Anne Nowak

ANNE NOWAK

 

(520) 271-1641       acsnowak@gmail.com       https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-nowak/

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Instructional Designer

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Professional Statement

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Creative, motivated design professional seeking to apply education and experience in instructional design, graphic design and project management in an Instructional Design role. Proven ability to provide creative solutions in the design and development of effective and engaging instructional modules, learning aids, presentations and supplemental graphics while managing deadlines and maintaining a positive attitude, benefiting both clients and co-workers.

 

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Education

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Instructional Technology Master of Arts                                                                                                                                      2017

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University   Blacksburg, VA

• Commended for the quality production of Master’s Thesis Project – including identifying learning goals and objectives, scripting, storyboarding, and production of an independent learning module.

 

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design                                                                                                                                     1999

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University   Blacksburg, VA

 

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Technical Skills

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• Adobe Captivate

• Adobe Creative Suite (with emphasis on InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat)

• Microsoft Office (with emphasis on PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook)

• Platforms: PC and Mac

• Able to quickly learn new software to stay current with and incorporate new technological opportunities.

 

 

Experience

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Process Management Design Specialist (Remote Contractor)                                                                                         2/2015 - Present

GoldKey|PHR Hotels & Resorts, Virginia Beach, VA

• Creatively and effectively translated verbal and written content (verbiage, diagrams, flow charts and any additional instructions) into clear, informative, communicative visual pieces for a variety of audiences including corporate executives, managers, and/or line-level customer service professionals.

• Reviewed and edited existing instructional materials to ensure consistency with current training goals and/or brand standards.

• Established project goals (creative, budget, and schedule/deadlines) with supervisors and monitored progress and adherence to these goals, proposing and/or making changes as needed.

• Successfully collaborated with co-workers in multiple locations via email, cloud file sharing and phone to communicate project needs, progress and achieve project goals.

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Instructional Designer (Project Specific Remote Contractor)                                                                                         9/2018 - 11/2018

Harbor Group Management Company, Norfolk, VA

• Conducted job task analysis and learner analysis to understand current procedures in place, new processes being implemented and learner characteristics to identify training needs and opportunities. 

• Developed a training strategy by reviewing client objectives, learner characteristics, project scope and project needs. Determined the optimal method(s) of training based on client objectives, learner characteristics and support requirements (personnel, equipment, facilities, budget and resources).

• Developed an instructional course plan including curriculum plan and module plans, including organizing the training topics into individual training modules, developing an instructional outline, and establishing training objectives and goals for the course overall and each individual module.

• Designed relevant and engaging instructional content to achieve established training goals by applying learning theory, industry best practices, and through collaboration with subject matter experts. 

• Created engaging and informative instructional materials and activities to support the goals of the course and enhance learning transfer and learner engagement, including presentations, infographics, course materials and activities.  

• Identified opportunities to support learning transfer to the workplace by conducting job analysis and designing job aids and quick reference tools to provide on-the-job reference tools for learners. 

• Designed and produced supplemental instructional tools for the facilitator(s) including scripting, a facilitator’s guide, instructions for all activities and a written summary of all resources required to execute the training as designed.

• Provided a thorough written overview of the project at the outset to establish consistent expectations about the project, including detailed time requirements, budget needs and deliverables. Provided options for future development of the training module.

 

Instructional Designer & Curriculum Developer (Volunteer, Remote Contractor)                                                               8/2017 - 3/2018

Girls for Technology, Hartford, CT

• Achieved program goal of educating middle school learners on client-specified technology topics by establishing learning goals, objectives and researching content.

• Developed the overall program curriculum and nine instructional modules, including design of all instructor-led presentations, scripting, graphics, handouts and related materials.

• Created ice breakers and classroom activities tailored to the audience to enhance learner engagement, learning transfer and retention.

• Effectively managed time and communications with program director to ensure all modules were reviewed, edited and distributed within established deadlines.

 

Process Management Design Specialist and Administrator                                                                                          8/2010 - 2/2015

GoldKey|PHR Hotels & Resorts, Virginia Beach, VA

• Developed creative training programs and educational collateral to effectively communicate information to a company of over 2000 people, with audiences including executives, managers, and/or line-level customer service providers.

• Partnered and collaborated with subject matter experts (SMEs), supervisors and team members to identify training opportunities, goals, objectives, content and the most effective and useful means of delivery for effective training programs.

• Designed effective and informative digital and physical communication pieces and presentations.

• Managed production of off-site presentations and projects including adherence to schedules and deadlines, coordinating with outside vendors, and understanding, resolving and/or incorporating any technological and physical opportunities and limitations.

• Maintained cohesive brand identity through consistent use of fonts, color schemes, and layout specifications in accordance with established corporate standards.

• Multi-tasked on projects with varying deadlines, adapted to project changes and re-prioritized quickly and accurately, including providing immediate edits during working sessions as needed.

 

Graphic Designer                                                                                                                                                   6/2010 - 8/2011

Signature Printing, Norfolk, VA

• Conceptualized, designed, and produced creative digital and print media that met the unique objectives and needs of each client.

• Managed the production of designed pieces through proofing, press-checks and collaboration with internal or external production specialists to ensure an accurate final product.

• Documented all time worked and maintained digital and physical media database.

 

Freelance Graphic Designer                                                                                                                                     7/2000 - Present

• Created digital and print media for local and national clients, including working with production vendors to ensure a quality final product.

• Consistently expanded knowledge of design trends, digital tools and production technologies to offer them as alternative options in relevant on-going projects.

• Utilized strong communication skills (written and oral) to develop and maintain cooperative business relationships and clearly communicate project objectives while working in person or as part of a virtual team.

• Maintained accurate records of time worked, project specifications and client media.