Tom Durkin

Sacramento, CA

530 559-3199

tdurkin@vfr.net

www.words4work.net

 

 

 

senior multimedia writer-editor

Available for Contract or Hire

 

Summary of Qualifications

Veteran contract and staff writer and editor. Professional command of both written and spoken English. Accomplished in researching, analyzing, organizing, explaining, and marketing complex information in a highly creative and comprehensible form for the Web, print, broadcast, and video/film.

Expert in “black-box” technical editing, interviewing subject matter experts, and working with English-as-second-language authors. Ten-plus years experience in remote telework with virtual teams. Proficient in MS Word and Windows networks; working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with graphics programs, Web-authoring tools, and online collaboration.

Skilled in writing and editing technical and feature articles, white papers, marketing literature, legal and legislative analyses, grant proposals, executive-level newsletters, business and feature news, and research-and-write cold assignments.

Knowledgeable in Web and print layout and design, as well as print publication processes. Familiar with major stylebooks and able to create and implement internal editorial guidelines.

Strong interpersonal skills: team player, facilitative leader, teacher, mentor, and creative problem-solver. Dedicated to continuous learning and committed to excellence. Possessed of common sense, good humor, and honest work ethic.

 

Relevant Contract and Staff Experience

Contract  Writer/Editor/Consultant  – Northern California; 3/04 – present (clients)

       Infiniti Consulting Group, Sacramento, CA – technical writer

       Innovative Integration, Simi Valley, CA – technical writer/editor

       Avanti Restaurant Solutions, Sacramento, CA – website content

       Smart News, Fayetteville, SC  – daily newspaper reporter/analyst

       AMMA Corp., Taiwan – website content

       Jeffrey DeMure + Associates, El Dorado Hills, CA – contract bid

       Animal Acupressure Massage Training Center, Nevada City, CA – marketing consultant

       The Flying Hare Salon and Gallery, Grass Valley, CA – marketing consultant

       Various other small business clients


Managing Editor – Xcell Journal magazine, Xilinx Inc., San Jose, CA; 10/00 – 1/04

       Edited and supervised editors of technical articles written by programmable logic engineers, including many English-as-second-language authors.

       Guided conversion and expansion of the full-color, quarterly magazine from a cost center to revenue generator through sales of full-page ads to major high-tech corporations.

        Co-authored writers’ guidelines and designed MS Word article template.

Assistant Editor – E-commerce User Experience, Nielsen Norman Group, Fremont, CA; 3 – 9/00

Senior Technical Editor – Raytheon Engineering Services Co., Sacramento, CA; 10/99 – 8/00

       Researched worldwide aftermarket for strategic semiconductors for Department of Defense.

       Analyzed incidence, frequency, and cost of maintenance/repair of AV-8B Harrier II jets for U.S. Marine Corps.

Contributing Author – Chicken Soup for the Single's Soul, Dearfield Beach, FL; 1999

Feature Writer – Si Review magazine, Los Altos, CA; 3 – 8/99

Technical Writer/Editor – SyncAccess Inc., Sacramento, CA; 1/99 – 5/99

News and Features Editor – Robot Science & Technology magazine, Rocklin, CA; 12/97 – 6/98

       Researched, wrote, and edited feature articles on robots and robotics.

       Edited how-to articles for robot hobbyists.

Technology Writer – Faulkner Information Services, Pennsauken, NJ; 11/97 – 2/98

       Researched and wrote technical reports on telecommuting and telecommunications.

       Specialized in research-and-write cold assignments.

Webmaster/Content Editor – Fleming LTD Telework Consulting, Davis, CA; 1/96 – 2/98

       Designed, built, and maintained active website with monthly updates of hyperlinks and articles.

       Edited guest articles on an array of telework technology and virtual office issues.

Contributing Author – Cyberscribes.1: The New Journalists, San Diego, CA; 8/97

Webmaster/Content Editor – International Police Association, USA Region 29, Auburn, CA; 10/96 – 4/97

Feature Writer – Telecommuting Review, Gil Gordon Associates, Monmouth Junction, NJ; 4/95 – 12/97

       Wrote creative articles on telework technology and best practices for virtual workplace implementation.

       Researched and authored white paper on effectiveness and feasibility of telework centers in the U.S.

Reporter/Editor – California Education Funding Alert, Thompson Publishing Group, Sacramento, CA; 1/96 – 9/96

       Started up and edited start-up executive-level newsletter on education finance and legislation.

       Broke news of $1.7 billon settlement of California Teachers Association lawsuit against State of California over misappropriation of education funds.

Editor/Legal Reporter – California Employee Relations Report, The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., Sacramento, CA; 8/91 – 3/95

       Started up and edited executive-level newsletter on California and federal employment law.

       Developed deep-issue expertise covering California workers’ compensation reform, state and federal family medical leave, and fair employment practices.

Copy Editor/Reporter – The Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento, CA; 10/89 – 4/91

       “Last eyes” editor of all major news stories.

       Reported on construction, labor unions, and human resource issues.

       Created education beat.

Previous/Other Journalism Experience:

       Auburn Journal – daily news reporter, general assignment, breaking news, government, education

       Smart News, Fayetteville, SC  – news reporter/analyst

       KAHI/KHYL radio – spot news

       Colfax Record – city government, police/fire, community

       Sacramento Bee, Neighbors – news features

 

Education

 

Postgraduate Studies: English and Computer Science– Sonoma State University, California

 

MFA, Theater Arts (TV/Film/Multimedia) – UCLA

 

BA, Psychology – UCLA, cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

 

In-Service Training

       Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

       Facilitative Leadership

       Teacher Power!

       Conflict Resolution and Confrontation Skills

       Grant Writing

Continuing education credits in English, computer applications, educaญtion and training, leadership, and time/work management. Committed to lifelong learning.