Barry Melton
Macclenny
Summary
Passionate and energetic communications professional with more than 20 years of combined experience as a journalist, technical writer, training coordinator and internal communications manager. Proven ability to craft and deliver compelling messages, with expertise in managing media relations and internal communications. Known for strong team collaboration and adaptability to dynamic environments. Proficient in strategic planning and product management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Manager (remote)
Tria Federal
05.2021 - Current
- As Communications Manager for the Department of Veteran Affairs Benefits and Memorials Portfolio (BAM), creates briefings and presentations for executive leadership; supports responses to Congressional requests, and develops key message frameworks to ensure consistent messaging across all channels and touchpoints within the portfolio.
- Explains highly technical, complex concepts and features succinctly and in a way that deeply resonates with BAM’s audiences, providing communications and promotional support for leadership through the development of presentations, talking points, newsletters, and speech writing.
- Trains junior team members in best practices for corporate communications, increasing overall portfolio effectiveness.
- Develops internal newsletters that keep staff informed and engaged.
- Evaluates existing communication strategies and streamlines processes for gathering and disseminating important company updates.
- Tailors communication styles to suit diverse audiences, ensuring messages are effectively received.
- Maintains an average 97% on-time response rate for all data calls and actions requests, which includes seven product lines within BAM, promoting information flow and communication, monitoring progress and statuses, and coordinating responses to requestors.
Technical/Senior Proposal Writer (remote)
Sierra7
02.2020 - 05.2021
- Spearheaded continuous improvement efforts by soliciting feedback from clients on submitted proposals for future enhancements.
- Developed persuasive content that significantly increased win rates and secured multi-million dollar contracts.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather relevant information, ensuring comprehensive and accurate proposal submissions.
- Provided exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to successful proposal development.
- Evaluated complex RFP requirements to develop tailored responses that addressed client needs while highlighting company strengths and capabilities.
- Wrote and edited reports, plans, policy and procedures for Department of Veteran Affairs Privacy Service, and worked with team members to create deliverables that comply with VA standards and Section 508 requirements.
- Coordinated production of weekly and monthly status reports, created meeting agenda and minutes, and completed other project management-related tasks as needed.
- Maintained project schedule, deliverables tracker and calendar, ensuring all project deliverables were completed on time and in accordance with VA styles and standards.
Senior Technical Writer
Washington Technology Group
09.2019 - 02.2020
- Prepared and maintained technical documents, including software and systems engineering, system operations, testing, and user documentation for the Navy's Configuration Data Managers Database.
- Organized regular meetings with stakeholders to gather feedback on documentation needs, ensuring alignment between project goals and end-user requirements.
- Conducted thorough research on emerging industry trends, incorporating relevant findings into updated technical documents.
- Enhanced documentation quality by implementing standardized templates and style guides for all technical materials.
Computer-Based Training Specialist
A. Harold and Associates
12.2017 - 09.2019
- Prepared Section 508 compliant lesson plans, training guides, practical application guides and practice scenarios for various Navy nonresident career training courses, such as aircraft rescue and firefighting, mass communications and logistics.
- Identified data sources for instructional material development, as well as additional information needed for instructor and participant materials.
- Assisted in analyzing and assessing training and development needs for organizations, departments and individuals.
- Evaluated training effectiveness using feedback surveys and assessments, making continuous improvements as needed.
- Developed customized training materials including presentations, job aids, and facilitator guides for effective knowledge transfer.
- Prepared videos for online and remote instruction.
- Designed and delivered web-based, self-directed learning materials.
- Established and maintained quality control standards.
QC Technical Writer
Nicopure Labs
05.2017 - 12.2017
- Created a company style guide and templates for SOP and work instructions when none existed, and developed more than 50 work instructions for various tasks and duties for testing, production and shipping teams, including photographic support and graphic design.
- Provided technical research and writing services in support of operating and maintenance manuals, ensuring that all technical documents adhered to FDA, ISO, and ADA standards.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Managed version control and timely updates of documents through effective project tracking and organization skills.
- Conducted thorough document reviews to identify inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or areas needing clarification.
- Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
IT Technical Writer (remote)
Aquent
05.2015 - 04.2017
- Provided technical research and writing services to support the Hewlett Packard Enterprise 3PAR StoreServ storage system team.
- Applied single-source documentation methods using ArborText and XMeTaL XML authoring platforms to create and manage implementation guides, user instructions, release notes and other related OS and patch-related documentation.
- Implemented feedback from end-users to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of documentation materials.
- Worked with internal teams to obtain an in-depth understanding of the product and documentation requirements.
- Mapped engineering processes and specifications for software development lifecycle, product delivery, and patch/bug fix releases.
- Enhanced user experience by simplifying complex technical concepts into easy-to-understand documentation.
- Streamlined documentation process, ensuring timely updates with each software release.
