Vanessa Fawn Silvas
Springfield,MO
Summary
Lead Technical Writer with nine years of experience in developing user-centric documentation for complex systems. Expertise in managing documentation lifecycles and leading cross-functional teams. Proven track record of enhancing content quality and optimizing writing processes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Technical Writer
Microsoft
01.2023 - Current
- Lead writer, owner, and point of contact for all phases of the creation and maintenance of pre-recorded demonstrations for internal and external Microsoft sellers and partners.
- Partnered with global teams to create, review, and deliver documentation, including demo scripts, business decision maker (BDM) and technical decision maker (TDM) documents, teleprompter scripts for Microsoft sponsors and senior leadership, demo web app reviews (multiple iterations), and close communication with demo development, engineering, and UX teams regarding updates, internal revenue impact, and launch emails.
- Balanced shifting priorities, and provided detailed reports on the status of each. Maintained regular communication with the development team while partnering with other technical writers, document specialists, technical product managers, and project managers in all stages of the documentation process.
- Interpreted and monitored content telemetry for the Data and AI DREAM Demo catalog and tracked performance against organizational goals/KPIs. Monitored and addressed feedback from sellers in DAI Specialist communities. Escalated issues as needed to the 24/7 team experts. Identified discoverability challenges, and recommended solutions.
- Collaborated with a virtual team to continuously improve overall organizational standards, best practices, and support for DREAM Demo documentation creation and maintenance. Trained new and existing team members to perform additional tasks in and outside of the Technical Writer and Project Manager roles.
Content Engineer
Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co.
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Established standardized processes for internal documentation to enhance efficiency.
- Conducted interviews with departments and technical staff to gather comprehensive data.
- Researched and authored technical documentation, including product definitions and style sheets.
- Created and edited single-source documentation using Confluence to ensure consistency.
- Identified and addressed gaps in processes and documentation for improved alignment.
- Collaborated with SMEs to define project scope for documentation in various environments.
- Managed projects to ensure timely completion of documentation deliverables.
Lead Technical Writer
Medtronic
05.2019 - 12.2021
- Researched and translated technical information into manuals for diverse user audiences.
- Led high-profile projects as project manager and lead writer, ensuring timely delivery.
- Conducted interviews with technical staff and departments to gather necessary data.
- Created employee user guides to enhance efficiency within new editing software system.
- Served as super user for MAPS XD CMS, providing training and mentoring for new users.
- Reduced content creation cycle time by 70% through effective reuse strategy implementation.
- Authored and edited documentation adhering to company style guide standards.
- Developed proficiency in multiple CMS platforms utilizing XML.
Technical Writer
Intuitive Web Solutions (BriteCore)
06.2018 - 04.2019
- Documented a backlog of pull requests in GitHub and reduced a backlog of 1000 to 36 in less than eight months.
- Wrote technical documentation for internal and external audiences in the insurance industry.
- Created and edited material for new hires and the Human Resources department in Confluence.
- Project Management for several projects.
- Worked with SMEs to solve documentation issues in a remote environment.
Technical Writer
Positronic Industries Inc.
01.2017 - 06.2018
- Established standards for work instruction documentation, ensuring compliance with ISO and AS9100.
- Developed comprehensive training materials and conducted training sessions for diverse audiences.
- Created various documents, including work instructions, white papers, procedures, and exams.
- Designed templates to enhance document presentation and usability.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts across multiple fields to gather insights.
- Produced visual aids to facilitate learning and comprehension.
- Conducted usability evaluations and user testing to improve content effectiveness.
- Managed translated documents to ensure accuracy and clarity in communication.
Technical Writer/Sales Manager/Installer
Ozark Carpet Company
08.2016 - 01.2017
- Created sales documentation and led social media accounts to comply with company best practices.
- Installed carpet, wood, vinyl, etc.
- Sold and researched a variety of flooring products.
- Handled confidential information.
- Managed product inventory.
Education
BS - Professional Writing, Screenwriting minor
Missouri State University
08.2018
Skills
- MS Office applications
- DITA
- Atlassian products
- Jira
- Confluence
- Snag-it
- Google Suite
- Agile
- MAPS XD
- Oxygen editor
- Prezi
- GitHub
- WordPress
- Iorad
- Vasont
- SharePoint
- PDWare
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- InDesign
- RoboHelp
- DreamWeaver
- Lucid charts
- Photoshop
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Lead Technical Writer
Microsoft
01.2023 - Current
Content Engineer
Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co.
01.2022 - 01.2023
Lead Technical Writer
Medtronic
05.2019 - 12.2021
Technical Writer
Intuitive Web Solutions (BriteCore)
06.2018 - 04.2019
Technical Writer
Positronic Industries Inc.
01.2017 - 06.2018
Technical Writer/Sales Manager/Installer
Ozark Carpet Company
08.2016 - 01.2017
BS - Professional Writing, Screenwriting minor
Missouri State University