Resume of Matt Morain

(download as .pdf)

Summary

A creative communications professional with extensive knowledge of and experience in social media. Quick learner, proven researcher, and creative problem-solver who plays well with others. Superior written and verbal communication skills and mediocre singing talent, though not from lack of trying.

Professional Experience

2009-2011: Social Media Analyst | Center for Emerging Technologies, LLC | Raleigh, NC

Responsible for researching, analyzing, and explaining emerging trends in social media.

  • Performed Landscape Analysis (TM) of existing social media presence for the world’s second-largest food corporation
  • Designed short- and long-term corporate social media strategy for the world’s second-largest food corporation
  • Built Facebook pages and researched appropriate Twitter users for enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) relations with key audiences
  • Designed and delivered strategy presentations for internal corporate affairs teams around the globe
  • Collaborated on social media primer for the International Food Information Council (IFIC)

2007-2008: Technical Writer | Murray5.net | Ames, IA

Responsible for creating Web-based documentation for a custom software suite, contracting with a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry.

  • Produced user-centered tutorials, use cases, and contextual help for client sales force of varied technological backgrounds
  • Managed multiple drafts throughout documentation cycle, soliciting feedback from client and development team
  • Generated internal documentation for development team
  • Managed information flow—wireframes, UI elements, bug reporting—through internal wiki

2007-2008: Speechwriter | Iowa State University Extension | Ames, IA

Responsible for composing original speeches and editing drafts for ISU Extension President Jack Payne.

  • Researched events, audiences, and programs for relevant content
  • Edited and revised PowerPoint slides to accompany written speech copy
  • Adapted speech content to personal style of Extension President
  • Incorporated feedback from Extension staff into subsequent speeches
  • Met quick deadlines consistently on short notice

2005-2006: Outreach Coordinator | Office of Governor Thomas J. Vilsack | Des Moines, IA

Responsible for maintaining and creating new relationships between the Office of the Governor and multiple constituent/advocacy groups and organizations.

  • Managed and maintained large databases of outreach groups, such as non-profit organizations, businesses, and professional associations
  • Generated writing and editing pieces for the policy and communications departments, including White Papers and press releases
  • Networked with other State agencies for collaborative outreach opportunities
  • Served as Governor's Liaison with the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, coordinating events and revising Commission’s website
  • Assisted with gubernatorial transition team to document administration’s accomplishments while in office and prepared incoming administration members to guarantee seamless transition

2006-present: Writing & Digital Media Consultant | Independent Contractor | Ames, IA/Raleigh, NC

Responsible for accepting and negotiating various short-term writing, editing, and design projects for multiple independent clients. Examples include:

  • Academic seminar papers, theses, and dissertations
  • Seminar and conference PowerPoint and Keynote decks
  • Resumes, cover letters, business cards, and other professional documents
  • Websites for personal, organizational, and academic audiences

Academic Experience

2008-present: Graduate Instructor | North Carolina State University English Dept. | Raleigh, NC

Responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in writing for the web, technical communication, technologies for texts, and academic writing and research.

2009-2011: Research Assistant | Carolyn Miller, NCSU SAS Institute Distinguished Professor | Raleigh, NC

Responsible for researching, planning, and developing a Drupal-based academic resource for interdisciplinary genre studies.

2006-2008: Graduate Instructor | Iowa State University English Dept. | Ames, IA

Responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in public speaking, critical thinking and communication, and multimodal composition.


Education

Aug, 2012 (expected): PhD, Communication, Rhetoric & Digital Media | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC

  • Dissertation: ÒRhetoric, Meme Culture & The Serious Implications of Silly Content.Ó Committee: Carolyn Miller (Chair), Jason Swarts, Ken Zagacki, Adriana de Souza e Silva

August, 2008: M.A., Rhetoric, Composition & Professional Communication | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | summa cum laude

  • Thesis: "Composition 2.0: Rethinking Web Literacy for the 21st Century Classroom." Committee: Lee Honeycutt (Chair), Barb Blakely, John Hagge

May, 2005: B.A., History/Political Science, English (minor) | Simpson College | Indianola, IA | magna cum laude

Skills and Expertise

  • HTML/CSS
  • WordPress/Drupal
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • iMovie
  • Social Media Development & Execution
  • Online Content Creation
  • Information Architecture
  • Presentation Design
  • Public Speaking
  • Meme Culture/Virality
  • Trends Analysis
  • Rhetorical Analysis
  • Discourse Analysis
  • Writing & Editing

Awards

2008, April: Aubrey E. Gaylon Award for Academic Excellence | Iowa State University

2008, April: Richard R. Wright Award for Expository Writing | Iowa State University

2005, April: Outstanding Senior History Award | Simpson College

2004, February: Best Columnist | Iowa College Media Association


Associations, Community Activities

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) | Member

Rhetoric Society of America (RSA) | Member

Habitat for Humanity | Volunteer Construction/Demolition Crew

Iowa Association for the Blind | Volunteer Voiceover Reader--Books on Tape

Gilbert Academy Public Speaking Workshop | Guest Judge