Professional Content Strategist & Communication Mentor

CAROLYN CHASTAIN TEDHOLM

* ******* ****** + Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

*******.*******@*****.*** + Cell 201-***-**** + Residence 973-***-****

*** Taking a strategic approach to the design, development and implementation of content systems, I seek to my apply substantial expertise to the creation of advanced communication vehicles and processes.

+ Team-oriented leader with a passion for excellence.

+ Tenacious problem-solver with a reputation for developing innovative solutions to meet complex equirements.

+ Twelve years managing communication development projects, guiding and training writers on the job.

+ Six years teaching technical writing and English composition at the college level (part-time).

+ Proficient in web technologies, including HTML, CSS and JavaScript; working knowledge of XML and XML-based tools.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

February 2008 -- Present

Sr. Technical Editor Automatic Data Processing, Inc. Parsippany, NJ

Prepare marketing and training materials for publication in a variety of media.

Guide desktop publishing staff, graphic artists, content developers and online media specialists in the organization, formatting and publication of various print and online courses.

June 2007 -- February 2008

Technical Writer Archive Systems, Inc. Fairfield, NJ

Created and updated content for use in printed and online documents; developed Framemaker-based system for single-sourcing various customized documents.

May 2002 –- Feb. 2007

Sr. Technical Communication Specialist MYOB US, Inc. Rockaway, NJ

Designed, developed, edited and built innovative context-sensitive HTML-based help systems for award-winning business accounting software used in the US and eight other countries. Continually analyzed user tasks and information needs to ensure a high level of accuracy and relevance for all user assistance. Collaborated extensively with writers, developers and designers in the US, UK and Australia.

* With four other US team members, analyzed, developed and maintained processes for single-sourcing and repurposing content in 100,000+ HTML pages (and some related PDF documents) for 34 software products in global markets; localized content for all markets.

* Redesigned and rebuilt an HTML help system to encompass four new, smaller systems. Created a methodology for generating XML code for a topic index used to reference help topics directly from the user interface.

* Devised and implemented automated HTML code testing processes, dramatically reducing the time required to finalize complex help systems.

* Developed and maintained CSS, complex Dreamweaver queries, and system processes and configurations needed to build and finalize HTML- and XML-based help from FrameMaker source files.

* In response to user requests, devised and implemented a “pop-up” context-sensitive glossary system.

* Classified, revised and updated system alert messages, and designed and developed a context-sensitive HTML help system to provide troubleshooting information for users who receive these alerts.

* Customized, troubleshot and configured JavaScript-based search engines.

Oct. 1991 –- Feb. 2002

Principal Consultant / Owner Write Access, Inc. Rockaway, NJ

Planned, scheduled and guided a wide variety of print and electronic publishing projects for corporate clients. Project manager and supervisory writer/editor for teams of 4 to 8 writers, editors and designers.

Estimated and budgeted; performed all billing, payroll and staff management functions. Major projects included:

* Printed user materials for Lucent Technology’s sales management software product, and online help content for the system interface.

* Printed and on-line software user materials, computer-based and classroom instructional materials for more than 70,000 Dun & Bradstreet customers.

* Marketing materials and advertising copy for AT&T business products campaigns, Internet publication and printed technical publications.

* Award-winning technical and user documentation and marketing brochures for a large database sorting system used in direct mail marketing programs, including Reader’s Digest.

1995 –- 2003 (part-time; as needed)

Online Instructor University of Phoenix Phoenix, AZ

* Taught English composition and business writing skills to degree-seeking adults.

Adjunct Instructor County College of Morris Randolph, NJ

* Taught technical writing, English composition and basic writing skills to degree-seeking adults.

1986 – 1991

Documentation Mgr. /Tech Comms Specialist AT&T Northern NJ

* Guided two to 14 staff members in various writing projects, including developing and maintaining customer and installation documents for computer software and widely used business telephone systems. Performed final editing and publication preparation for hundreds of printed documents.

* Developed editorial standards and training programs for writers and editors; trained staff in technical writing and editing; performed related writing, editing and desktop publishing tasks.

Before 1986: Richmond, VA

* Virginia Commonwealth University: Graduate Teaching Assistant

* Virginia General Assembly, Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission: Graduate Publications Intern

* Richmond News Leader: State Correspondent

* COBOL Systems, Inc.: Technical Publications Consultant

* The Computer Company: Staff Writer

EDUCATION & TRAINING

* Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA: Master of Arts - English/Education (Teaching Writing)

* Northwestern University, Evanston, IL: 12 hrs. toward Master of Science in Journalism

* Webster University, St. Louis, MO: Bachelor of Arts – English

* Other formal training: Editing, printing procurement and writing advertising copy; web site design concepts; HTML/DHTML, JavaScript, CSS, XML/XSLT; designing and evaluating computer interfaces

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

* Society for Technical Communication (Senior Member); NY Chapter newsletter committee, 1991 - 1996; Scholarship Committee Manager, 1996 - 1997. (Achievement Award: 1997)

* International Webmasters Association/HTML Writers Guild: 2001 – Present

* Content Management Professionals (CMPros): 2007 - Present

SOFTWARE & TOOLS

* Highly proficient: MS-Word for Windows, Adobe FrameMaker, Dreamweaver, HTML Transit, Visio and PaintShop Pro.

* Regular use: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, Visual SourceSafe; Microsoft Visio; MS PowerPoint.

* Familiar with: MadCap Flare, Macromedia Flash and XMetaL; Microsoft PowerPoint Adobe Captivate.

Coding and mark-up

* Advanced skills: HTML/DHTML/CSS

* Working knowledge: JavaScript, XML/XSL/DITA.

* Familiar with: XSLT

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