Resume of Matt Morain

(download as .pdf)

Professional Experience

2009-present: 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.
  • Collaborated on social media primer for the International Food Information Council (IFIC).

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

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

  • Academic seminar papers;
  • Academid theses and dissertations;
  • PowerPoint presentations;
  • Personal, organizations, and company websites

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.

Academic Experience

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

Responsible for planning and developing major online academic resource for genre studies.

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

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

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

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

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

Proficiencies

Social Media

  • Microblogging, Social Networking, Blogs, Wikis, RSS, Social Bookmarking

Web Design

  • HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver, iWeb, SEO

Image/Document Design

  • Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Fireworks, Acrobat

Audio/Video Editing

  • Audacity, iMovie, Elan

Technical Communication

  • Camtasia Studio, Jing

Office Productivity

  • Microsoft Office, iWork

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