Dacia James

Chicago, Illinois (773) 809-4180
download Word version of resume (last modified: December 31 2009 08:42 pm)

Career Objective

With 5+ year of web developer experience, I am seeking a full time position to showcase my strong skills. I have expert-level knowledge of W3C standards, cross-browser development, accessibility, and a solid understanding of the principles of information architecture and search engine optimization. I have the ability to quickly hand-code clean HTML and CSS from Photoshop mock-ups and wire frames, with a basic understanding of interaction design and user-centered design methods and practices.

Skills and Qualifications

Programming

Front-End: XHTML, XML/XSLT, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery Framework, script.aculo.us/Prototype Framework, AJAX (Spry)
Back-End: PHP, ASP.NET (C#), MySQL, MSSQL
Other: RSS Integration, Web Services, Google Map API

Developer Tools

W3C Validators, Internet Explorer Developer Tools, Firefox Developer Tools, FireBug

Tools

CMS: OmniUpdate, Hobsons, Digital Chicago, SiteCore, Drupal
Project Management: Jira, QuickBase, @Task, ChangePoint
Bug Tracking: Jira SiteLife, BugZilla
Versioning: Tortoise SVN, Versions, git, VisualSVN, FileHampster
Other: The Platform, Vidego, Cruise Control, Cogix, Convio

Applications

Microsoft: Visual Studio2008, Office including Publisher and Visio
Adobe: CS4 including DreamWeaver and Pixus
Other: MultipleIEs, Notepad ++, TextMate, SnagIt

Links

Personal: http://edessin.com/projects.php
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dessin

Work Experience

Web Developer (Independent Contractor), 02/2004 to Present

dessin, Chicago, Illinois

• Designing and hand-coding semantic websites (edessin.com) using XHTML/CSS3, JavaScript with jQuery framework, AJAX, PHP, MySQL, XML/ XSLT
• Designing and maintaining a variety of single and multi-page websites for clients
• Executed cross-browser QA testing and debugging, including Firefox (PC/MAC), IE7, IE6, and Safari (PC/MAC)
• Developing web standards and ensuring accessibility and W3C compliance
• Designing usable documents of various media, electronic and print
• Producing web assets, by slicing and editing images in Photoshop, logo design, and page layout
• Researching and implementing current web standard from resources such as alistapart.com and 453 Berea Street
• Participating in online e-learning courses, and learning new technologies, such as GAIA and Ruby on Rails
• Utilizing experience and judgment to plan around milestone schedules
• Managing multiple deadline driven projects

Front-End Web Developer (Contractor at Whittman Hart), 12/2009 to Present

Instant Technology, Chicago, Illinois

• Contracting with Whittman Hart as a front-end web developer
• Hand-coding pixel-perfect websites for both pre-existing and new pages using XHTML/CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery framework, AJAX
• Developing code templates within Visual Studio 2008
• Produced web assets, by slicing and editing images in Photoshop
• Modifying existing Photoshop (PSD) files based on development needs
• Ensuring front-end implementations integrate with back-end functionality
• Working within an agile environment, while producing high quality work within tight deadlines

Front-End Web Developer (Contractor at Chicago Sun-Times), 10/2009 to 12/2009

Addison Search, Chicago, Illinois

• Contracting with Sun-Time Media (suntimes.com) as a front-end web developer
• Modified and reformatted templates for 60+ online news publications, including Suntimes.com, using XHTML/CSS3 and JavaScript with jQuery framework
• Developed web pages within company's internal CMS – Digital Chicago and Drupal
• Provided insight on information architecture of current site and future redesign
• Worked with third-party affiliates in implementing Sun-Times Media templates, including trouble-shooting and modified page structure
• Executed cross-browser QA testing and debugging, including Firefox (PC/MAC), IE7, IE6, and Safari (PC/MAC)

PHP Developer (Contractor at QuikOrder), 08/2009 to 09/2009

KForce Professional Staffing, Chicago, Illinois

• Contracted with QuikOrder (pizzahut.com) in both front- and back-end web development using XHTML/CSS3, PHP, and JavaScript
• Provided bug-fixing and QA testing for PizzaHut.com redesign with primary focus on IE6

