Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Tools And Applications
Topics
Additional Information
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Susan Alden

Technical and Marketing Content Writer
Phoenix,AZ
Susan Alden

Summary

A prolific and talented SEO writer, I am passionate about putting users first when crafting compelling communications strategies and on-line content. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Excellent writing and grammatical skills. 10 years of technical writing experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to present complex data in clear, concise text. Ability to meet deadlines and to work independently. Deadline-driven, with excellent attention to detail. Able to create and advise on thought leadership within the financial services sector.

Overview

24
years of professional experience

Work History

Cognizant

Senior Technical Writer
01.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • I currently stage software releases
  • Edit Readme files, defect fixes, process flow diagrams, and update release notes.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Edited and proofread technical documents for accuracy and consistency.
  • Developed detailed technical documents and user guides for technical products.
  • Worked closely with software engineers, product managers and other departments to determine accuracy and completeness of technical documentation.

Northlight Creative, LLC

Communications Consultant
09.2010 - Current

Job overview

  • Founded Northlight Creative, LLC to provide freelance writing and content editing services to Microsoft, Apple, Teladoc, DocuWare, and other long-standing clients
  • Wrote job aids, reference materials, flowcharts, blog posts, white papers, eBooks, infographics, training materials, user guides, specifications and requirements for SaaS and Cloud-based applications.

Wells Fargo

Technical Writer / Strategy Consultant
04.2020 - 04.2022

Job overview

  • Worked within a SharePoint/Jira/Agile environment through all phases of creative content development (outlines, design and development) for a highly regulated financial institution
  • Responsible for content organization, internal and external communications, messaging and editing of all content for my team.
  • Designed, wrote, and edited Business Continuity documentation to be used whenever a natural or cyber-related disaster occurs
  • For example, training and support documents, procedures, processes, user and administration guides, job aids and other tools.
  • Defined, wrote and edited reports on disaster recovery results that were distributed to the Security Exchange Commission and Homeland Security.
  • Promoted transparency and compliance across organization and revised programs, objectives and strategies to align with corporate initiatives.
  • Deployed new technology leveraging evidence-based metrics to record performance data and outcomes for public reporting.

Perceptive Software / Lexmark Enterprise Software

Content Strategist | Senior Business Writer
08.2014 - 01.2017

Job overview

  • Developed targeted, B2B digital content strategies and lead generation content (for example, my Banking on a Digital Future whitepaper) that created hundreds of qualified leads each month and drove online sales.
  • Analyzed conversion and bounce rates to measure success of content.
  • Maximized advertising efforts by developing content for media relations, corporate communications, and social media posts.
  • Built relationships and collaborated with executive, technical, line-of-business, SMEs and end-user stakeholders.
  • Managed, wrote, and edited content for social media, websites and mobile devices, including blogs, white papers, eBooks, and infographics
  • Used the Basecamp workflow tool and Adobe AEM CMS.
  • Responsible for brand messaging.
  • Authored strategic content that engaged, informed, persuaded and inspired targeted personas through every step of the buyer's journey
  • Ensured content optimized both current and latest content.
  • Performed content audits, content mapping, competitive analysis, SWOT analysis, and journey mapping.
  • Redesigned and edited websites, conceptualized and authored email campaigns, landing pages, white papers, infographics, blog posts—and more.
  • Implemented strategies and tactics to grow followers on social media channels.
  • Strengthened content through proofreading and editing.
  • Created content with SEO keywords drawn from Google Analytics.
  • Utilized digital publishing platforms to prepare well-structured drafts.

Insight Enterprises

Proposals Coordinator / Writer for Networking Services
01.2009 - 01.2010

Job overview

  • Responsible for production and coordination of proposals for IT services division specializing in enterprise applications, enterprise networking, consolidation, virtualization, disaster recovery, cloud, video, and more
  • Used LiveLink workflow tool.
  • Served as the crucial 'bridge' between technical and marketing teams; working closely with engineering and technical architects to identify, define and relay features into 'benefits' terms to improve customer engagement.
  • Worked collaboratively with departments to increase success with bid opportunities and supported internal initiatives to improve value proposition.

