PATRICIA HICKMAN

• Support research-focused faculty through operational and technical documentation, financial administration, and process improvement within a high-tech academic environment.
• Developed and maintained HR and operations content emphasizing clarity and compliance, enhancing accessibility for internal stakeholders.
• Streamlined purchase tracking systems using Excel and SharePoint, resolving backlog issues and aligning records with vendor obligations.
• Collaborated cross-functionally to process faculty financial requests and process reimbursements through Workday Financials.
• Support graduate student hiring and onboarding using Gradworks and internal communications tools.
• Facilitated communication and alignment across teams via Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams.
• Initiated and developed concise how-to presentations to train graduate students on key reporting processes, resulting in improved departmental workflows and earning commendation from department leadership, faculty, students, and peers.

• During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, I took a planned professional pause to serve as the primary caregiver for a close family member with complex health needs. While managing a demanding home-based healthcare regimen, I continued to grow professionally and creatively through varied meaningful endeavors:
• Operated two remote freelance businesses: one focused on manuscript editing and the other on creative services.
• Edited fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for independent authors and small publishers, strengthening my editorial precision and client communication.
• Completed a full-length novel and advanced my scriptwriting skills through formal study and project development.
• Proactively kept pace with industry trends and technology, continuing to build knowledge, skills, and abilities in preparation for reentry into the professional workforce.
• This period not only deepened my resilience and organizational skills but also sharpened my editorial and writing abilities. I returned to the workplace with renewed energy, an expanded skill set, and a deepened understanding of how communication and storytelling can empower and connect people in even the most uncertain times.

North Carolina State University - Raleigh, NC,11/2015 - 09/2016

Directed strategic communications and marketing initiatives for a high-profile division under the Associate Vice Chancellor. Led digital transformation of internal and external messaging, strengthening brand identity and cross-team engagement through content creation, stakeholder alignment, and public-facing media.

Selected Leadership and Team Accomplishments:

• Developed and launched two digital-first, multi-channel newsletters, replacing static communications with dynamic storytelling and stronger community engagement.

• Wrote, edited, and published a wide range of content—from executive communications to social media campaigns—tailored to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Scripted and produced DSLR video content and photography for executive speeches, including crafting presentations and multimedia support for high-level stakeholders.

• Spearheaded strategic planning initiatives by facilitating cross-functional collaboration, designing staff surveys, and creating materials to support organizational alignment.

• Managed state-level communications, supporting technology adoption and multi-channel stakeholder outreach for over 900,000 users.
• Liaised with leaders and Public Information Officers (PIOs) to coordinate complex software rollout communications using AP style and DPI guidelines.
• Developed webinars, quick reference guides, web content, presentations, and videos.
• Provided editorial feedback and content reviews to contributors.
• Oversaw social media, SEO/SEM strategies, and analytics tracking to optimize outreach efforts.
• Maintained event calendars and produced bi-weekly newsletters across multiple communications channels.
• Login Owner of the DPI State Publishing Desk using versioning programs and a vault system for documentation.

• Achievements: Four Romantic Times Gold Medallion Awards, Two Silver Angel Awards for Excellence in Media
• Authored 17 traditionally published novels spanning unmarketed fiction and genre crossover, earning national distribution and media recognition.
• Collaborated with editorial, design, and marketing teams at top-tier publishing houses to develop high-impact, deadline-driven content.
• Promoted titles through nationwide tours, media appearances, and platform-building strategies, including blogging, newsletters, and social media.
• Demonstrated long-term project management, audience engagement, and storytelling expertise across multiple platforms.
• Reviewed regularly through critical review periodicals like Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal.