Below are the 17 most recent journal entries recorded in University of Kansas Technical Communications' LiveJournal:

Friday, June 6th, 2008
2:33 pm [mckitterick]	copyediting position with the UN This looks really interesting: ____ The United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW) is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of copy editor with the following objectives: - Provide editing, proofreading and other required services for all of the Institute’s English-language documentation, including but not limited to: i) publications (research reports, training manuals/guides, annual and other institutional reports, country profiles, fact sheets, etc.); ii) Website content; iii) News items (press releases, fact sheets, human interest stories, etc.); and other materials (presentations, correspondence, etc.) as needed. - As language capacity allows, provide translation services from Spanish to English for a variety of materials. The ideal candidate will have a university-level degree or diploma or an equivalent combination of academic and professional experience in technical writing and editing, documentation design and technical communication web publishing, Two to three years of demonstrable work experience with editing/proofreading, technical writing and editing, documentation design and technical communication web publishing, preferably related to gender and/or development issues in an international context. Excellent writing and editing skills in English are essential. Experience with translation from Spanish to English would also be a significant asset. From the full job description: UN-INSTRAW Vacancy Announcement - (6 June 2008) JOB DESCRIPTION 1. General information: Post title: UN-INSTRAW Copy Editor Type of appointment: Consultancy Duration: 5 months initially, with possibility of extension Date required: 15 July 2008 Duty station: Dominican Republic 2. Supervision: Direct/general supervision will be provided by the UN-INSTRAW Information Officer. Content and methodology of the supervision: The incumbent will present periodic reports to the supervisor on the activities undertaken. In addition, periodic meetings will be held with the supervisors in order to assess progress and performance. 3. Duties, responsibilities and output expectations: The consultant will provide editing, proofreading and other required services for all of the Institute’s English-language documentation, including but not limited to: i) publications (research reports, training manuals/guides, annual and other institutional reports, country profiles, fact sheets, etc.); ii) Website content; iii) News items (press releases, fact sheets, human interest stories, etc.); and other materials (presentations, correspondence, etc.) as needed. The consultant may also provide translation services from Spanish to English as requested for a variety of materials. 4. Qualifications and Experience Education: University-level degree or diploma or an equivalent combination of academic and professional experience in technical writing and editing, documentation design and technical communication web publishing. Languages: Excellent writing and editing skills in English are essential. Proficiency in Spanish, with ability to translate from Spanish to English, would also be a significant asset. Work experience: Two to three years of demonstrable work experience with editing/proofreading, technical writing and editing, documentation design and technical communication web publishing, preferably related to gender and/or development issues in an international context. Experience with translation from Spanish to English would also be a significant asset. The successful candidates will possess the following competencies: Professionalism - Ability to manage processes, maintain accurate records, interpret/analyze a wide variety of information, and present summaries as required. Commitment - to achieving the goal of gender equality and empowerment of women by ensuring the inclusion of relevant aspects in to every activity. Planning and Organizing – Demonstrates effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in an efficient and timely manner. Technological Awareness – Fully proficient in various office and other IT applications. Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Communication – Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. 5. How to Apply Please send, by e-mail or fax, a detailed CV, cover letter describing your qualifications for the position and a brief (no more than 4 pages) writing sample by 30 June 2008 to: UN-INSTRAW Cesar Nicolás Penson 102-A Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Fax: (809) 685-2117 E-mail: applications@un-instraw.org Website: http://www.un-instraw.org/ Short-listed candidates will be contacted for a telephone interview during the period 1 to 15 July 2008. UN-INSTRAW will not respond to enquiries over the phone. 6. Background Information UN-INSTRAW is a United Nations entity mandated to develop research and training programmes that contribute to the empowerment of women and the achievement of gender equality worldwide. Through alliance building with UN Member States, international organizations, academia, civil society, the private sector and other actors, UN-INSTRAW: · Undertakes action-oriented research from a gender perspective that has a concrete impact on policies, programmes and projects; · Creates synergies for knowledge management and information exchange; · Strengthens the capacities of key stakeholders to integrate gender perspectives in policies, programmes and projects; and · Builds a sustainable, transparent and efficient institution UN-INSTRAW is governed by an Executive Board composed of ten Member States. These Member States are elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations for a three-year term. They can be reelected for one further term. The Director of the Institute, the Under-Secretary- General for Economic and Social Affairs, a representative of the Host Country, Dominican Republic, and a representative of each of the regional commissions of the ECOSOC serve as ex-officio members of the Board. For more information about UN-INSTRAW, please visit: http://www.un-instraw.org Thank you very much, Hilary Anderson _____ Good luck! Chris (Comment on this)
