Clarissa Peterson
Web Strategist - Washington, D.C.

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Professional Summary

Online communications strategist with eight years progressive experience in web content development, online marketing, website production, and project management. Strong technical and communication skills as well as experience in business management and customer service.

Skills

Content Development

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or technical material in plain language for general audiences. Experience in conceptualizing, writing, editing, and proofreading online content. Strong research and fact-checking skills. Knowledge of AP Style.

Online Marketing

Experience in developing online marketing and email campaigns, particularly grassroots advocacy and nonprofit fundraising. Skills in search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, web traffic analysis (including Google Analytics), and Google AdWords.

Website Production

Front-end development skills, including the ability to hand-code semantic XHTML/CSS. Knowledge of usability and accessibility guidelines (including Section 508). Experience in information architecture and user experience design, including audience analysis, personas/user scenarios, wireframes, and sitemaps. Experience in HTML email design and production.

Project Management

Experience in managing projects from start to finish, including requirements gathering; project timelines, scope, and milestones; status reports; resource management; workflow facilitation; quality assurance (QA) testing; user documentation; strategic planning; vendor management, and staff management and development.

Software

Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including PhotoShop, Acrobat, InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Contribute. Experience with various CMS/publishing tools including Interwoven TeamSite, Kintera/Blackbaud Sphere, Convio/GetActive, WordPress, and Movable Type.

Experience

Online Communications Manager

Leadership Conference on Civil Rights/Education Fund (LCCR/EF), Washington, D.C. February 2008 to September 2009

  • Managed strategy and content for all online communication venues, including flagship site Civilrights.org, several issue-based microsites, email newsletters, and social networking sites.
  • Initiated a site refresh and content reorganization to bring the site in line with current industry standards for markup, usability, and accessibility.
  • Developed and implemented online editorial standards, style guidelines, and website best practices.
  • Supported organization-wide rebranding process by creating a long-term online communications strategy informed by organizational goals, voice, and audience.
  • Created, wrote, and edited compelling content around current legislative issues and worked to ensure accuracy and timeliness of content.
  • Worked with other departments to develop strategies for using online communications tools to promote current legislative and community organizing goals.

Web Manager

First Book, Washington, D.C. April 2006 to September 2007.

  • Managed First Book's online presence of several websites, including an e-commerce site, a staff-written blog, an intranet for volunteers, and several corporate co-branded fundraising initiatives, as well as the organization's presence on social networking websites.
  • Coordinated email communications to donors and supporters.
  • Prepared materials for online cause marketing campaigns and coordinated viral marketing initiatives.

Website Producer

Aquent, Washington, D.C. August 2002 to April 2006. Contract positions for creative staffing agency, including:

  • Web Editor at AARP - Reviewed and maintained intranet content pages to adhere to site-wide standards; provided publishing support for internal clients.
  • XHTML Developer at the Library of Congress - Converted content to new site design using XHTML/CSS template system; recreated site sections to comply with web standards.
  • HTML Developer/Project Manager at Fannie Mae - Migrated content to new CMS/portal system; worked with internal clients to design site structure and content; trained and supported CMS users.

Freelance Web Designer

February 2002 to present.

  • Designed and developed small- and medium-scale websites. Clients included nonprofit organizations and independent art/media projects.

Assistant Treasurer

Nader for President, Washington, D.C. January 2004 to December 2004.

  • Advised staff and candidate on compliance with campaign finance regulations, compiled financial information, and prepared disclosure reports to the Federal Election Commission.

General Manager

Indoor Cafe, Lombard, Illinois. April 2001 to September 2001

  • Responsible for all day-to-day restaurant operations, including budgeting, vendor management, and inventory control. Managed a staff of 40.

Banquet Manager

House of Blues Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. May 2000 to January 2001.

  • Coordinated planning and execution of on-site events, including meetings, conferences, celebrity events, banquets, receptions, and weddings.

Office Administrator

Pappas Restaurants, Houston, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois. October 1995 to March 2000.

  • Performed daily accounting, cash-handling, and computer support functions; trained new office staff at other locations.

Education

Information Architecture

Continuing education course at Graduate School, USDA, 2006.

Graduate Coursework in International Peace and Conflict Resolution

American University School of International Service, 2002. Received SIS Dean's Award Scholarship.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The University of Houston, 1993-1996. Recipient of four-year National Merit Finalist Scholarship. Member of the Honors College.

Organizations

Updated December 2009