Axway Software

Marketing Communications Manager
01.2006 - 01.2009

Job overview

  • Developed branded content and marketing tools for the Synchrony suite
  • Specialized in persuasive writing.
  • Used Google AdWords/SEO/SEM campaigns, pay-per-click campaigns and lead generation papers (most notably, the MFT Survival Guide, which generated an average of approximately 200 leads per month over several years).
  • Ensured web content worked within banners, emails, web pages, mobile ads, and all other online channels.
  • Wrote a style guide for new writers.
  • Revamped online and print materials in collaboration with graphic designers, photographers and printers.
  • Coached executives on key talking points and communication strategies for different audiences.
  • Managed consistent design theme, look and content of organization's online presence.
  • Prepared cross-platform social media promotions, capitalizing on strengths of each site to effectively reach target audiences.
  • Devised and executed integrated, online and direct marketing campaigns.
  • Devised content strategy to effectively engage target audiences.

Honeywell Aerospace

Technical Writer
03.2006 - 12.2006

Job overview

  • Wrote/edited and managed production of technical engineering proposals and scopes of work using an in-house content management system and document control tools.
  • Worked with various engineering teams across multiple time zones.
  • Consistently met tight deadlines and won recognition from management for the quality of my work.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.

Enterprise Technical Services

Marketing Manager
01.2005 - 01.2006

Job overview

  • Managed all marketing content, technical publications and proposal writing/editing for this IT outsourcing company.

Honeywell Automated Control Systems

Technical Writer / Sr. Marketing Communications Specialist
01.2000 - 01.2004

Job overview

  • Worked in an in-house ad agency, writing, editing, and managing media, advertising and marketing communications for five vertical markets.
  • Managed media relations and trade shows
  • Responsible for $1M advertising budget.
  • Crafted targeted copy for all marketing, advertising and media channels.
  • Edited content written by a team of five writers.
  • Managed 100+ on-time/on-budget marketing projects annually, including authoring annual reports; excelled in meeting aggressive deadlines.
  • Improved project turnaround by 11-percent using Six Sigma to improve workflow process.
  • Provided support for executive leaders and provided detailed reports for business strategies, while cultivating partnerships with [Type] clients.
  • Created content strategies for digital media.
  • Created customized marketing materials to increase product awareness.
  • Researched and analyzed industry trends to inform search marketing strategies.
  • Collaborated with designers, copywriters and developers, creating effective search marketing campaigns.
  • Collected and analyzed Web metrics such as visits, time on site and page views per visit.

Education

Western International University
Phoenix, AZ

MBA

Miami University
Oxford, OH

BFA in Art, Minor in English

Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt

Skills

  • Marketing communications (10 yrs)
  • B2B thought leadership (7 yrs)
  • Content editing (10 yrs)
  • RFP writing (5 years)
  • Content writing (7 yrs)
  • Long-form writing (5 yrs)
  • Business analytics (3 yrs)
  • Product marketing (2 years)
  • Editing (10 years)
  • Project Management (10 yrs)
  • Collaboration
  • Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt

Tools And Applications

  • Adobe PDF Pro
  • Snag-It
  • Microsoft Office
  • SharePoint
  • Google AdWords
  • Google Analytics
  • Systems analysis
  • AP style guide
  • MS Office Suite: MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, OneNote
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Acrobat, AEM, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Enterprise Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Deep understanding of the AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style and Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications

Topics

  • Banking
  • Finance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Insurance
  • Technology (IoT, Cloud, AI)
  • Healthcare
  • Energy
  • Telecom
  • Aviation and aerospace
  • Internal communications
  • External communications
  • Thought leadership

Additional Information

linkedin/in/susanalden

Timeline

Senior Technical Writer

Cognizant
01.2023 - Current

Technical Writer / Strategy Consultant

Wells Fargo
04.2020 - 04.2022

Content Strategist | Senior Business Writer

Perceptive Software / Lexmark Enterprise Software
08.2014 - 01.2017

Communications Consultant

Northlight Creative, LLC
09.2010 - Current

Proposals Coordinator / Writer for Networking Services

Insight Enterprises
01.2009 - 01.2010

Technical Writer

Honeywell Aerospace
03.2006 - 12.2006

Marketing Communications Manager

Axway Software
01.2006 - 01.2009

Marketing Manager

Enterprise Technical Services
01.2005 - 01.2006

Technical Writer / Sr. Marketing Communications Specialist

Honeywell Automated Control Systems
01.2000 - 01.2004

Western International University

MBA

Miami University

BFA in Art, Minor in English

Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Susan AldenTechnical and Marketing Content Writer