Sunday, March 23rd, 2008
2:09 am [jeanean]	HELP!!! with Tech Writing Classes I'm currently enrolled in a tech writing class and we are writing a writing style guide for our college students and faculty as a class project. I am in the group covering visual elements. Unfortunately, the 2 guys in my group with me are "wing it" kinda guys so we have a really weak outline. I'm currently discussing bulleted and enumerated lists and graphs, tables, and charts. I am looking on recommendations for other visual elements to discuss as I need to total 15 pages (3 sections of 5 pages). Does anyone have an recommendations?h (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008
7:38 pm [mckitterick]	Andrews McMeel Publishing internship Hi folks - Here's an internship opportunity:  Andrews McMeel Publishing Publicity Internship Overview PROGRAM DESCRIPTION * AMP's publicity department offers unpaid college internships for 3 courses of study: English, Journalism, and Communications. * A $500 stipend is awarded upon successful completion of internship. * During each semester, interns spend about 60% of their time doing work directly    related to their fields of study and 40% spent on tasks required by the    department that may or may not be related to their studies. * Interns' time is managed by the department's intern supervisor. Interns adhere    to a weekly schedule produced by the intern supervisor in accordance with    students' availability, internship objectives, and department needs. * Internships are approximately 16 hours per week and worth equivalent credit    hours per sponsoring university's guidelines. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR HIRE * Hard-working, self-motivated, poised, articulate team player * Work history that demonstrates a solid work ethic * Proficiency in typing, word processing, email, and Internet * Fluency and literacy in the English language * 60 hours of college credit * GPA of 3.2 or above INTERNSHIP OBJECTIVES * Acquire an overall view of the publishing industry * Learn to write descriptively, concisely, and persuasively * Write and design press releases * Gain a basic understanding of media markets and publications * Achieve professional development in a business setting * Become attentive to detail and demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines * Autonomously balance and prioritize daily tasks and ongoing projects REQUIREMENTS FOR COURSE CREDIT * Work product will include:     * 5 - 6 press releases     * 1 - 2 targeted publicity mailings     * 1 -2 special projects TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO: Shelly Barkes, Publicity Andrews McMeel Publishing, 4520 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 Phone: 800.851.8923, ext. 6818 * Fax: 816.931.5018 Email: sbarkes@amuniversal.com ***DEADLINE FOR SUMMER APPLICANTS IS APRIL 11, 2008*** (Comment on this)
8:35 am [mckitterick]	job opportunity at Perceptive Software Former student Ryan Block has let me know about a technical-writing job at Perceptive Software (in Shawnee, Kanas - basically it's Kansas City), where he works. The job title is "Knowledge Engineer," which sounds cool. Here's the job description: Perceptive Software created ImageNow document management, imaging and workflow to form a direct and effortless connection between customers, colleagues and the documents they need to simplify their daily business processes. Armed with a patented integration technology, Perceptive Software is an aggressive and fast-growing competitor in the document management marketplace. Perceptive Software's Technical Services Team is responsible for addressing the companies business needs through technology. We are currently seeking a Knowledge Engineer to assist the team in building content and technology to support the company's knowledge management and customer support initiatives. This position has the following responsibilities: Develop and edit technical documentation for the technical services team Analyze metrics and user feedback to make content creation and improvement plans Administer search/knowledgebase tools to improve 'findability' of knowledge Identify and leverage existing knowledge repositories to ensure effective content is delivered Prepare reports associated with knowledge management and share with appropriate stakeholders Gather technology requirements through user feedback and data analysis Manage the release of requirements for assigned knowledge management applications Prepare requirements, test cases and other project documentation for assigned projects Maintain working relationships with subject matter experts and personnel within Technical Services and across the organization The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills: 1-2 years technical writing experience experience maintaining a knowledgebase and/or search technology excellent written and verbal communication skills the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously strong organizational skills self motivated experience developing or prototyping software solutions proven experience working in a software development environment the ability to create and maintain project documentation including requirements, interface design, specifications, test cases and product roadmaps experience in conducting or participating in usability studies ability to work with business stakeholders to understand business process and develop Plus Skills Technology: Lotus Notes, Google Search Appliance, HTML, XML, XSL Operating Systems: Windows 98/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista, Unix (Solaris, HP/UX, AIX), Linux Application Software: Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes Web Application Software: JRun, Tomcat, WebSphere, WebLogic, IIS Hardware: Peripheral installation & configuration (scanners, SCSI cards, SCSI devices, fax boards). There you go! Note the responsibilities section closely parallels what we do in English 562. If you apply for the job, Ryan asks that you let them know he originated the referral. Good luck! Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008
