Julie A. Higgins
Dallas,TX
Summary
Forward thinking and results-focused writer with demonstrated success in crafting executive-level business communication. Applies expertise in the business function’s operating model and business priorities to drive business results with organizational development initiatives and training solutions.
Functions well under pressure and committed to meet deadlines. Excellent attention to detail and ability to stay on message.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
Higgins Consulting
Dallas, TX
02.2019 - Current
- Clients include Wisewire, LCC; LearningMate; Aztec Publishing; Alise Cortez & Associates
- Provide thought leadership and critical thinking to help end users envision ways to achieve desired results
- Design innovative learning experiences, based on learning theories, neuroscience (BTT), and audience needs
- Write and prepare workbooks for Leadership Development workshops
- Consult with leadership on hiring of writers for various roles/tasks
- Develop employment tests for writers and editors
- Developed Train-the-Trainer materials for supervisors and leaders at various levels
- Proficient in Blackboard, Canvas, BrightSpace, D2L, and Microsoft tools; advanced knowledge of Google docs and sheets; proficient in SharePoint; experience working in Articulate 360 and Powtoon
- Write video scripts, activities, interactive scripts, and instructional text for variety of courses / learners, technical and nontechnical
- Strategize with stakeholders on ways to transform classroom learning into virtual learning experiences that will engage learners
Organizational Development Consultant
Pioneer Natural Resources
Dallas, TX
01.2017 - 02.2019
- Strategized communication plan for multiple enterprise-wide programs including Employee Engagement, Performance Management, Competency Building/Roll-out, and Top Talent processes
- Wrote emails and other communications for executives across multiple departments
- Supported change initiatives in Top Talent processes, moving from subjective nomination process to data, through communication strategy and rollout
- Developed training materials for instructor-led and eLearning events for individual contributors to senior directors
Business Consultant
Southwest Airlines
Dallas, TX
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Develop and deliver job competency profiles and career paths for the Finance organization within Southwest Airlines
- Developed change and stakeholder engagement plans for Finance competency modeling project and roll-out
- Wrote competency models for 280 jobs in Finance through methodical analysis of job duties and Employee/Leader interviews in 15 months
- Consulted with functional leaders and HR Business Partners to identify gaps in current state and desired future state within their organizations and make meaningful recommendations to enhance Employee, Team, and Department performance
- Implemented strategies and plans for aligning Leaders and all levels of stakeholders to project goals.
- Execute coordinated, comprehensive communication plans, allowing for two-way dialogue, to facilitate clear, consistent, and honest internal and external messaging along all phases of the project.
- Identified measurable success criteria to ensure pilot met the business case, requirements, and desired outcomes
Consultant
Higgins Consulting
Dallas, TX
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Focused on supporting talent and training programs for clients
- Provided in-depth leadership assessments summarizing candidates’ profiles and fit for Executive positions and development plans/recommendations for staff Employees (Leadership Development Worldwide, European clients
- Initiated success of client's organization by improving performance, hiring practices and management systems.
- Created detailed roadmaps of action items and project goals and generated reports to inform budgeting and planning.
- Updated stakeholders on key milestones for projects.
- Supported clients with business analysis, documentation and data modeling.
- Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
- Authored detailed work plans to meet business priorities and deadlines.
Senior Product Manager
American Heart Association
Dallas, TX
10.2011 - 01.2014
- Emergency Care and Cardiovascular Programs
- Ealth Care/Resuscitation Science—Global Market
- Led cross-functional teams to plan, develop, and produce classroom courses and eLearning in Basic Life Support
- Developed change management strategies to integrate new volunteers and consultants into the development and revision of health care products (using Kotter)
- Facilitated strategy discussions with Leaders, staff and medical volunteers on a quarterly basis to ensure organization would be first to market with newest research and resuscitation science findings
- Leveraged subject matter expertise and instructional design practices to design, develop and implement blended learning solutions
- Managed vendors, national and international, to ensure best practices were implemented and scientific content was accurate
- Partnered with business leaders and volunteer physicians to provide appropriate solutions to support organization’s initiatives, specifically reducing deaths by cardiac arrest by 20% by 2020
- Provided ongoing recommendations for continuous improvement initiatives in Department’s processes and procedures
Senior Organization Development Specialist
Energy Future Holdings, Electric
Dallas, TX
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Utility—Texas Market
- Developed Competency Modeling and Career Pathing for Accounting, Finance and Engineering organizations
- Implemented and managed leadership development programs for executives
- Provided organization development expertise and consultation to business and HR leaders in regards to executive assignments and departmental reorganizations
- Managed external vendors and consultants to provide curriculum development and OD support for training initiatives, including management and leadership development, project management, and business acumen
- Provided change management thought leadership for enterprise-wide initiatives, including changes in technology
- Partnered with in-house subject matter experts to design, develop and implement technical training initiatives for over 1,000 Employees
- Facilitated HR training sessions and Onboarding for new hires
Education
MA - Human and Organizational Systems
Fielding Graduate University
Certificate in Positive Psychology -
University of Pennsylvania
BA - Psychology, Journalism
Otterbein College
1991
Skills
- Facilitation of small and large groups
- Excellent written communication
- Presentation skills
- Business Acumen
- Leadership Skills
- Change management
- Strategic planning
- Problem-solving
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- MS Office
- Zoom
- SharePoint
- Social media
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Timeline
Consultant
Higgins Consulting
02.2019 - Current
Organizational Development Consultant
Pioneer Natural Resources
01.2017 - 02.2019
Business Consultant
Southwest Airlines
01.2016 - 01.2017
Consultant
Higgins Consulting
01.2014 - 01.2016
Senior Product Manager
American Heart Association
10.2011 - 01.2014
Senior Organization Development Specialist
Energy Future Holdings, Electric
01.2007 - 01.2011
MA - Human and Organizational Systems
Fielding Graduate University
Certificate in Positive Psychology -
University of Pennsylvania
BA - Psychology, Journalism
Otterbein College