Nikki McDonald

Lead strategy and execution for Intel’s open source content marketing program across all internal and external channels, including its primary open source marketing website (open.intel.com)

• Develop and execute the social media strategy for the Open Platform for Enterprise AI (OPEA)—an open source project that Intel contributed to the LF AI & Data Foundation
• Lead cross-functional working group to optimize content strategy and operations and implement a shared global content roadmap to increase visibility and improve collaboration across the organization
• Actively nurture and support content creators across the org to develop compelling, developer-focused technical content that drives engagement at all funnel stages
• Analyze content performance metrics to continuously optimize strategies and improve business outcomes
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for the organization's needs.
• Spearhead change management efforts during organizational transitions, minimizing disruption while maintaining focus on key objectives.

Created and executed technical content strategies for written, video, and live-stream channels to raise awareness of AWS developer programs, increasing content output by more than 200% quarter over quarter

• Held team members accountable for established best practices to ensure high-quality customer-facing content achieving CSAT scores of 4.5 or higher
• Established and maintained end-to-end content development processes for onboarding, tracking, and reporting
• Drove efficiencies and created content development processes and mechanisms reducing time from concept to publication from 2 months to one week
• Facilitated stakeholder communication, leading to improved alignment between business objectives and program goals.

Spearheaded and operationalized the creation and delivery of Puppet's global technical education programs

• Launched Puppet's instructor-led training courses and hands-on, self-service labs, which earned an average 4.5/5 CSAT score
• Achieved operational excellence by establishing policies and processes that supported frictionless cross-functional collaboration and defined Puppet's content development, maintenance, and delivery business
• Conducted performance evaluations, compensations, and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements and created self-paced onboarding program to enable employee success
• Managed and mentored a team of technical education specialists and consultants who provided virtual, instructor-led delivery; contributed to the content development lifecycle; and developed and maintained the technical infrastructure that supports Puppet's education programs

Developed and executed the content strategy for languages and frameworks, specifically Java, Spring, Rust, C, and C++, through successful cross-functional collaboration on scope, roadmaps, and deliverables

• Partnered with technical SMEs to develop the curriculum for 60+ courses annually
• Recruited and trained a team of top instructors, built and managed instructor relationships focusing on diversity and inclusion
• Consistently met tight deadlines while managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Utilized analytics and site metrics to determine areas of improvement.

Oversaw content acquisition, talent networking, and strategic program development for the O'Reilly Systems Engineering and Operations editorial program valued at over $5M

• Developed a comprehensive content strategy, aligning with overall company goals and target audience needs.
• Identified and recruited speakers, established program schedules, oversaw marketing and PR campaigns, and developed sales leads as the program manager for O'Reilly's global Velocity conferences, generating over $2.5M in annual registration revenue and almost $3M in annual sponsorship revenue
• Partnered with enterprises such as Netflix, Google, NGINX, Pivotal, Microsoft, and Red Hat to create co-branded content marketing programs worth over $1.5M
• Wrote, edited, and recorded thought leadership articles and podcasts with industry experts to drive engagement for conferences and sponsored media programs
• Collaborated with marketing teams to create cohesive brand messaging across various channels.
• Conducted regular competitor analysis to stay informed about industry trends and adjust content strategy accordingly.

Commissioned and project-managed a content pipeline of 100+ technical books, videos, and online training courses on product management and interaction design valued at over $2.5M annually for the O'Reilly Learning Platform and events

• Secured high-quality content by actively scouting for talented authors within targeted subject areas.
• Strengthened relationships with key industry influencers, ensuring a steady pipeline of reputable authors and contributors.
• Collaborated closely with marketing teams to develop promotional strategies that maximized book visibility and sales potential.
• Wrote, edited, and recorded articles, blog posts, and podcasts to promote content programs and events

Developed and implemented the content strategy for Peachpit's design and graphics publishing program with annual sales of over $2M

• Managed the KelbyOne Publishing Alliance, working with Peachpit's highest-grossing author to create new titles and maintain a backlist of over 150 books with lifetime sales topping $50M
• Enhanced manuscript quality by meticulously reviewing and providing constructive feedback to authors
• Acquired and managed over 25 new books and video courses annually

Developed, implemented, and oversaw the content marketing strategy for Peachpit.com

• Approved, reviewed, and edited content flowing to website
• Directed a team of contributors to create targeted content promoting books and author brands across the website, email campaigns, and branded social channels