5:11 pm [mckitterick]	Press internships in Rep. Boyda's office This just in from a friend who works with Rep. Boyda: COMMUNICATIONS INTERN U.S. Representative Nancy Boyda is the Democratic Congresswoman from the Kansas Second Congressional District, which includes Topeka, Leavenworth, Manhattan, and most of northeast and southeast Kansas. Rep. Boyda's Topeka office is currently seeking candidates for the position of Communications Intern. This internship will provide broad experience in legislative communications, press relations, and the development of media strategy for a Congressional office. Duties will include compiling press clips, researching legislative issues, drafting constituent communications, organizing press files, and other tasks as needed or directed. The successful candidate will have superb research, writing, and communications skills; a strong familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite; excellent time management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and prioritize projects; and a desire to learn about the operations of a Congressional office. Interns are expected to work 10-20 hours per week in the Topeka office. Academic credit and/or a stipend may be arranged. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and two brief, relevant writing samples (500-1000 words each) to thomas.seay@mail.house.gov by February 4th at 5:00 p.m. Early applications are strongly encouraged. For more information, contact Thomas Seay at (785) 234-8111. Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Tuesday, October 9th, 2007
3:06 pm [mckitterick]	job opportunity at Overlap Hello, technical communicators - I got this job announcement from a former student who works at Overlap.com: Lead software engineer and web developer Top notch Java engineer with proven application development expertise using .NET framework. A strong focus on web application development. Excellent analytical/troubleshooting and debugging skills. You will work on next generation data management products that transform financial investing. Based on real-time event processing, distributed caching, and continuous querying of high volume data streams, this product enables our company to capture perishable opportunities that others miss. Company works with many technologies including: continuous querying/stream processing; materialized views; multi-query optimization; query parsing/planning/optimization; temporal querying; distributed querying; scalable distributed data structures; concurrent data structures; main-memory databases; distributed fault-tolerance paradigms; SQL, XQuery, OLAP/Data mining; peer to peer network topologies and overlay routing networks. We need someone with experience in these areas, and with a broad knowledge of Java technologies. Functions Participate in specification, design, implementation, QA testing, evangelism and support of new features in the product, as well as improving existing features and product performance. Will periodically help adapt our software to customer needs (infrequent travel may be required). Document your work, as well as follow good Javadoc practices. Required Skills, Knowledge and Experience BS in Computer Science or equivalent, with coursework in distributed systems. Expert Java programming skills (4+ years concurrent programming, testing, and profiling). J2SE experience. Multi-threaded web development experience. Proven ability to design, model, implement, and test high performance software for mission critical industries. Customer-focused history of designing, delivering, and supporting practical software products and target real world problems. Proven ability to master new technology and application domains (e.g. financial, scientific, and industrial). Keen understanding of state-of-the-art techniques and trends in data management. If you have the skills required for this position, email your resume to Andy Gustafson. Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Friday, August 31st, 2007
11:30 am [mckitterick]	Technical Communication program at KU Hi folks - So I finished a revision to the KUTC site and would like to hear what you think of it. If you were a current or potential student, or someone interested in collaborating with us via an internship at your workplace, does this address your needs? Thank you! Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Wednesday, August 29th, 2007
10:24 am [mckitterick]	student job: website manager and more Here's one for current KU students. Sounds like interesting work and good experience for future technical writers: ____ We are advertising through the Student Employment Center for a student assistant to work 20 hours per week. The student will work 10 hours for American Studies with the following duties: compile information to update website, including graduate and undergraduate information, American Studies Association sites; update affiliated faculty information; collect information and compose newsletter for alumni; assist with graduate student database; receptionist for faculty and students; answer telephone; filing; mail distribution; schedule meetings; general office duties, and 10 hours for Latino Studies with the following duties: compile information for website, including minor requirements and current course offerings; update affiliated faculty information; assist with Conference organization; assist with basic advising duties for minor; aid with paperwork associated with minor. This is a nine-month appointment and pays $10.00 per hour. If you have any students in mind, please encourage them to apply online at the Student Employment Center. The job has a closing date of September 4. ____ Good luck! Chris (Comment on this)
