ARDRA VANESSA SPECTOR

WEB OPERATIONS SPECIALIST / GRAPHIC DESIGNER / EDUCATOR
avsspec@gmail.com

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CAREER SUMMARY: Creative and motivated professional with a proven record in web operations and graphic design. Independently manages projects from concept to completion. Designs successful marketing materials for corporate and educational needs. Experienced public speaker and technical trainer. An adaptable, transformational teacher with leadership ability able to impact and inspire others. Effective presentation designer who establishes organizational goals resulting in increased sales. Able to maintain records for assessment and accountability. Forward-thinking with a strong skill set, seeking a working environment that appreciates the future of technology.
 

Hard Skills: Google Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud Programs, Microsoft Office, ActionScript, Blackboard, Datatel, HTML, Weebly, Wix, WordPress, Tinkercad, Drawing, Painting, Illustration

Soft Skills: Technical and Creative Solutions, Communication (including strong writing skills), Creative Thinker, Conflict Resolution, Excellent Work Ethic, Positive Attitude, Public Speaking, Strategic Thinker and Team Player

 

EDUCATION

• 5/2005 MA, Art and Education, Kean University, Union, New Jersey

• 10/2001 BA, Visual Arts, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

• 5/1996 AAS, Graphic Design, County College of Morris, Randolph, New Jersey

 

CERTIFICATIONS

• 2022 Empathy Training, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, New Jersey

• 2007 New Jersey Certified Art Teacher
   

EXPERIENCE

•   8/2019 - Present
Web Operations Specialist
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, New Jersey

Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day content creation and website operation, performance, and optimization of FDU.edu  WordPress website. Training and collaborating with content creators, communications team, and educators to ensure that the online web presence supports the educational goals of the institution. Using technical proficiency to resolve issues with the Adobe suite, Microsoft Office, web analytics, content management, ADA and SEO. Improving the online experience for both students and staff. Working within the Fairleigh Dickinson Web Operations team to consistently develop multiple departments online presence. In addition to this full-time role, teaching undergraduate students web design and web development for the FDU Graphic Design Department.

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•   8/2014 - 6/2018
Graphic Design Program Coordinator
Passaic County Community College, Paterson, New Jersey

Created graphic design program transfer agreements with New Jersey colleges: Berkeley, Thomas Edison and William Paterson. Developed graphic design fundamentals certificate, class and program curriculum development and assessment. Interviewed prospective department employees, assisted with internship program and academic advisement. Co-chaired Educational Technology Committee and advised the student Graphic Design and Fine Arts Club. Responsible for increasing graphic design program enrollment. In addition to this full-time role, taught classes such as: Introduction to Graphic Design, Digital Layout, Typography, Advanced Graphic Design, Portfolio Presentation and Capstone.

 

•  1/2014 – 8/2014

Computers Applications Instructor
Berkeley College, Woodland Park and Dover, New Jersey

Developed syllabi, course content and lecture materials.

Classes taught: Microsoft Programs

 

•  7/2010 – 4/2016

Visiting Professor 1
DeVry University, North Brunswick and Paramus, New Jersey

Worked to educate students on design theory, project development and technical skills in graphic and website design courses. Taught the Adobe Creative Suite at two campus labs in both Paramus and North Brunswick, New Jersey. Developed curriculum, course and lecture materials. Taught basic and advanced courses using work-related experience to help students understand course material. Showed students how projects done in class directly relate to possible career choices.

Classes taught: Introduction to Graphic Design, Website Development 1 and 2 (Adobe programs including Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and Dreamweaver) HTML and CSS.

 

•  1/2008 – 5/2014

Graphic Designer and Presentation Specialist (Full Time, Temporary Positions)
- The Creative Group, Paramus and Woodbridge, New Jersey
- Tribe Pictures: Animated PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design 
- Torre Lazur: Designed and animated PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design 
- Prudential: Designed PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design 
- The NBA: Designed and animated PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design
- The ICC: Designed PowerPoint Presentations, Graphic Design
- Maidenform: Directed Photography Shoot for company website, digital photo re-touching

 

•  3/2012 - 6/2013

Computer Technology Teacher
Chancellor Academy, Pompton Plains, NJ

Ran the yearbook committee. Created year end video, designed and published printed materials for school events including the yearbook.

Classes taught: Introduction to Graphic Design, Advanced Computers (digital photography, website development, Adobe Creative Suite), Yearbook Elective, Videography, Personal Finance, Newsletter

 

•  1/2010 - 3/2012

Computer Arts and Jewelry Design Teacher
Piscataway Schools, Continuing Education Program, Piscataway NJ

Developed course and project materials.

Classes taught: The Art of Jewelry Making and Computer Graphics­­­­­
 

•  1/2010 - 12/2012

Adjunct Professor
County College of Morris, Randolph, NJ

Developed course and lecture materials plus student advisement

Classes taught: Introduction to Graphic Design and Electronic Prepress (Adobe Creative Suite)

 

 •   3/2009 - 7/2009

Technical Instructor
Anthem Institute (Formerly Chubb), North Brunswick, NJ

Developed course and lecture materials plus student advisement.

Classes taught: Adobe Flash, Flash Gaming, InDesign, Web Development, JavaScript and PHP

 

 •    9/2006 - 3/2009

Technical Instructor
Computer Training Services, New Jersey

Edison High School, Edison NJ; Summit Library Program, Summit NJ; Greenbrook School, Madison NJ and Maplewood High School, Maplewood NJ

Classes taught: Introduction to Computers, Introduction to Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Photoshop

 

 •    9/2006 - 2/2009

Technical Instructor

Middlesex County College, Edison, New Jersey
Developed course and lecture materials

Classes taught: Web Design, Introduction to Graphic Design and Animation (Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash and FrontPage)

 

 •   1/2006 - 5/2007

Adjunct Professor
Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, New Jersey
Developed course and lecture materials plus student advisement

Classes taught: Fine Art and 2D Design, Desktop Publishing (Illustrator)

 

 •   8/2005 - 6/2006

Adjunct Professor

Kean University, Union, New Jersey
Developed course and lecture materials

Classes taught: Basic Animation (Flash) and Digital Prepress (QuarkXPress, InDesign), Introduction to Graphic Design (Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop), Web Design (Dreamweaver)

 

 •   9/2003 - 5/2005

Graphic Designer, Graduate Assistant
Kean University, Union, New Jersey

Awarded a full scholarship to Kean University, including a paid part-time position working for the Department of Continuing Education and the Director of the Kean Counseling Center as Graphic Designer for events and promotions.

 

 •   9/2002 - 12/2004

Fine Arts Teacher
Highland Park Academy of Art, Highland Park, New Jersey

Developed course materials and taught fine arts classes.

Classes taught: Abstract Painting (acrylic painting), Drawing and Ink