Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
OTHER WORK HISTORY
Timeline
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Candace M. Richards

Colorado Springs

Summary

Results-focused professional with extensive experience in intelligence analysis, project management, leadership, and technical writing. A highly organized multitasker who excels in communication and time management. Resourceful and adaptable team leader with exceptional skills in critical problem-solving, building strong relationships, decision-making, and strategic vision. Security Clearance: Top Secret with SCI

Skilled technical communicator with strong aptitude for creating clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation. Known for ability to collaborate effectively within teams and adapt to evolving project needs. Expertise includes technical writing, content development, and editing, paired with results-driven mindset that consistently meets and exceeds project goals. Recognized for reliability, adaptability, and keen attention to detail that enhances overall project success.

Experienced with developing clear and concise technical documentation tailored to user needs. Utilizes advanced writing skills to produce comprehensive manuals and guides that improve usability and support. Track record of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure documentation accuracy and relevance.

Diligent [Desired Position] with solid background in creating comprehensive technical documentation. Proven ability to streamline complex information into user-friendly guides, enhancing product usability and customer satisfaction. Demonstrated expertise in documentation management and software tools, ensuring high standards of accuracy and clarity.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Technical Writer

LinQuest
01.2022 - Current
  • Pivotal team member in support of engineering and manufacturing company for developing, testing, and sustaining military platforms built to customer specifications
  • High-level expertise in proofreading, editing, and upholding grammatical standards of technical documents essential to operational and software product releases for customers
  • Collaborate closely with system engineers, software developers, and other subject matter experts to enhance the understanding of materials necessary for effective handoff to customers and warfighters
  • Contributes to developing and revising all documents intended for customer release by meticulously reviewing, verifying information, editing, and refining them into polished final products
  • Designed, drafted, and implemented fillable PDF checklists from instructional guidebooks to streamline understanding and accessibility for end users
  • Takes charge of creating and overseeing all Technical Data Packages (TDP) and master document lists
  • Responds promptly to high-priority tasks, demonstrating diligence and accuracy in every detail
  • Served as subject matter expert on company''s proprietary software products, providing input during design reviews to ensure usability and clarity.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather information and ensure accuracy of technical content in product releases.
  • Organized regular meetings with stakeholders to gather feedback on documentation needs, ensuring alignment between project goals and end-user requirements.
  • Earned a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines, resulting in increased responsibility and leadership opportunities.
  • Streamlined the review process for increased efficiency by developing a centralized system to track document revisions.
  • Supported sales teams with tailored documentation to demonstrate product capabilities during client presentations, leading to increased business opportunities.
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the documentation team, resulting in more streamlined processes and higher-quality outputs.
  • Received recognition from company leadership for excellence in delivering high-quality documentation under tight deadlines.
  • Increased user satisfaction with software products by creating clear, concise, and accurate help files and user manuals.
  • Enhanced documentation quality by implementing standardized templates and style guides for all technical materials.
  • Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  • Edited and proofread technical documents for accuracy and consistency.
  • Worked closely with software engineers, product managers and other departments to determine accuracy and completeness of technical documentation.
  • Developed detailed technical documents and user guides for technical products.

Administrative Project Assistant

Peraton
07.2021 - 12.2021
  • Key Business Services Center (BSC) member responsible for the final editing and formatting of Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables, congressional reports, and other related documentation
  • Evaluated and published program technical reports, meeting minutes, and classified briefings contributed by mechanical engineers, physicists, and program managers
  • Effectively coordinated with authors, reviewers, and key stakeholders to guarantee the timely completion and delivery of products in their final form
  • Flawlessly crafted various incarnations of documents, ensuring impeccable grammar, spelling, formatting, and flow
  • Well organized in executing all assigned projects and office duties
  • Worked closely with authors and security reviewers to develop exceptional finished products for customers, preparing comprehensive packages for dissemination to external recipients
  • Developed and maintained project documentation for clear communication among stakeholders.
  • Monitored project milestones to ensure adherence to established goals and timelines.
  • Prepared agendas and minutes for meetings, ensuring follow-up on action items and decisions.
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in all project documentation, ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the lifecycle of projects.
  • Enhanced team communication by organizing and maintaining accurate documentation of meeting notes, action items, and followups.
  • Contributed to successful project outcomes by providing comprehensive administrative support to the team.
  • Assisted project managers in achieving timely completion of projects through diligent monitoring and tracking of deadlines.
  • Strengthened working relationships between team members with effective collaboration on tasks and open communication channels.
  • Aided in continuous improvement efforts within the organization through participation in lessons learned sessions after project completion.

