Visual Communication
User Experience Design
Written Communication
GLORIA CAIRNS
May 2022 - Present
GRAPHIC / PRESENTATION DESIGN CONTRACTOR
SALESFORCE CONTRACTOR THROUGH LEADSTACK
NBCUNIVERSAL CONTRACTOR THROUGH INSIGHT GLOBAL
As a Senior level Presentation Designer, I am responsible for creating visually appealing and impactful presentations that effectively communicate complex information to a wide range of audiences. I collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as executives, sales teams, and subject matter experts, to gather content and understand presentation objectives.
I utilize my expertise in graphic design, layout, and visual storytelling to create visually engaging and cohesive presentations using presentation software such as PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides. I ensure that the presentations are visually consistent with the brand guidelines and convey the desired message effectively. I also incorporate multimedia elements, such as images, charts, and animations, to enhance the visual appeal and interactivity of the presentations.
In addition to design, I provide guidance and recommendations on presentation best practices, including storytelling techniques, audience engagement strategies, and presentation delivery skills. I am constantly staying updated with the latest design trends, presentation tools, and technologies to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of the presentations.
August 2021 - May 2022
DESIGN SPECIALIST AND CONTENT/INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER CONTRACTOR
WM TECHNOLOGIES
Design Specialist duties: This highly collaborative role works closely with executives, sales enablement, and corporate marketing/branding teams to create visually appealing presentations to tell the WM Technologies story. Presentation types often include high level pitches for prospective clients, data rich performance reviews for existing clients, and comprehensive redesign of training presentations to assist with the large volume of onboarding activities.
Content/Instructional Design duties: This role included the planning, designing, and updating instructional materials and curricula for the onboard training program. This includes developing learning objectives, selecting appropriate instructional methods and strategies, creating content outlines, and organizing instructional materials in a logical and effective manner. Instructional design principles and models were applied to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
February 2019 - August 2021
DIGITAL DESIGN/CONTENT ANDND UI/UX DESIGN CONSULTANT
Consulted with various companies on presentation and digital design needs.
2013 - February 2019
DIRECTOR OF IT COMMUNICATIONS AND UX DESIGN
BDP INTERNATIONAL
This dual role includes the development of design standards for all customer facing applications and the internal communications and PR for the Technology Services division:
Director of UX Design responsibilities: As the first UX Designer for BDP, I established all design standards for customer facing applications, created and documented design best practices, developed HTML mock-ups and simple prototypes, and performed (or managed 3rd party vendors) in conducting UX research and optimization. Additional responsibilities include:
Interaction Design: Creating wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs that illustrate the user flow, interaction patterns, and visual elements of the user interface. This involves creating intuitive and seamless user experiences by designing user interfaces that are visually appealing, accessible, and usable.
Information Architecture: Organizing and structuring content in a way that is intuitive and easy to navigate for users. This includes designing information hierarchies, navigation systems, and content labeling to ensure that users can find the information they need quickly and efficiently.
Usability Testing: Conducting usability tests to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the user interface design. This involves observing and collecting feedback from users as they interact with the interface, identifying usability issues, and making iterative improvements to enhance the user experience.
Collaboration: Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and visual designers, to ensure that the user experience is aligned with business goals and technical feasibility. This includes effectively communicating design concepts, collaborating on design iterations, and advocating for the needs of the users throughout the design and development process.
Director of IT Communications responsibilities: Developed communication and PR strategies to unveil new and updated customer facing applications. Worked closely with the corporate Marketing and Sales teams to generate content for presentations, press releases, marketing materials, and articles. Responsibilities included:
Strategic Communications Planning: Developing and implementing strategic communication plans that align with the organization's overall goals and objectives. This includes identifying target audiences, crafting key messages, determining appropriate communication channels, and creating comprehensive communication strategies that support internal and technical communication efforts.
Internal Communications: Leading internal communication initiatives to inform, engage, and align employees across the organization. This includes creating and delivering internal communication materials such as newsletters, intranet content, memos, presentations, and other communication tools to keep employees informed about company news, policies, procedures, and updates.
Technical Communications: Overseeing the development of technical documentation, including user manuals, guides, technical specifications, and other documents that provide clear and concise instructions for using complex technical products or services. This involves collaborating with technical experts and subject matter experts to gather information, organize content, and ensure accuracy and consistency of technical documentation.
Crisis Communication Management: Developing and implementing crisis communication plans and strategies to effectively manage internal and external communication during times of crisis or emergencies. This includes providing timely and accurate information to employees, customers, and stakeholders, managing media relations, and maintaining consistent messaging to protect the organization's reputation.
The combination of both design and communications expertise led to assisting numerous CXOs with their presentations for board meetings, town hall events, and conferences.
2011 - 2013
COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD - APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT IT
DELL COMPUTERS
Established and implemented the communications strategy, process and templates for Application Development IT, a 1600+ person team. Responsibilities include:
Manage internal and external communications for CIO and VP of Application Development
Implement Application Development IT social media presence and collaborate with the Office of CIO to identify opportunities for cross organizational process alignment
Define communication strategy and produce ongoing messaging and material in support of Application Development objectives.
Build and communicate the department's vision, goals and objectives through various mediums and collaborate with a broad set of stakeholders.
Contribute to the broader Dell marketing community on internal/external communications issues, through the production of publications and presentation materials for the purpose of fostering the Dell brand and communication standards.
COMMUNICATIONS - SERVICES AND CORPORATE IT
DELL COMPUTERS
An Internal Communications role supporting the CIO and VP of Services and Corporate IT by creating, writing and editing presentations, articles, website content and other material as needed. Public relations best practices were utilized to support various projects and events and to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure objectives were achieved in compliance with Dell's overall vision.
2002 - 2013
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOFTWARE ARCHITECTS (IASA)
Established and executed the Marketing Department IASA. Responsible for advertising, membership, content creation (articles, press releases, blog entries), and website design/user experience. Early advocate of utilizing social media to build brand awareness on a “shoe string” budget which resulted in a 250% membership increase less than a year after implementation.
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOFTWARE ARCHITECTS (IASA)
Responsible for designing and developing instructional materials and curriculum for business architecture online courses. I conducted needs assessments to determine learning objectives, collaborated with subject matter experts to gather content, and designed instructional materials using various instructional design models and technologies. I created engaging and interactive learning experiences, incorporating multimedia elements and assessments to measure learner comprehension. I also evaluated the effectiveness of instructional materials through feedback and assessments, and made revisions as needed to improve learner outcomes. Additionally, I provided support and guidance to instructors and learners throughout the instructional process, ensuring a successful learning experience.
EVENTS COORDINATOR
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOFTWARE ARCHITECTS (IASA)
Responsible for the planning, budget and execution of events ranging from 30 person user group meetings to 500+ attendee conferences. Primary contact and coordinator for speaker/talent management, site management, sponsor management. Creator of all event marketing materials (online advertisements, press releases, on-site signage, and website design).