Dawn Killien

Content Project Manager with 30+ years of experience managing print and digital educational publishing projects from planning through delivery. Experienced in project planning, workflow improvement, budget management, client communication, and cross-functional collaboration. Recognized for improving production workflows, training teams on Smartsheet, and delivering high-quality educational content while building strong client relationships.

Project Manager - Aptara, Inc. - Chantilly, VA

(2018-01 - 2026-01)

Managed educational publishing projects from planning through delivery while coordinating schedules, budgets, cross-functional teams, and client communication.

• Managed educational publishing projects, overseeing schedules, budgets, production workflows, and collaboration across editorial, design, and production teams.
• Improved workflows through process enhancements, successfully delivered the Super Kids project for Zaner-Bloser, developed Smartsheet training for the PMO, and maintained strong client relationships.

Senior Project Coordinator - McGraw-Hill Education - Columbus, OH

(2012-01 - 2018-01)

Managed educational publishing projects while ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and client expectations were consistently achieved.

• Coordinated project schedules, production activities, budgets, and cross-functional teams to deliver educational publishing projects on time and within scope.
• Maintained production documentation, monitored financial forecasts, resolved workflow challenges, and collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to support successful project delivery.

Project Coordinator - McGraw-Hill Education - Columbus, OH

(2006-01 - 2012-01)

Supported project planning and production activities for multiple educational publishing programs.

• Managed project schedules, production tracking, documentation, and client communication while collaborating with editorial, design, and production teams.
• Assisted with billing, reporting, workflow coordination, and continuous process improvements to ensure efficient project execution.

Senior Compositor - McGraw-Hill Education - Columbus, OH

(1996-01 - 2006-01)

Provided production support for educational publishing projects from composition through final output.

• Prepared page layouts, maintained templates, incorporated revisions, and ensured files met publishing specifications and quality standards.
• Worked closely with editors and production teams to deliver accurate, high-quality educational materials within established deadlines.