Tuesday, August 14th, 2007
9:01 am [mckitterick]	Web developer at JoCo Library Hey, folks - Great TC opportunity at the Johnson County Library as a Web developer. ( full job description behind the cut ) ____ Good luck! Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007
8:55 pm [mckitterick]	Congressional Research Service Office of Comm. seeks tech writer-editor This looks cool if you would like to work for the US Congress on a mid-length contract: ___ TECHNICAL WRITER-EDITOR 7 (not to exceed 3 years) Congressional Research Service, Washington DC The Congressional Research Service Office of Communications is seeking a technical writer-editor, not to exceed 3 years. If you are selected for this position you will plan, write, and edit a variety of documents on information technology-related issues, ensuring accuracy, consistency, format, completeness, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. You will also produce material on technical issues for a variety of offices and determine the adequacy of materials prepared by others. This position is being offered at the GS-11 level ($55,706-$72,421). Interested applicants must either apply online (preferred) at http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo or call (202) 707-5627 to request an applicant job kit. Please refer to vacancy #070175 in all correspondence. Applications must be received by July 16, 2007. CRS is the public policy research arm of the United States Congress and is fully committed to workforce diversity. ___ Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Sunday, April 1st, 2007
12:38 pm [mckitterick]	Google TiSP Google has an amazing new project called "TiSP." You must check it out. Part of their "computer on every desk and a network in every pipe" long-term plan, I suspect. What's extra-snazzy about this is that it's an example of an electronic documentation system as we discuss in the KU English 562: Advanced Technical Writing class. Thanks to _starlady_ for the tip. Chris (Comment on this)
Wednesday, February 21st, 2007
4:55 pm [mckitterick]	former students working in technical communications Hi folks! I've recently gotten news that a few former KUTC students have landed jobs doing technical communications, including: Jen H., English graduate student, has been hired as Communications Director for the KU Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Institute. Andrew M., current LLW student, has been doing technical writing and editing at Bushnell Optics. Karl M., recent LLW graduate, has been hired as a technical writer and editor for Coffee Communications in Walla Walla, Washington. Lindsey R., recent LLW graduate, has been hired as technical editor at Allen Press. Sam S., recent CLAS graduate, has been hired at Motorola as a quality control engineer and technical writer. (Please correct me if I got any of that wrong.) Do you have news to share about job successes in technical communications? Let us know here! Best, Chris (Comment on this)
4:51 pm [mckitterick]	English Department Awards Don't forget: The English Department Awards are approaching the deadline for submissions. This includes the award for Outstanding Technical Writing. So if you think you've written something that deserves an award, or you're an English student seeking a scholarship, be sure to submit soon! Deadline is March 2, about one week from now. Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Thursday, January 25th, 2007
2:58 pm [mckitterick]	writing internships for Congressperson Boyda Hi folks - A friend of mine works for Nancy Boyda (D-Kansas), and they need a couple of writing interns. I don't know if they pay, but what great experience! If you did well in my classes, you should be able to do well in this position. Apply soon - contact tmseay for more info. Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Friday, November 10th, 2006
3:57 pm [mckitterick]	Website edit job Hello current and former KUTC students! One of the English Department professors, Haskell Springer, needs someone to update his personal website. It needs some coding updates, as well, including minor touch-ups to scripts so they work with the new browsers. He's willing to pay for it, though it shouldn't be much work (or pay, I suspect). A good chance to add a resume item. Interested? Send him a note! If you're a KU student, just type Springer, Haskell S into Outlook and you'll have his email addy. Best, Chris (Comment on this)
Thursday, August 17th, 2006
1:51 pm [mckitterick]	job opportunity at University Press of Kansas Just got this from the English Department: A job opportunity has come to the office and is posted on the Graduate bulletin board on the wall to the right of 3116 Wescoe. We have received a notice for a position at the University Press of Kansas (they might be especially interested in English graduate students) that has an application deadline of 21 August (next Monday). The job details have been posted on the bulletin board. Best, Chris McKitterick http://www.ku.edu/~techcomm http://www.ku.edu/~sfcenter http://www.aboutsf.com (Comment on this)
Thursday, May 18th, 2006
6:53 pm [mckitterick]	welcome! I've just set this up as a discussion forum for current and former students of technical communication at the University of Kansas. Do you have questions about technical communication? About KU's program? Are you interested in learning to write and edit technical documentation, or just want to learn more about this great line of work? Well, let's talk about it! All you need to join is a free LiveJournal account. Best, Chris http://www.ku.edu/~techcomm/index.htm (3 Comments |Comment on this)