Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Work Experience
Honors And Memberships
Skills
Awards
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Paula Burns

DesMoines,WA

Summary

Experienced with developing captivating content that resonates with diverse audiences. Utilizes advanced research skills to ensure accuracy and relevance in all writing projects. Knowledge of various writing styles and formats, ensuring versatility and excellence in content delivery.

Professional writing specialist with commitment to producing high-quality content. Extensive experience in creating compelling narratives for various media platforms and industries. Strong focus on teamwork and adaptability, ensuring reliable contributions and seamless integration with dynamic project requirements.

Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.

Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.

Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in [Area of expertise] and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Professional with strong background in designing and developing instructional materials for diverse audiences. Adept at utilizing range of educational technologies and methodologies to create effective learning experiences. Known for strong collaboration skills, adaptability to changing project needs, and focus on achieving measurable results. Skilled in curriculum development, e-learning platforms, and multimedia content creation. Recognized for excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and fostering productive team environment.

Instructional design professional with history of creating impactful learning solutions. Known for collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve educational goals. Reliable and adaptable, with key skills in curriculum development and e-learning technologies.

Diligent [Desired Position] with robust background in designing and developing instructional materials. Proven track record of creating engaging and effective learning content for various audiences. Demonstrated ability to use instructional design models and tools to enhance learning experiences.

Resourceful and innovative Instructional Designer with over [Number] years of experience in e-learning and curriculum development for wide variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Offering insightful analysis of content and design to create value-added learning programs that achieve desired business outcomes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders and assess learning needs.

Motivational Training Specialist excited to develop successful training plans that meet dynamic company and employee needs. Accustomed to collaborating with managers to hone in on unique requirements. Prepared to bring [Skill], [Skill] and [Skill] abilities developed over [Number]-year career to a growth-oriented role.

Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.

Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Writer, Editor, and Proofreader

Freelance
01.2016 - Current
  • Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
  • Collaborated with editors to refine drafts, ensuring consistent tone and style across various platforms.
  • Interviewed individuals by phone, video chat and in-person to write news stories.
  • Conducted thorough research on diverse topics, producing well-informed pieces that resonated with readers.
  • Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
  • Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
  • Improved manuscript quality by conducting thorough research and applying rigorous editing standards, ensuring error-free and impactful publications.
  • Led series of writing workshops, improving team skills and fostering culture of continuous learning and development.
  • Tailored writing style and tone to match various clients' brand voices, enhancing their connection with target audiences.
  • Translated complex technical information into accessible, user-friendly guidebooks, broadening product's appeal to non-specialist customers.
  • Managed competing deadlines with efficiency.
  • Composed original written material for various types of publications and submitted for approval by supervisor, editor or publisher.
  • Created content for websites and online publications.
  • Edited and proofread drafts of articles and other documents.
  • Developed and pitched story ideas to editors.
  • Completed accurate and polished formatting in line with publishing standards prior to submission.
  • Produced original, creative content for promotional advertisements and marketing materials.
  • Customized brand message to reach and capture target audience interest and drive engagement.
  • Researched and wrote news stories, articles and reviews for online publications.
  • Built, established and maintained relationships with sources.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
  • Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
  • Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
  • Developed style guides and editorial processes to maintain a consistent voice across all published materials.
  • Enhanced editorial standards by implementing rigorous proofreading processes.
  • Optimized content for SEO, significantly increasing web traffic.
  • Managed content calendar to ensure timely publication of articles and features.
  • Wrote and created content for various topics and mediums.
  • Edited and reviewed content for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Edited and revised wide array of content for accuracy, clarity and consistency.
  • Proofread, edited and evaluated final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
  • Acquired in-depth knowledge of content areas to provide effective edits.
  • Researched topics to create accurate and engaging content.
  • Generated and maintained style guides to encourage consistent quality of content.
  • Drove accuracy of content through careful proofreading and fact-checking.
  • Improved document accuracy by meticulously proofreading and editing various types of content.
  • Checked and corrected grammatical and spelling errors in diverse documents.
  • Maximized document quality by suggesting revisions for awkward phrasing or unclear language.
  • Facilitated timely project completion with efficient task prioritization and time management skills.
  • Ensured consistency in style and tone by adhering to clients'' specific guidelines and preferences.
  • Demonstrated strong attention to detail when working with complex technical documents containing specialized terminology or jargon.
  • Maintained high levels of confidentiality while handling sensitive documents for various clients.
  • Built trust among clients by consistently delivering high-quality work that met or exceeded expectations.
  • Maintained high editorial standards for diverse range of documents, from academic papers to business proposals.
  • Enhanced impact of research papers, providing detailed feedback to authors on structure and argumentation.
  • Contributed to success of online content, optimizing articles for readability and SEO through careful editing.
  • Ensured consistency in style and tone across documents, contributing to brand cohesiveness.
  • Reinforced credibility of scholarly publications, by enforcing strict adherence to academic style guides during proofreading process.
  • Enhanced readability of complex texts with thorough proofreading, making content accessible to wider audience.

