DARLENE K. CRAVEN
WRITER/EDITOR
Consistent Producer * Stylish Creator * Effective Communicator
Enthusiastic, versatile, and skilled editor and wordsmith with creative and focused approach—rendering compelling communications projects on subjects/subject matter of any kind. Works autonomously in editing, producing, and submitting key messaging for internal and external communications. Takes initiative in and creating crisp copy that effectively captures attention and ensures branding consistency. Adept at depicting style, mood, and voice in multitude of industries and areas. Synthesizes vast array of diverse information into precise, relevant pieces.
* Promoted uniform performance for adhering to company objectives by producing company procedure manuals and other corporate documents.
* Met editorial expectations, tight deadlines and highly-stylized criteria, executing multi-faceted projects through interviewing subject matter experts, researching complex information, and compiling documents, articles, and other papers.
* Authored concise and effective copy that consistently elicits customer satisfaction by communicating at all levels and backgrounds—from C-level to staff to spectator.
PROFICIENCIES
Correspondence * Press Releases * Newsletters * Magazines * Articles
Blogs * Agreements * Corporate Communications * Direct Mail * Brochures
Sales Letters * Social Media * Web Content
“Darlene has a great knack for the written word and getting an effective message across to the reader. She is not afraid to ask questions and adjust her style to best serve the client.” ~Carol Schultz, CEO, Vertical Elevation
“Darlene was able to bring our company's vision and ideas to life.
She also took the wandering portions of our ideas and focused them into the tangible.” ~Mark Trenka, Owner, Trenka and Associates
CAREER HISTORY
Contractor Correspondent, Cricket Communications/Volt Technical Services, Greenwood Village, CO, (2010-Present). Produce external business communications responding to agency complaints filed by customers. Research customer accounts and analyze information for producing cogent explanations and relevant fixes. Maintain strict adherence to federal and state deadlines while prioritizing multiple projects and schedules. Perform administrative back office functions related to customer care. Collaborate with internal departments in pursuing best practices solutions.
> Survived recent contractor support team layoff by producing timely and appropriate written communications.
> Established reputation for enthusiasm and ability in serving customer base through articulate correspondence while consistently fulfilling quotas.
> Volunteered to revise and update existing correspondence templates and language.
Professional Business Writer, Trailblazing Writing Services, Parker, CO, (2008-Present). Produced internal and external business communications and marketing materials for B2B and B2C clients. Crafted and edited impactful website marketing content, LinkedIn profiles, e-books, and blogs. Contributed to, edited and proofread monthly women’s professional association newsletter. Analyzed market and created plans for promoting brand consistency and targeted messaging. Maximized clients’ online presence by creating comprehensive strategies and programs.
> Aligned client’s goals for publishing e-book with organizational know-how through editing for content and overall theme.
> Awarded first-ever contract to teach LinkedIn classes for state-funded re-employment program, creating comprehensive 4-week curriculum and outline.
> Compiled portfolio of career search materials resulting in referred federal job applications for government clients and higher-level interviews for civilian clients.
Marketing Director, ITS / America’s Job Network, Denver, CO, (2007-2008). Followed strict company protocols and deadlines for client service delivery, working virtually and face to face. Analyzed and organized strategies for successful career search activities. Wrote all creative materials, including résumés and cover letters. Interviewed, researched, and established criteria for career searches. Facilitated clients’ job searches through attentive instruction on proprietary software program.
> Formulated plans for career search materials to minimize effect of client’s criminal record garnering client five interviews in 30 days.
Corporate Communications / Customer Service, Karman, Inc. d/b/a Roper Apparel & Footwear, Stetson Apparel & Footwear, Aurora, CO, (2005-2007). Developed internal and external marketing communications for western wear apparel manufacturer on initiative and assignment. Wrote press releases and special advertising section published in national western lifestyle magazines. Edited and proofread footwear and apparel catalogs. Drafted sales letters and intra-office communications.
> Standardized warehouse operations and customer service department procedures by assembling and drafting inaugural procedure manuals for executive management approval.
Freelance Writer, Cowgirl Copywriting, Aurora, CO, (2003-2007). Wrote assorted corporate collateral including web content, press releases, brochures, scripts, and speeches for diverse array of clients ranging from real estate to apparel manufacturer to non-profit organizations. Pursued outside writing work to build portfolio while working full-time as legal assistant and customer service representative.
> Published cover story in equine industry trade magazine, incorporating sidebars and photographs, requiring very little editing and earning compliments from editor for content relevance.
> Produced two articles for local motorcycle magazine, including photographs, in 2-week turnaround time, publishing both articles substantially intact.
> Submitted first-ever unsolicited article to women’s magazine, earning accolades for content and style from editor.
Advertising Sales Representative, Northwest Horse Source, Blaine, WA, (2003). Increased advertising roster by creating sales letters and proposals.
Legal Assistant, AT&T Wireless Communications, Inc., Redmond, WA, (2002) Prepared memoranda and drafted correspondence for corporate counsel. Communicated with state secretaries of state regarding due diligence and submitted documentation as required by Sarbanes-Oxley corporate compliance standards.
Writer/Committee Member, Denver Mile High Committee, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Denver, CO, (2001). Wrote banquet/auction program.
EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Bachelor of Arts—History; University of Montana, Missoula, Montana.
Past President, Maryland Capital Chapter, American Business Women’s Association, 2009 - 10.
Keynote speaker – Reading, Writing and Résumés, Maryland Capital Chapter Monthly Meeting.
Relevant Volunteer Activities – Art Room and Coliseum Support, National Western Stock Show, 2011.
Provide free résumé critiques at job fairs, 2008-10.