Vetting Analyst

Department of Homeland Security
09.2019 - 07.2021
  • Provided vetting analysis for the National Transportation Vetting Center (NTVC), a24/7 congressionally mandated national security operations watch floor
  • Conducted thorough Security Threat Assessments (STA) for passengers traveling on both domestic and international flights, ensuring prompt execution
  • Diligently queried multiple databases, researched, and assessed critical data, reconciling information with vetting outcomes to ascertain the potential for a valid match
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and quality standards.
  • Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
  • Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
  • Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.

Administrative Assistant

Department of Defense (DoD)
09.2014 - 09.2019
  • Provided office automation and a variety of other support services to management and auditors in a Field Audit Office (FAO) as part of an administrative support team/unit
  • Performed routine administrative tasks such as file management, customer support, faxing/scanning, notes for meetings, supply orders, and annual computer equipment and classified document inventory
  • Assisted principals in editing and formatting reports, letters, and memorandums for timely delivery to recipients
  • Served as the Point of Contact for all computer issues, ensuring software updates were properly applied as necessary, and conducted an annual inventory of all office equipment
  • Assisted users in accessing and utilizing various applications and resolved operational problems
  • Expertly stored, retrieved, and printed a variety of documents including those requiring complex formats such as graphics, tables, or spreadsheets within the text
  • Coordinated meetings for both internal and external organizational staff and visiting VIPs
  • Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
  • Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for vital company information.
  • Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and fostering professional relationships among colleagues.
  • Improved document organization with thorough file maintenance, archiving outdated records as necessary for efficient retrieval when needed.
  • Coordinated office supply inventory management, proactively ordering necessary items before depletion to avoid workflow disruptions.
  • Supported executive staff through scheduling meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, and preparing crucial documents.
  • Assisted with human resources tasks such as updating employee files or submitting time-off requests per company policy guidelines.
  • Assisted in onboarding new employees, providing training materials, and coordinating orientation schedules to ensure a smooth integration into the team.
  • Optimized calendar management for executives by scheduling appointments strategically while considering priorities and minimizing conflicts.
  • Organized office events such as holiday parties or team-building activities, promoting a positive company culture and boosting employee morale.
  • Facilitated collaboration within team by organizing regular meetings and tracking project progress.
  • Boosted team productivity by managing communication channels and ensuring timely responses to inquiries.
  • Supported recruitment processes, scheduling interviews and communicating with applicants to improve hiring timelines.
  • Facilitated training sessions for new software tools, increasing team productivity and reducing learning curves.
  • Organized company events to enhance team cohesion, coordinating logistics and catering for over 50 participants.
  • Improved document processing speed by introducing automated templates for routine correspondence.
  • Addressed IT issues by coordinating with tech support, minimizing downtime and maintaining operational efficiency.
  • Enhanced communication within office, establishing weekly newsletter summarizing key updates and achievements.
  • Coordinated travel arrangements for staff, ensuring cost-effective and timely accommodations and transportation.
  • Enhanced office environment, organizing spaces for better workflow and employee comfort.
  • Assisted coworkers and staff members with special tasks on daily basis.
  • Built and maintained excellent customer relationships through timely response to inquiries and going above and beyond to accommodate unusual requests.
  • Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
  • Surpassed team goals by partnering with colleagues to implement best practices and protocols.

