Helen M. Mitchell
**** *. ****** ****** **********, PA 19403
E-mail: ab85jg@r.postjobfree.com http://www.HelenMitchell.com
SUMMARY
Highly accomplished, self-motivated communications professional with
extensive corporate experience in technical writing, project coordination,
editing, proofreading/quality assurance, graphic design and content
publication seeking new opportunity.
OVERVIEW OF SKILLS
. Outstanding project management handling, concept through release
of final files.
. Customer-focused attention to detail at every stage of a project.
. Strong work ethic, time management and organizational skills.
. Ability to quickly become subject matter expert in my area, learn
new software programs and assess/adapt to a
company's procedures.
. Flexibility for working independently or in a team environment.
. Proficient in major Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel,
PowerPoint and Access.
. Experience using database systems and linking up to other
programs.
. Coordination with outside vendors for translating into foreign
languages, and print / web publication of materials.
. Expert technical and creative skills using major graphic design software
programs including: Adobe CS 2-5, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop,
Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Quark, Flash and more.
. Clearly communicate technical jargon into easy-to-follow
directions/information for technical and marketing literature.
. Effective use of professional design to drive message to target audience.
CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
. Manage and balance day-to-day and project workloads for print, web and
multimedia presentations.
. Collaborate with individuals inside and outside of an organization to
successfully plan, analyze and execute assigned projects.
. Develop and incorporate product line, company branding and legal
disclaimers into materials as required.
. Construct technically accurate and creative files using the current
industry standard software.
. Develop and nurture customer relations within the company and with
outside vendors and agencies.
. Lead individuals and teams with clear communication and respect.
. Assure quality and accuracy of print and electronic files, presentations
and materials, adhering to budget
and deadline obligations.
. Transform thoughts and ideas into viable print and/or electronic
messages and graphics that customers will use to
understand and/or purchase products and services.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lutron Electronics, Coopersburg, PA (through CommTech) 5/2010 - 9/2012
Communications Specialist Technical Writer
Working closely with engineers, software developers and product managers I
developed, designed, wrote, edited and updated technical manuals,
specification and instruction sheets/manuals and other literature, used by
employees and customers to promote knowledge of the products and systems
developed and sold by the company. Managing the project from initial
request, I researched specific information needed, gathered appropriate
items (including specs, charts, graphs, drawings, foreign language
translations) from project groups and subject matter experts then formatted
documents in Word and Adobe software. Adhering to templates and the
company's style guide, documents and literature were produced and published
to electronic or print format, then paperwork /approvals were processed as
needed and routed /stored in Oracle's Agile PLM software.
Dorman Products, Inc., Colmar, PA 11/2003 - 07/2009
Communications Specialist Graphic Designer
Managed and balanced workload of multiple projects for print and electronic
presentations. Collaborated with product managers, engineers and cross-
functional teams to design and produce marketing collateral including
presentation materials, literature, signs, displays, manuals and
product/packaging items. Coordinated with editors and vendors to provide
text translation from English into other languages as needed. Worked as
subject matter expert on the packaging team, creating and executing best
practice guides for creation of retail packaging as well as concept and
production files and templates, incorporating company branding requirements
by product line. I wrote detailed technical documentation to educate
employees on how to use company software program, used to create product
and shipping labels. Managed and trained temporary staff as needed.
BOSS Staffing / Freelance, Bala Cynwyd, PA 10/2001 - 11/2003
Communications Specialist Graphic Designer
Graphic design and production work for a variety of companies in various
industries including Pharmaceutical, Magazine Publisher, Advertising
Agencies and Automotive Wholesaler. Working closely with contributors from
various departments, some materials created include: brochures, sell
sheets, direct mail brochures and advertisements, posters, magazine article
layouts, slide presentations, CD and video packaging materials and more.
Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 03/1999 - 09/2001
Communications Analyst
Working with medical specialists, I edited, developed and created layouts
and images for production of educational books, monographs, posters, sell
sheets and response cards that were used to enhance product knowledge for
sales
staff and managers. At Merck, I created award-winning illustrations and
logos for various departments, studies and teams. Acted as liaison to
internal clients and vendors, working closely with all individuals to
ensure projects were completed in a timely fashion and within budget.
Produced the soundtrack for a CD-ROM learning program.
Advantage Staffing / Kelly Staffing / Freelance, Malvern, PA 06/1996 -
04/2000
Communications Specialist Graphic Designer
Graphic design and production work for companies that included Corporate
Art and Marketing Departments, an Ad Agency and a Service Bureau. Designed
and developed materials such as brochures, sell sheets, newspaper and
magazine ads, posters, slide shows and more. Worked closely with cross-
functional teams to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout materials.
KAR Printing, Norristown, PA 01/1995 - 06/1996
Graphic Designer
Designed and produced layouts for direct mail advertisements (for Advo,
Inc.) within budget and under tight deadlines. Implemented back-up and
tracking systems for archived files to increase efficiency and
productivity. Created and selected appropriate graphic elements to enhance
impact of advertisements. Supervised all aspects of the second shift;
managed workflow, quality assurance and delivery of items within
appropriate timeframes.
U.S. Healthcare, Blue Bell, PA 07/1989 - 01/1995
Graphic Designer Production Artist
Created literature and slide presentations that were used as sales,
education and advertising aids. Developed, created and updated brochures,
newsletters, annual and quarterly reports. Conveyed stringent departmental
and company requirements to vendors to ensure quality and timely turnaround
of materials.
EDUCATION
Philadelphia School of Printing and Advertising, Philadelphia, PA Major:
Communications
Onsite and online classes, Various locations. Taken periodically to enhance
knowledge of new and updated software programs