Senior Technical Writer (Contractor)

FedWriters
08.2024 - 03.2025
  • Conducted thorough research on emerging industry trends, incorporating relevant findings into updated technical documents.
  • Enhanced documentation quality by implementing standardized templates and style guides for all technical materials.
  • Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  • Edited and proofread technical documents for accuracy and consistency.
  • Developed detailed technical documents and user guides for technical products.
  • Analyzed user feedback to gather input and identify areas required for improvement.
  • Trained new team members to apply best coding best practices and proper use of development tools.

Program Manager (Contractor)

FedWriters
02.2024 - 08.2024
  • Mentored junior team members in best practices for effective project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Optimized resource allocation by assessing team bandwidth and assigning tasks based on individual strengths and skill sets.
  • Managed multiple concurrent projects successfully, prioritizing resources to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality or scope.
  • Facilitated knowledge sharing among team members to improve collaboration, streamline workflows, and elevate performance levels across the organization.
  • Implemented comprehensive reporting mechanisms to provide transparency into program performance for senior leadership review.
  • Identified potential risks early, devising mitigation plans to minimize impact on overall project timelines and deliverables.
  • Cultivated a positive working environment that fostered teamwork, collaboration, and open communication among all team members.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.

Management Analyst

Iowa Department of Revenue
04.2023 - 02.2024
  • Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices in management analysis.
  • Served as a subject matter expert on management analysis principles, providing valuable counsel to stakeholders during critical business planning sessions.
  • Provided expert guidance on best practices, resulting in improved overall organizational effectiveness.
  • Optimized project management practices by conducting comprehensive assessments of project plans and timelines, ensuring timely completion of deliverables without compromising quality standards or exceeding budgets.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased productivity.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Edited and reviewed communications for tone and quality.
  • Effectively prioritized incoming correspondence, enabling prompt attention to urgent matters while maintaining overall efficiency.
  • Implemented an efficient tracking system for monitoring progress of pending correspondences, leading to faster resolution rates.
  • Coordinated with various departments to ensure timely responses to client inquiries and concerns.
  • Developed documents in Word and maintained Excel databases.
  • Served as a liaison between senior executives and external parties such as vendors or clients, facilitating clear communication channels on behalf of the organization.
  • Multi-tasked and tracked multiple priorities in fast-paced environment.
  • Applied strong time-management skills to balance multiple competing demands on tight deadlines without compromising quality or efficiency standards.
  • Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
  • Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.

Management Analyst

Iowa Child Support Services
05.2021 - 03.2023
  • Presented actionable recommendations during staff briefings based on detailed reviews of current policy landscape.
  • Collaborated with government agencies to gather essential information, improving the quality of legislative proposals.
  • Tracked progress of bills through the legislative process, ensuring timely updates to relevant parties.
  • Built strong relationships with stakeholders to foster a collaborative environment in achieving common goals.
  • Provided valuable insight into possible consequences of proposed policies through comprehensive impact assessments.
  • Assisted in drafting legislation that addressed key concerns and promoted public welfare.
  • Supported informed decision-making for policymakers with accurate data collection and interpretation.
  • Identified areas for policy improvement by analyzing existing legislation and regulations.
  • Streamlined communication between stakeholders by preparing concise and informative reports on legislative activities.
  • Leveraged subject matter expertise to provide guidance in crafting strategic responses to evolving political dynamics.

