BRYAN T. DAVIS
Technical Editor and Writer
Fitchburg,MA
Summary
Editing and writing professional with over 25 years of experience in technical editing, technical writing, documentation production, and project management. Background supporting internal and external communications within the healthcare, defense, computer software, and public affairs industries. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently or as part of a team, and meet aggressive deadlines while working remotely full-time. Consistently recognized by managers for being personable, working effectively with all levels of professionals, and editing materials with tact and respect.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Content Editor and Senior Analyst
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
02.2023 - Current
- Working full-time remotely as a contractor at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) in the Stakeholder Services division. Responsible for editing documents in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint-based formats for BCBS’s 33 Plans covering over 8 million federal employees.
- To date, edited over 3,000 documents that are produced by authors from various areas of the company, focusing on adherence to strict content and legal standards set forth by BCBS and the federal government.
- Editing can include working with senior leadership outside the normal production process on deadlines of less than 30 minutes and after regular business hours because of system alerts, emergency issues, or other critical events.
- As part of the editing process, regularly rewriting documents for clarity because of English-as-a-second language issues.
- Serving as the sole editor resource for an update project of a critical on-line reference database that includes tens of thousands of pages and is used daily by BCBS claim processors.
- Using the OpenText Service Request Tracking System to manage work queue, ensuring deadlines are met, including last-minute, “expedited” submissions that often involve information that is crucial to customers.
- Editing a twice-monthly web-based newsletter that is the single source of awareness of the company’s products, services, and activities.
- Responsible for updating and maintaining a web-based company style guide that includes guidelines for grammar, company-based content and legal standards, and product catalogue references.
- Conducting a regular training seminar for new employees about how to submit content for editing. Class includes a complete review of the ticket tracking system and what is expected of submissions so that they are edited and returned as quickly as possible, ensuring submitters meet their deadlines.
- Working with Senior Leadership Team members on time-sensitive projects so that important and essential information is disseminated quickly and effectively.
- Attending regular weekly cadence calls via Microsoft Teams to update department staff about project’s status and be available to answer any related questions.
- Edited technical documentation for accuracy and clarity, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborated with engineers to enhance content quality and maintain consistency across multiple publications.
- Implemented review processes that improved document turnaround times and increased overall efficiency.
- Developed style guides to standardize formatting and terminology across various project teams.
- Conducted training sessions for junior editors, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Oversaw cross-functional project teams to drive strategic initiatives in technical communication practices.
- Analyzed feedback from stakeholders to refine documentation processes and improve user experience.
- Edited technical documents for clarity and consistency, enhancing communication across departments.
- Reviewed and corrected complex content to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to refine technical materials, improving accuracy and relevance.
- Developed style guides to standardize documentation practices, promoting brand voice consistency.
- Mentored junior editors, providing training on editing techniques and best practices for document review.
- Led cross-functional teams in projects aimed at streamlining editorial workflows and reducing turnaround times.
- Implemented quality assurance processes to enhance document integrity, resulting in fewer revisions required post-editing.
- Enhanced document quality by meticulously editing technical content for grammar, punctuation, and style.
- Reduced errors in technical documents by conducting thorough reviews and providing constructive feedback to authors.
- Conducted final quality checks before publication to minimize errors or inconsistencies in published materials.
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Proofread, edited and evaluated final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
- Edited and reviewed content for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Edited and revised wide array of content for accuracy, clarity and consistency.
Technical Editor
IBM
05.2012 - 11.2022
- Worked full-time remotely as a contractor at IBM and edited technical publications, training materials, and other technical content, focusing on industry-leading IBM Redbooks publications suite.
- Ensured consistent quality of materials by applying IBM documentation and style standards.
- Managed the production process of IBM Redbooks publications so that they are available to customers in a timely fashion.
- Converted source material from Microsoft Word to Adobe FrameMaker for publications. Process included reformatting information so that it met IBM Documentation standards.
- Served as the editing resource for project leaders, which included working closely with each project leader to ensure an open line of communication to understand and meet deadlines and expectations.
- Rewrote documentation when needed to clarify source material because of English-as-a-second language issues.
- Mentored new editors to prepare them for working in the Documentation group.
- In recognition of consistent job performance, served for over 12 months as sole editing resource for Lenovo documentation group when IBM divested the company in 2015.
Technical Writer II
DRS Defense Solutions
01.2011 - 05.2012
- Wrote and edited technical documentation, manuals, reports, and brochures for internal documentation, customer reference, and company publications. All publications supported hardware and software products for external and internal audiences.
- Selected graphics, visual aids, tables, and photographs to support the written text, making the subject matter more accessible to a wider audience.
- Analyzed project requirements and ensured the accuracy and completeness of the technical information, resulting in a superior documentation product.
- Consulted with project managers and lead technical experts within the company to ensure technical accuracy of materials.
- Organized material according to set company standards, which resulted in increased clarity, and conciseness, while meeting company standards.
- Reformatted older technical documentation so that it adhered to current company standards and the standards often set by the customer.
- Assisted in producing, planning, and writing a monthly internal company newsletter that provided timely information to employees.
Principal Editor, Senior Editor, Editor
Progress Software Corporation
06.2000 - 06.2010
- Edited course books and documentation sets for software education classes and product releases produced by the writers of the Education and Documentation divisions.
- Served as a reference for course developers and documentation writers regarding grammar, writing styles, and company standards to maintain consistency in all published materials.
- Updated the Education division’s grammar and style guides so that writers and developers had the latest information and guides available Managed the production process for printed training books and related materials, which reduced the workload of writers and developers.
- Maintained the departments’ critical Wiki and Microsoft SharePoint sites Coordinated the production and development of an Education-related newsletter, an essential vehicle for keeping over 1,300 customer and employee subscribers informed of the latest changes to and developments in the curriculum.
- Maintained a comprehensive inventory spreadsheet of courseware, which was used company-wide to order any training materials.
Corporate Communications Specialist
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
11.1999 - 06.2000
Public Affairs Associate
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
11.1997 - 11.1999
Staff Reporter
The Concord Journal
04.1993 - 11.1997
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English, concentration in Professional Writing
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MASkills
- Client management
- Client relationship management
- Data analysis
- Performance monitoring
- Report preparation
- Stakeholder communication
- Microsoft Office suite
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Attention to detail
- Time management
Timeline
Technical Content Editor and Senior Analyst
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
02.2023 - Current
Technical Editor
IBM
05.2012 - 11.2022
Technical Writer II
DRS Defense Solutions
01.2011 - 05.2012
Principal Editor, Senior Editor, Editor
Progress Software Corporation
06.2000 - 06.2010
Corporate Communications Specialist
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
11.1999 - 06.2000
Public Affairs Associate
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
11.1997 - 11.1999
Staff Reporter
The Concord Journal
04.1993 - 11.1997
Bachelor of Arts - English, concentration in Professional Writing
Fitchburg State University