Dacia James

Chicago, Illinois
daciaj@yahoo.com
download PDF version of resume

Career Objective

With 7+ year of front-end web developer experience, I am seeking a full time position as a Lead Front-End Web Developer to showcase my strong skills. I have expert-level knowledge of W3C standards, cross-browser/platform development, accessibility, and a solid understanding of the principles of information architecture. I have the ability to quickly hand-code clean HTML/CSS from Photoshop mock-ups and wire frames, with understanding of interaction design and user-centered design methods and practices.

Skills and Qualifications

Programming

Front-End: HTML, XML/XSLT, CSS, JavaScript: jQuery, Dojo, AJAX
Coding Environment/CMS: PHP, JSP, ASP .NET (C#), ColdFusion, OmniUpdate, Hobsons, SiteCore, SiteFinity, Hybris, and Phone Gap (NOTE: I am not a Java, .NET, or PHP developer, I am a Front-End Web Developer)

Developer Tools

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

Tools

Project Management: Jira, QuickBase, @Task, ChangePoint
Bug Tracking: Jira SiteLife, BugZilla
Versioning: Tortoise SVN, Versions, git, VisualSVN, FileHampster
Other: The Platform, Vidego, Cogix, Convio

Links

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dessin

Work Experience

Web Developer, 02/2004 to Present

Independent Contractor, Chicago, Illinois

• Designing and hand-coding semantic websites using HTML/CSS3, JavaScript with jQuery, AJAX, PHP, MySQL, XML/ XSLT
• Designing and maintaining a variety of single and multi-page websites for clients
• Created symptom checker tool for American Academy of Pediatrics using XHTML/CSS3 and jQuery as a short-term contractor
• Modified and reformatted templates for 60+ online news publications, including Suntimes.com, using XHTML/CSS3 and JavaScript with jQuery framework as a short-term contractor
• Worked with third-party affiliates in implementing Sun-Times Media templates, including trouble-shooting and modified page structure
• Provided both front- and back-end web development using XHTML/CSS3, PHP, and JavaScript, as well as, bug-fixing and QA testing for PizzaHut.com redesign with primary focus on IE6 with Quik Order as a short-term contractor
• Executing cross-browser QA testing and debugging, including Firefox, IE6 – IE9, Chrome, and Safari (MAC and PC)
• Developing web standards and ensuring accessibility and W3C compliance
• Producing web assets, by slicing and editing images in Photoshop and page layout
• Utilizing experience and judgment to plan around milestone schedules
• Managing multiple deadline driven projects

Senior Front-End Web Developer, 07/2010 to Present

Acquity Group, Chicago, Illinois

• Producing HTML/CSS page templates from master source documents for integrating into desktop and mobile web applications
• Operating as lead front-end developer for several high-end, distinguished clients
• Assisting in the development of standards, methodologies and repeatable processes for delivery of creative services
• Architecting and developing front-end solutions including HTML/CSS templates, JavaScript (both jQuery and dojo frameworks) and AJAX code, and rich media production and integration
• Solving complex design problems and achieve the highest quality design while pushing the boundaries of rich media online applications
• Mentoring Junior Front-End Developers to further their knowledge and professional growth
• Understanding of W3C and Accessibility guidelines
• Working quickly but with a strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Understanding cross-browser and cross-platform concepts and concerns
• Participating in small, self organized development teams utilizing agile development methodologies

Front-End Web Developer (Contractor at Whittman Hart), 12/2009 to 07/2010

Instant Technology, Chicago, Illinois

• Contracting with Whittman Hart as a front-end web developer
• Hand-coding pixel-perfect website (iloveny.com) 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

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 and enforced coding W3C standards
• Fixed server- and client-side errors generated on website

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