Manager of Instructional Design

Iowa State University
08.2017 - 04.2021
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Researched design trends, technology and processes and directed work of design team .
  • Mentored junior designers, providing guidance on design principles, techniques, and best practices to enhance their skill set.
  • Spearheaded design process to align with client specifications and budget.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure seamless communication and project delivery, meeting all deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Built strong relationships with stakeholders through active listening, collaboration, and clear communication of design objectives.
  • Implemented an effective onboarding program for new hires that reduced training time while maintaining quality standards.
  • Oversaw quality control measures for all deliverables, ensuring consistent output aligned with client expectations.
  • Partnered with senior leaders to drive change by evaluating methodologies, tools and templates at enterprise level.
  • Enhanced design team efficiency by streamlining workflows and implementing project management tools.
  • Led brainstorming sessions with multidisciplinary teams that resulted in breakthrough ideas for new product development projects.
  • Conducted comprehensive industry research to inform strategic decision-making regarding emerging trends in technology and design.
  • Evaluated and introduced cutting-edge design tools and software to the team, ensuring a competitive edge in the industry.
  • Enhanced team creativity and innovation by leading brainstorming sessions and design workshops.
  • Increased project efficiency by implementing agile design methodologies, resulting in faster turnaround times.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.

Instructional Designer

Iowa State University
05.2015 - 08.2017
  • Enhanced e-learning experience by designing interactive and engaging instructional materials.
  • Contributed to development of comprehensive employee training courses.
  • Collaborated with subject matter experts to create accurate, relevant, and effective learning content.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality deliverables under tight deadlines.
  • Developed instructor-led training materials that supported face-to-face classroom instruction for blended learning environments.
  • Designed multimedia presentations that incorporated audio, video, and graphics for engaging online courses.
  • Created curricula, research topics and conceptualized course format, subject matter and presentation.
  • Assisted in the selection of appropriate tools and technologies for effective course development and delivery.
  • Conducted comprehensive needs analysis to identify areas for instructional improvement and targeted training solutions.
  • Incorporated best practices in instructional design methodologies like ADDIE, SAM, and Agile into project workflows.
  • Evaluated existing course materials, identifying opportunities for enhancement or revision based on learner feedback.
  • Conducted post-training evaluations to measure effectiveness of instruction and identify areas for continuous improvement.
  • Applied adult learning principles to ensure optimal engagement levels among diverse groups of learners.
  • Developed assessments and user polls to evaluate course effectiveness, altering content and delivery to achieve student learning goals.
  • Facilitated team collaboration during design meetings, providing constructive feedback on proposed ideas and concepts.
  • Identified gaps in existing curriculum by conducting thorough reviews of current course offerings.
  • Designed course materials and supported implementation.
  • Developed custom training programs tailored to diverse learner populations in various industries and sectors.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous learning through ongoing professional development initiatives within the organization.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards such as SCORM or xAPI while creating e-learning modules.
  • Transformed traditional learning materials into digital formats, ensuring accessibility for remote learners.
  • Increased course completion rates, creating assessments that accurately measured learner comprehension and application.
  • Boosted learner motivation through introduction of gamification elements into existing courses.
  • Collaborated with subject matter experts to ensure content accuracy and relevance, enhancing learner trust and engagement.
  • Conducted thorough needs analysis to identify gaps in existing training programs, leading to targeted curriculum updates.
  • Developed comprehensive training programs for improved performance, incorporating multimedia and interactive technologies.
  • Enhanced learner engagement by designing interactive e-learning modules tailored to diverse learning styles.
  • Spearheaded mentorship program to support newly hired instructional designers, fostering culture of collaboration and growth.
  • Conducted post-implementation evaluations to measure effectiveness of training programs, informing continuous improvement efforts.
  • Led cross-functional teams in development of new employee onboarding program, resulting in reduced time-to-competency.
  • Designed and delivered web-based, self-directed learning materials.
  • Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in performance and develop targeted learning solutions.
  • Utilized variety of instructional design methodologies to create effective learning experiences.
  • Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
  • Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.

