Laura Cotton
Technical Writer
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Self-directed, reliable, and seasoned professional with extensive technical, educational, and promotional writing experience and a proven ability to work effectively in a remote setting. Superb written communicator able to quickly and accurately digest and disseminate complex information. Effective editor with a keen eye for detail, powerful knowledge of language, and a collaborative spirit. Adept at capturing voice when writing for others, and a facility for developing documentation designed to meet the needs of a target audience. Powerful verbal communicator and relationship builder who understands the importance of teamwork for success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Writer
Instructure
01.2022 - Current
- Research, outline, write, and format effective procedure manuals for multiple educational software products
- Proofread and edit documentation based on AP and other style guides to ensure accuracy, consistency and readability of technical documentation
- Work closely with product managers worldwide to develop a comprehensive understanding of new and updated product features
- Leverage a deep understanding of language to translate technical information into user-friendly content that meets the needs of the end user
- As part of the documentation team, contributed to the successful completion of multiple documentation overhauls for company product acquisitions.
Program Coordinator
The Ohio State University
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Partnered with the institute leadership to develop, document and implement cohesive and efficient policies and workflows to ensure the success of the unit
- Provided research, writing, and editing for professional development materials, executive reports, promotional communications, and website content
- Instrumental in maintaining organization as the unit pivoted to remote work and program delivery in the spring of 2020
- Contributed to the Institute’s successful effort to seamlessly provide the regular slate of programming while also developing and delivering teaching support services to an 8000 member faculty as they shifted to a fully remote classroom
- Served as administrative coordinator for the Ohio College Teaching Consortium, a collaborative of multiple Ohio higher learning entities partnering to provide no-cost professional development opportunities to instructors from 2- and 4-year institutions across the state
- As administrative lead, managed grant monies, produced strategic communications, worked with partners to coordinate, promote and deliver workshops, and served as the main point of contact for program partners and participants
- Initially expected to attract 50-75 instructors, within the first two years the Consortium successfully served 600 instructors from 40 institutions, and acquired funding to continue for a third year in 2022-23.
Executive Assistant to the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
The Ohio State University
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Worked directly with the Associate Dean to successfully oversee the largest faculty hiring initiative in the history of the college
- Wrote and edited a variety of effective executive communications including letters, reports, memos, instructional, and summary documents
- Utilized organizational knowledge and problem-solving skills to update and maintain the workflows and standard operating procedures required to efficiently manage all faculty facing functions in a college that employs 278 full time faculty members
- Efforts resulted in faster turnaround times and improved efficiency in recruiting, promotion and tenure, external review and many other college level administrative functions
- As lead administrator, collaborated with administrators from ten departments to create and document workflows that allowed departments to efficiently prepare, compile and deliver over 100 dossiers annually for review by the college and university promotion and tenure committees.
Program Coordinator
The Ohio State University
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Provided critical administrative support to three upper-level university administrators
- Managed multiple calendars, served as relationship manager for the Vice Provost for Strategic Planning, and represented that office in meetings with stakeholders both in and outside of the University
- Planned and organized meetings, prepared agendas and organized content
- Built and maintained strong relationships with colleges, departments, and units across campus to successfully carry out large scale meetings and other university-wide functions
- Produced all internal and external communications, solicited and compiled nominations, coordinated selection committee and led committee meetings for the Provost's Teaching Awards program
- Coordinated 23 individual surprise announcement events for winners that included the University President, Provost and other high-level administrators
- Coordinated with the Office of the President to plan and manage the Faculty Awards ceremony
- In three years, I implemented process changes that increased nominations by close to 50%, and improved and streamlined the selection process.
Apprentice Real Estate Appraiser
Eagle Realty Services
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Assisted with all aspects of real estate appraisal reporting in a residential and commercial appraisal office
- Researched public real estate records, regional and demographic information, and compiled data in concise and accurate reports
- Worked under strict deadlines to provide accurate reporting for highly complex real estate transactions for the Ohio Department of Transportation and other clients.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH01.2006
Skills
- Microsoft products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
- Screensteps knowledge base software
- Canvas learning management software
- Template Design
- Instruction writing
- Document Formatting
- Content Development
- Subject matter expertise
- Agile Methodology
- Database Management
- Editing and proofreading
- Usability Testing
- Visual Communication
- Requirements Gathering
- Workflow Analysis
- Documentation Management
- Software Documentation
- Process Documentation
- Information Design
- Release Notes Writing
- Collaborative Writing
- Style Guide Creation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time Management
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Self Motivation
- Decision-Making
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal Skills
- Relationship Building
- Analytical Thinking
- Task Prioritization
- Content Editing
- Resourcefulness
- Written Communication
- Continuous Improvement
- Report Writing
- Manual writing
- Technical Writing
- Chicago Manual of Style
Timeline
Technical Writer
Instructure
01.2022 - Current
Program Coordinator
The Ohio State University
01.2020 - 01.2022
Executive Assistant to the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
The Ohio State University
01.2015 - 01.2020
Program Coordinator
The Ohio State University
01.2013 - 01.2015
Apprentice Real Estate Appraiser
Eagle Realty Services
01.2007 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - English
Ohio State University
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