Christopher Hallahan: Interactive resume, blog and portfolio

Christopher Hallahan's Resume

Philosophy

Make technology a transparent and engaging experience through user-centered web design, communications and training.
 

Education

Kent State University, Kent, OH  (August 2004 - August 2010)

• M.S., User Experience Design (IAKM)
• B.A., Electronic Media Management, August 2008, Cum Laude
   

Experience

November 2012 - Present
University Communications and Marketing, Kent State University
•  Interactive Designer and Developer  

• Complete weekly content updates to the Kent State University home page, including news, promotions and enhancements
• Leading the migration of Kent State’s website to a responsive layout (flexible layout that conforms to screen size)
• Design and lead beginner training, attended by staff and students, for the university’s content management system
• Develop content and user research for the university’s student and staff portal (FlashLine)
• Optimize Kent State websites for search engines and work with SEO vendor to implement recommendations
• Develop new methods for users to connect with Kent State social media.  Lead location-based social networking effort.
• Work with over sixteen client departments on campus to develop, enhance and support their web presence
• Develop rich HTML email designs for clients, including the President’s Office, and track their success
• Assist with usability testing and focus groups for high school students and the Kent State community
• Provide weekly support and troubleshooting for the university’s content management system

August 2011 - November 2012
Division of Information Services, Kent State University
•  Lead IT User Support Analyst

• Maintained architecture, navigation, knowledge management and metrics for the campus online support system
• Served on web advisory board, developing goals, prototypes and process flows for various technology websites
• Designed print marketing materials, using Adobe Creative Suite, that promoted IT services
• Cultivated consistency and innovation in the IS brand through university style, design, support, usability and social media
• Presented services to new students and faculty at student and staff orientation sessions
• Designed and conducted training sessions for the university’s IT ticketing system for staff members and students
• Collaborated with developers and designers to implement new features and improvements to in-house web applications
• Worked with the Helpdesk and The Tech Spot to maintain excellence in quality and customer experience
• Coached and trained student team members on how to give excellent customer service through creative scenarios
• Supervised 40 student employees for Tech at Night and managed two student office employees 

August 2010 - Present
Division of Information Services, Kent State University
•  Marketing Coordinator

• Organize technology communications and marketing materials for end-users and internal employees
• Translate technical language into final products that are engaging, beautiful and informative
• Help unify technical support and user experience across the University by working directly with users

May 2009 - July 2010
The Tech Spot @ ResNet, Residence Services and Information Services, Kent State  •  Graduate Assistant

• Design multimedia and marketing materials for ResNet and The Tech Spot
• Worked on user interface design for a new online computer checkin application (involved wireframing, usability testing, interface design and collaboration with programming team)
• Work with/supervise about ten student staff, assist in staff training and office procedures
• Repair issues with computer networking, hard drives, viruses and spyware and operating system troubleshooting
   

June 2008 - May 2009
Kent State University School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Kent, OH  •  Graduate Assistant

• Assisted professors in curriculum and multimedia, maintained and designed the School’s web site.

August 2006 - August 2008 (with additional work in January 2009)
Kent State University ResNet, Kent, OH  •  Computer Consultant

• Provided personal computer assistance and information to residential campus students
• Utilized troubleshooting skills to repair computers and network equipment
• Assisted in training new staff.  Compiled training videos, a printed handbook and print advertising
• Organized and facilitated a campus-wide troubleshooting support system

January 2008 - June 2008
AkronNewsNow.com, Akron, OH  •  Marketing Intern

• Enhanced content and advertising support for the online news portal, AkronNewsNow.com

August 2004-January 2006
Kent State University Academic Success Center, Kent, OH  •  Technology Tutor

• Provided one-on-one computer instruction for students
• Designed guides and an online web site to accompany lessons

January 2001-Present
Christopher Hallahan Productions, Kent, OH and Butler, PA •  Freelance Web Design