- Maintained comprehensive glossary of technical terms to ensure consistency across all documents.
- Enhanced user comprehension by writing clear and concise user manuals for complex software products.
- Managed documentation projects from concept to completion, meeting all deadlines.
Text Editor/Technical Content Writer
SSE Inc.
04.2012 - 05.2015
- Designed and edited interactive courseware, instructor-led training modules, and job aids for Boeing for the Navy P8-A aircraft, to include aircrew and maintenance procedures.
- Acquired and verified subject matter content by interviewing workers engaged in developing products and services, observing production methods, referring to blueprints, sketches, engineering drawings, notes, manuals, and similar publications.
- Reviewed and ensured quality, technical correctness and instructional soundness of draft/final interactive multimedia lessons.
- Enhanced document readability by meticulously proofreading and editing content for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax errors.
- Conducted thorough research to ensure factual accuracy of written materials before submission or publication.
- Safeguarded intellectual property rights by verifying proper attribution of sources within written works as needed.
Technical Writer
Ideation
09.2011 - 04.2012
- Designed training products for clients such as FEMA and the Federal Highway Administration, including lesson plans, Web-based training, practice scenarios, job aids, and training manuals in accordance with Section 508 requirements.
- Collaborated with the capture team and executive leadership to gain an appropriate understanding of the win strategy and ensure the response clearly conveyed the proper business perspective, key messages, value proposition, and differentiators against our competition.
- Established a library of reusable content that streamlined the proposal creation process, saving valuable time for other critical tasks.
- Mastered various software platforms like Salesforce and SharePoint for efficient document management throughout the proposal lifecycle.
- Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Writer/Editor
The Cogar Group
03.2011 - 09.2011
- Supported the National Guard Bureau, ensuring SOPs, correspondence, policy and press releases were professionally written, logical, internally consistent, concise, clear, and written at the appropriate level for the intended audience.
- Produced documents, including editing text and rewriting text in Word, worked with authors to clarify text and formatted documents following GPO style and Bureau guidelines.
- Increased office efficiency by creating several styles-driven templates for each team member.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
- Collaborated with editors to refine drafts, ensuring consistent tone and style.
New Equipment Trainer and Technical Writer
NCI Inc.
06.2008 - 03.2011
- Supported the US Army by preparing and conducting instructor-led training for new equipment such as ballistic vests, cold weather clothing, bomb protection suits, and laser and IR systems.
- Served as team lead and organized training sessions, selected and prepared training tools and materials, coordinated the team's travel arrangements, and communicated training needs to project managers, team members, and other trainers.
- Mentored instructors and helped them create instructor-led training materials, including PowerPoint presentations, technical documents, fact sheets, course evaluations, and brochures.
- Developed a library of instructional materials, including videos, manuals, and quick reference guides for easy access by equipment operators.
- Wrote and maintained hard copy and electronic interactive training manuals in accordance with applicable MIL-STDs necessary for theory of operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and physical teardown of systems, subsystems, component parts, and accessories.
- Regularly reviewed course materials to ensure content remained current with evolving industry standards.
- Conducted hands-on demonstrations to reinforce key concepts from classroom lessons, enabling trainees to master practical skills more efficiently.
- Established standardized testing procedures to accurately assess trainee knowledge retention before progressing them through the curriculum.
- Revamped outdated training materials with modern, multimedia resources that catered to diverse learning styles.
- Coordinated with equipment manufacturers to provide specialized training on new machinery, ensuring operators were proficient in its use before deployment into the field.
- Collaborated with management to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training initiatives for addressing them.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment by fostering open communication between trainers, trainees, and supervisors alike.
Education
Certificate - PMP Certification Exam Prep Course - 35 Hours
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL05-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH05-2020
Skills
- Internal communications
- Portfolio growth
- Content development
- Project management
- Speech writing
- Video content production
- Web content management
- Professional correspondence writing
- Analytics reporting
- Facilitating focus groups
- Style guide development
- Communications strategy
Timeline
Communications Manager (remote)
Tria Federal
05.2021 - Current
Technical/Senior Proposal Writer (remote)
Sierra7
02.2020 - 05.2021
Senior Technical Writer
Washington Technology Group
09.2019 - 02.2020
Computer-Based Training Specialist
A. Harold and Associates
12.2017 - 09.2019
QC Technical Writer
Nicopure Labs
05.2017 - 12.2017
IT Technical Writer (remote)
Aquent
05.2015 - 04.2017
Text Editor/Technical Content Writer
SSE Inc.
04.2012 - 05.2015
Technical Writer
Ideation
09.2011 - 04.2012
Writer/Editor
The Cogar Group
03.2011 - 09.2011
New Equipment Trainer and Technical Writer
NCI Inc.
06.2008 - 03.2011
Certificate - PMP Certification Exam Prep Course - 35 Hours
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
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