Intelligence Operations Analyst/Team Leader

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
06.2005 - 07.2010
  • Delivered critical technical and analytical support to the AF ISR Agency, major Combatant Commands, and National-level Agencies to enhance war combatants’ situational awareness
  • Gathered, analyzed, and integrated multi-source intelligence for the development of web-based products to support operational planners, forward-deployed analysts, and war combatants
  • As Team Leader in charge of six analysts, kept subordinates focused and superiors up-to-speed on the progress of tasks with daily briefings, leading to increased awareness within the office
  • Participated in three United States (U.S.) Central Command (USCENTCOM) anti-terrorism exercises, shared knowledge with leadership and end users of relevant CI/HUMINT information and provided feedback on key players
  • Generated intelligence reports detailing results of research and assessments on target situations
  • Finished products created in multiple formats; HTML/XML web pages, Word/PDF documents, PowerPoint slides, and Analyst Notebook
  • Insightful research led to increased tier level for two relevant terrorist groups on the IICT list by committee members
  • Meticulously analyzed priority targets, and developed, and organized electronic target folders for each key node identified for transnational terrorist-related Target Systems Assessments
  • Designated as a key briefer on the organization’s mission and specialized briefings for VIPs
  • Major Achievements:
  • Hand-selected by the government stakeholder to establish and lead innovative Transnational Threats (TNT) support for the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR)
  • Participated in a joint effort with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) high-priority target planners working in collaboration with intelligence and operations in United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and USSOCOM
  • Collaborated with the U
  • S
  • Treasury/DoD Iraq Threat Finance Cell (ITFC) and the Afghan Threat Finance Cell (ATFC) to assist in determining priorities and assessing in-theater risks
  • Instrumental in aiding the U.S
  • State Department in bringing individuals suspected of terrorism to justice via research and creation of classified documents containing pertinent information for use in U.S
  • Federal Court
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, delivering results within tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Optimized operational efficiency by analyzing and streamlining processes.
  • Created custom reports and visualizations to support decision-making processes.
  • Worked with engineers and technical staff to recommend hardware and software adjustments and resolve design flaws.
  • Assisted in the development of operational policies and procedures that aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Analyzed trend data to forecast operational needs and plan next course of action.
  • Developed performance metrics to evaluate operations effectiveness, enabling continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Scanned system for frequent technical issues, employing troubleshooting techniques for resolution.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to achieving shared goals.
  • Identified inefficiencies in current systems, recommending adjustments that resulted in increased productivity levels.
  • Actively participated in strategic planning meetings, contributing valuable input towards setting departmental objectives.
  • Contributed to the successful launch of new products and services through rigorous testing and quality assurance checks.
  • Facilitated knowledge sharing sessions, boosting team efficiency and innovation.
  • Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
  • Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
  • Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
  • Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
  • Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics.
  • Evaluated team member performance against established objectives during regular reviews, offering praise for achievements or identifying areas requiring further development.
  • Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their leadership potential and advance in their careers.
  • Promoted culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback from all organizational levels and implementing actionable changes.
  • Established clear communication channels to facilitate timely exchange of information between team members and stakeholders.
  • Led by example, demonstrating commitment and professionalism that inspired team members to excel.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Computer & Information Systems

Champlain College
Burlington, VT
05.2013

Skills

  • Instructor/Course Manager
  • Strong Organizational Skills
  • Team Leader/Motivator
  • Writing/Editing
  • Research/Analysis
  • Effective Communicator
  • Technical editing
  • Content strategy development
  • Information architecture design
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Style guide adherence
  • User experience focus
  • Document repository management
  • Structured authoring practices
  • Strong research
  • Editing and proofreading
  • Instruction writing
  • Technical research
  • Documentation management
  • User manual maintenance

OTHER WORK HISTORY

  • Marshalls, Colorado Springs, CO – Store Associate Nov2013 – Aug2014
  • Armistead, Inc., Burlington, VT – Caregiver Sep2010 – Jul2013
  • SAIC, San Antonio, TX – I/O Analyst Jun2005 – Jul2010
  • United States Navy – Cryptologic Technician Oct1984 – Oct2004

Timeline

Senior Technical Writer

LinQuest
01.2022 - Current

Administrative Project Assistant

Peraton
07.2021 - 12.2021

Vetting Analyst

Department of Homeland Security
09.2019 - 07.2021

Administrative Assistant

Department of Defense (DoD)
09.2014 - 09.2019

Intelligence Operations Analyst/Team Leader

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
06.2005 - 07.2010

Bachelor of Science - Computer & Information Systems

Champlain College

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Candace M. Richards