Education

M.A. - English

University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
01.2007

M.A. - International Relations

University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.1994

B.A. - Political Science

Iowa State University
Ames, IA
01.1992

Skills

  • Content creation
  • Technical writing
  • Research skills
  • SEO optimization
  • Editing standards
  • Project management
  • Proofreading techniques
  • Story development
  • Team collaboration
  • Time management
  • Client communication
  • Instructional design
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Editing
  • Grammar usage
  • Strong research skills
  • Effective writing
  • Content editing
  • Copywriting
  • Document editing
  • Audience engagement
  • Excellent grammar
  • Proofreading
  • Formatting
  • Proofreading expertise
  • AP style
  • Copyediting
  • Print media
  • Chicago manual of style
  • SEO strategies
  • Journalism
  • Marketing support
  • Technical documentation
  • Excellent spelling skills
  • Website copy
  • Critical thinking
  • Editing and proofreading
  • Microsoft office
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Deadline attainment
  • Critical analysis
  • Script development
  • Promotional marketing and advertising

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
  • Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].

Additional Work Experience

  • Assistant Professor, Little Priest Tribal College, 1 year
  • English Instructor, University of South Dakota, 10 years
  • English Instructor, Briar Cliff University, 7 years
  • Technical Editor, USGS Geological Survey, EROS Data Center, 2 years
  • Editor, Stevenson Publishing (nonprofit administration publishing company), 2 years
  • Technical Writer/Editor, Gateway Computers, 4 years
  • Account Executive, Mills Financial Marketing and Advertising, 1 year
  • Assistant Editor/Writer, Storm Lake Pilot Tribune, 2 years

Honors And Memberships

  • Member, Leadership Planning Committee, Iowa Child Support Services, 2020-23
  • Chair, Professional Development Committee, Professional & Scientific Council, Iowa State University, 2020-21
  • Member, Professional & Scientific Council, 2019-21
  • Member, Professional & Scientific Council Professional Development Conference Planning Committee, 2016-21
  • Professional & Scientific Council CYtation Award Recipient, 2016
  • Faculty of the Year, Little Priest Tribal College, 2014-15
  • Member, Curriculum Development Committee, Little Priest Tribal College, 2014-15
  • Promising Young Writers, Des Moines Register, 2000

Skills

Copywriting, Technical writing and editing, Résumés, cover letters, personal essays, Peer-reviewed manuscripts, Literature reviews, Script writing, Journalism (newspapers, newsletters), Developmental/substantive, structural, copy, line, mechanical editing, Proofreading, Chicago Manual of Style, Modern Languages Association (MLA) Handbook, Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, The Gregg Reference Manual, and others, Online learning platform development and administration, Multimedia content creation (video, audio, graphics), Collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs), Training program development, Assessment strategy design, Course effectiveness analysis and improvement, Stakeholder engagement, Onboarding and employee training, Emerging technology and trends analysis, Data-driven decisions making

Awards

Coin recipient for Excellence, Teamwork, Perseverance, and Dependability, FedWriters, 2024-2025

CYtation Award Recipient, Iowa State University, 2016

Faculty of the Year, Little Priest Tribal College, 2014-15

Promising Young Writers, Des Moines Register, 2000

Affiliations

  • Member, Leadership Planning Committee, Iowa Child Support Services, 2020-23
  • Chair, Professional Development Committee, Professional & Scientific Council, Iowa State University, 2020-21
  • Member, Professional & Scientific Council, 2019-21
  • Member, Professional & Scientific Council Professional Development Conference Planning Committee, 2016-21
  • Member, Curriculum Development Committee, Little Priest Tribal College, 2014-15

Languages

Spanish
Elementary
Russian
Limited Working
German
Elementary

Timeline

Senior Technical Writer (Contractor)

FedWriters
08.2024 - 03.2025

Program Manager (Contractor)

FedWriters
02.2024 - 08.2024

Management Analyst

Iowa Department of Revenue
04.2023 - 02.2024

Management Analyst

Iowa Child Support Services
05.2021 - 03.2023

Manager of Instructional Design

Iowa State University
08.2017 - 04.2021

Writer, Editor, and Proofreader

Freelance
01.2016 - Current

Instructional Designer

Iowa State University
05.2015 - 08.2017

M.A. - International Relations

University of Chicago

B.A. - Political Science

Iowa State University

M.A. - English

University of South Dakota

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Paula Burns