Summary of qualifications
- 15+ years' experience managing and creating internal and external communications for startups, small companies, nonprofits and Fortune 500s
- Skilled content strategist with expertise in delivering clear, compelling content
- Savvy manager of diverse teams and complex projects; talented team player
- Proven ability to engage key stakeholders at all organizational levels
Professional experience
SMALL BUSINESS MAJORITY, Sausalito, CA 12/08 to – present
Communications Director
As part of the senior management team, helped turn a small nonprofit into a major player on the national scene. Built the team responsible for our websites, marketing communications, research, media relations/PR and informational materials used by Congress, the White House and small business organizations throughout the country. Launched a new website and two complete redesigns; managed the writing and release of 17+ scientific research reports, a range of collateral, 15 newsletters and 28+ case studies; oversaw several successful media campaigns.
PAYPAL/EBAY INC., San Jose, CA 3/07 – 4/08
Brand Manager
Launched project to build PayPal’s first brand portal. Produced brand guidelines. Supported initiatives from creative review to internal education; collaborated with product managers and user experience team to ensure brand-compliant implementation. Supervised creation of turnkey assets for co-marketing partners. Managed vendor relationships.
Senior Content Manager
Managed content projects from requirements gathering through handoff to development team. Worked closely with product managers, user interface and visual designers, user experience researchers, editors and international content managers to formulate both strategy and concise product content and UI/instructional text for PayPal internal and external websites.
WETFEET, INC., San Francisco, CA 3/06 – 12/06
Managing Editor
Managed, mentored editorial staff and team of freelance writers and editors. Refined editorial strategy, developed calendar and processes; maintained content budget. Created new content and feature specs for re-launch of consumer information/e-commerce site; oversaw redesign; collaborated closely with development team. Responsible for end-to-end production of 60 books.
THE BOEING COMPANY, Seattle/Bellevue, WA 9/01 – 8/05
Communications Specialist, Shared Services Group (SSG)
Created and managed content and communication plans for companywide electronic communication tools. Managed SSG intranet site and SSG Communications portal content. Wrote web content, messages from the president and other materials for 22,000 employees (secondary audience of 157,000).
Web Manager/Communications Specialist, Air Traffic Management
Managed design, development and launch of internal website and redesign of external pages; produced content for both. Established content management system. Conceived and wrote employee communications materials, including intranet features and news, emails, employee surveys and articles for companywide magazine.
APPLIEDTHEORY CORP., Bellevue, WA 6/00 – 3/01; 6/01
Consultant, Content Strategy and Management
Worked with clients to create user-centered content for websites and web-based applications: Conducted usability audit of prominent insurance company’s intranet. Designed content for major Northwest travel industry association’s new niche site. Edited and adapted technical help and interface text for real estate software application. Re-engaged as consultant after corporate restructuring.
AMAZON.COM, Seattle, WA 6/99 – 6/00
Senior Editor
In addition to other editorial responsibilities, managed freelance staff of 15-20 writers and 3-5 editors, responsible for hundreds of toy reviews per month. Was appointed lead editor for the design and production of new specialty product sites.
Editor
Member of team that launched new toys website for Amazon.com. Scheduled and wrote category content and features. Wrote two monthly email newsletters for a subscriber base of 45,000; edited ten other monthly mailings.
WILDERNESS TRAVEL, Berkeley, CA 4/97 – 12/98
Editor/Web Manager
Wrote/edited copy for 132-page annual catalogs, itineraries, pre-departure packets, postcards, flyers, special event brochures, emails and website. Managed website redesign; launched second site in six weeks. Maintained both sites, overseeing contract designers and developers.
Additional professional experience
ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED, San Jose, CA 6/08 – 10/08
Copywriter, Photoshop.com
Developed voice that speaks to three discrete audiences of the new Photoshop.com (SAAS) and related consumer services. Worked with marketing, product management, design and user research to write and integrate engaging, relevant content. Created editorial guidelines.
OLD NAVY/GAP INC., San Francisco, CA 12/98 – 6/99
Senior Digital Copywriter
With small team, determined architecture, navigation and content for Old Navy website. Created taglines for store signage, advertising and promotional materials for national campaigns. Developed naming scheme for outerwear collection.
Education
BA cum laude in Russian language and literature, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
Memberships/associations
- International Association of Business Communicators
- Bay Area Editors’ Forum
- Women in Digital Journalism
- San Francisco Women on the Web
@RAINWAVES.NET