Web Developer (Contractor at University of Chicago Booth), 02/2009 to 08/2009

The Creative Group/Robert Half Technology, Chicago, Illinois

• Contracted with University of Chicago Booth School of Business (chicagobooth.edu) in both front- and back-end web development
• Hand-coded semantic web pages and micro-sites in an agile environment using XHTML/CSS3, ASP .NET C# with Server Controls, JavaScript, jQuery framework, AJAX (Spry), XML/ XSLT, along with RSS and Web Service integration
• Produced web assets, by slicing and editing images in Photoshop
• Integrated web services, APIs, and Google Mash-ups
• Developed within OmniUpdate, Hobsons, Cogix for polls and surveys, Convio for emails, surveys, and database management
• Executed cross-browser QA testing and debugging, including Firefox (PC/MAC), IE7, IE6, and Safari (PC/MAC)

Front-End Web Developer, 06/2008 to 01/2009

Acquity Group, Chicago, Illinois

• Project lead for camaraderie committee used to enhance retention and inter-office cohesion
• Project lead for coordinating inter-office HTML coding standards process
• Hand-coded pure pixel-perfect HTML/CSS templates and project work files using XHTML/CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery framework, AJAX (Spry), and XML/ XSLT that validate to W3C standards in an agile environment
• Reviewed deliverable code/pages for cross-platform and cross-browser defeats and bugs, including Firefox (PC/MAC), IE7, IE6, and Safari (PC/MAC)
• Assisted in the development of standards, methodologies and repeatable processes for delivery of creative services
• Participated in small, self organized development teams utilizing agile development methodologies

Web Marketing Developer, 04/2007 to 06/2008

Lightology, Chicago, Illinois

• Programmed online store (lightology.com and modernlighting.com) and intranet using XHTML/CSS3, JavaScript, script.aculo.us/Prototype framework, AJAX (Spry), PHP, MySQL, MSSQL, and ColdFusion
• Produced web assets, by slicing and editing images in Photoshop
• Implemented website optimization and search optimization
• Monitored status and progress of websites with Google Analytics
• Tested website for functionality for cross-browser and cross-platform issues
• Enforced coding standards according to W3C standards
• Monitored and fixed server-side and client-side errors generated on website and executing trouble-shoot procedures for eliminating these errors

Marketing Associate, 01/2006 to 04/2007

Professional Education Institute, Burr Ridge, Illinois

• Administered all aspects of the day to day management of our "Go To Market" process, including conducting weekly cross-functional test grid meetings, maintaining and scheduling approved test grid activity, updating and maintaining grid based on weekly media forecasts and actual performance, reevaluating scheduled initiatives to align with resulting changes due to performance
• Updated and maintained new "Segmented" test grid to track testing with channel diversification efforts including Spot TV, Direct Mail, Inquiry, Statement Inserts, and Web Acquisitions
• Lead associate for the execution and result gathering for satisfaction surveys via Survey Monkey and implementing quarter to quarter comparison of survey results
• Developed and maintained an overall state of the business document which provides a view to the PEI business performance, market information, and industry trends via Microsoft Excel

Director of Financial Planning, 04/2005 to 01/2006

Financial Planning Advisor, 01/2005 to 03/2005

Career Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

• Created Microsoft Excel files to handle manual record-keeping, using many advanced Excel functions
• Developed a strategic method of bring in loan disbursements on time as scheduled
• Developed a standard work breakdown structure and schedule templates to improve day to day processes
• Provided project management in inter-departmental projects, reports, and yearly audits
• Redesigned and copyedited student manual and other documents in a reader/user friendly format
• Promoted from Financial Planning Advisor to Director of Financial Planning within 3 month

Student Financial Services Processor, 06/2003 to 01/2005

Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

• Created an Excel database log, using a Pivot Chart to track daily file output
• Reduced Past Due Cash deficit by $3,000,000 in 3 months
• Created documents (manuals, job aids, questionnaires), presentations, and websites to be used for training

Education

Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, 08/1997 to 05/2002
Major: Professional and Technical Communications, Bachelor of Science Degree
Minor: Management
Specialization: CAD & Graphics Design for Non-Engineers