementation and issue escalation within a frequently changing landscape
  • Served as SWAT team member: performed daily code deliveries via ClearCase; provided support to Content team with coding, environmental and miscellaneous technical issues

Web and Marketing Copywriter
FusionOne
4/2003 - 9/2004

  • Created and refined highly-targeted, benefit-driven online and offline messaging including
    • Banner and keyword advertising
    • HTML e-mail
    • Website content (site text, Flash demos)
    • Retail brochures, user guides and inbox collateral
  • Improved the customer support experience through analysis and revision of customer support messaging
  • Increased messaging effectiveness with research and monitoring of marketing and industry trends
  • Developed dynamic web pages that increased site functionality and usability

Web Developer
Thomson Learning
5/2002 - 4/2003

  • Developed and designed web pages for multiple Thomson websites that:
    • Provided diverse graphical interfaces within stringent corporate guidelines
    • Improved site usability and functionality via customizable forms and dynamic navigation
    • Complied with Section 508/WCAG accessibility standards
  • Analyzed and streamlined site architectures; efficiency improvements resulted in an average of 83% less server space and 35% less screen space
  • Created Flash demos that generated strong demand and sales leads for Thomson products

Manager, Web Production
Fatbrain.com

8/99 - 4/02, various positions:
Web Producer 8/99 - 2/00
Senior Web Producer 2/00 - 1/01
Lead Interface Producer 1/01 - 10/01
Manager, Web Production 10/01 - 4/02

  • Received "Employee of the Quarter" award for excellence in project management, resourcefulness and creativity
  • Supervised and provided leadership to team of five web producers.
  • Generated ideas and drafted clear, compelling copy for email campaigns
  • Provided excellent technical, general and transcription assistance with user testing
  • Screened resumes, interviewed and recommended prospective employees (freelance and staff)
  • Served as usability, web production and QA point person for:
    • Daily Fatbrain.com updates
    • Documentation and initiation of critical departmental procedures
    • Creation of graphical and HTML templates for training and everyday use
    • Strategic, company-wide site enhancement projects
    • Efficient, expedient transformation of Fatbrain.com's website to Btob.BarnesandNoble.com

Intern/Contract Web Designer
Santa Cruz Web Design

2/99 - 8/99

  • Created engaging and colorful copy for a travel website
  • Researched and analyzed market opportunities for Santa Cruz Web Design
  • Designed and coded client web pages; optimized and edited graphics

Narrative Evaluations / Computer Resource Specialist
University of California, Santa Cruz

11/98 - 8/99

  • Offered troubleshooting, software, hardware and database maintenance for the Office of the Registrar in an efficient and friendly manner
  • Documented departmental procedures
  • Supplied critical information and assistance to students, faculty and staff

Departmental Research/Student Assistant
San Jose State University

10/98 - 6/99

  • Performed extensive research, reviews and analysis for department professors
  • Designed web sites for courses, educational and professional associations

Market Research Interviewer
Frank N. Magid & Associates

10/96 - 8/98

Conducted market research surveys regarding public media (tv, film, news), health care and the telecommunications industries.

Staff Writer
OutSpoken

3/98 - 8/98

  • Composed dynamic, thought-provoking articles for monthly magazine, emphases on lesbian and gay political and social issues.
  • Conducted in person and telephone interviews
  • Provided detailed research and fact checking

Testimonials:

Bob Borchers
Vice President, Marketing & Product Management

David Rompf
Director of Content, Fatbrain.com

Jennifer Selby
Technology & Web Manager, Thomson Learning

Additional references available on request

contact about iHeather