William Cracraft  

Senior Communication Specialist                    San Jose, CA

Williamcracraft100@gmail.com | Linkedin | https://www.fnsreporting.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Senior communications professional with years of experience supporting executive, internal, and external communications across government, technology, and nonprofit environments. Skilled at turning complex or technical information into clear, accessible content for a wide range of audiences, including leadership teams and media. Experienced in writing, editing, and coordinating publications, newsletters, reports, and web content while working closely with multiple teams. Known for helping organizations maintain consistent messaging, improve communication processes, and deliver content that is accurate, well-structured, and easy to understand.

SKILLS

Public Affairs Media RelationsContent StrategyEditorial Development Internal CommunicationsStrategic CommunicationsExecutive Communications

CopywritingBrand MessagingTechnical WritingProject ManagementProgram Management Information SimplificationCross-Functional Collaboration

Print PublishingPublic RelationsEditorial ReviewDigital PublishingQuality AssuranceContent Management Social Media Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Office of the Circuit Executive                 08/2020 – 10/2025

Communications Specialist                                                                                  San Francisco, CA

• Directed multi-channel communications for the largest federal judicial circuit, producing feature articles, reports, web content, and media releases that translated complex legal and operational data into clear, audience-focused messaging
• Advised federal judges and senior court leadership on media relations and executive communications strategy, managing press inquiries and guiding responses in high-visibility, high-stakes public-facing situations
• Expanded digital engagement by growing the organization’s LinkedIn audience from 1,800 to over 18,000 within three years through targeted content strategy and social media optimization
• Developed enterprise communications assets, contributing ~70% of a 60+ page annual report and building a 200+ press contact database, media guide, and district-level resources across 17 courts, while coordinating national media engagement

The Harker School, San Jose (2,000 students, four campuses)                         08/2006 – 02/2010

Managing Editor, Office of Communications                                                             San Jose, CA

• Managed and mentored a team of 4 communications professionals, overseeing the production of announcements, video scripts, newsletters, and news content supporting parent, student, and stakeholder communications
• Launched and scaled 10 social media platforms, establishing content strategy and governance to strengthen institutional visibility and reputation across a multi-campus environment
• Spearheaded and managed Harker News Online, a WordPress-based publication producing 300+ articles annually, leveraging web analytics to guide editorial direction and improve audience engagement
• Oversaw end-to-end production of a bi-annual 64-page flagship magazine, coordinating content development, budgeting, freelancers, and cross-functional teams, resulting in three consecutive MarCom Awards Platinum wins

Schools of the Sacred Heart, San Francisco, CA                                           08/2003 – 06/2006

Communications Associate, Development Office                                       San Francisco, CA

• Standardized communication processes within the advancement department, ensuring consistency in messaging, formatting, and branding across print and digital outreach materials
• Authored and edited marketing copy, including e-newsletters, website content, and promotional publications supporting development and stakeholder engagement initiatives
• Established structured content management practices, including photo archiving systems, newsletter production workflows, and coordinated distribution processes across departments
• Collaborated with web and database teams to align communications output with internal systems, improving coordination of departmental activities and information accuracy

Freelance News Service                                                                               07/2001 – 07/2006

Owner / Editor                                                                                           San Francisco, CA

• Produced and published marketing and editorial content in regional and national newspapers, including the San Francisco Examiner, Contra Costa Times, and Modesto Bee, for general circulation and promotional campaigns
• Led content development for institutional clients, producing full article suites for organizations including the San Mateo County Economic Development Association and the USS Hornet Museum
• Coordinated a high-profile industry initiative for Consumers Union, compiling and validating a targeted list of 250 CEOs, CTOs, and Internet influencers for a national conference that helped shape early standards for corporate website transparency
• Executed media outreach and public relations campaigns, including securing 20 national media and analyst interviews for SkyPilot Networks and designing PR initiatives for technology startups such as Asoka USA, Inc.

Omniva Policy Systems                                                                                         02/2000 – 07/2001

Sales Engineer                                                                                                        San Francisco, CA

• Developed and presented technical product documentation and sales enablement materials, including RFP responses, sales collateral, and technical analyses, supporting marketing, sales, and customer acquisition initiatives
• Delivered technical presentations and product demonstrations at client locations and industry conventions, translating secure messaging and email solutions into clear, value-driven messaging for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Crafted comprehensive support and training resources, including user manuals, technical FAQs, and external presentation materials, standardizing knowledge transfer and improving support team efficiency
• Partnered with product, sales, and support teams to document feature requirements, refine messaging, and align product development with end-user and business needs

Compaq Computer, Tandem Computer Unit                                                   08/1999 – 01/2000

MarCom Program Manager (Internal Communications)                                   Cupertino, CA

• Translated technical analyses and business reports into accessible internal communications, producing feature articles distributed across global business units
• Documented the development of the NonStop Operational Data Store, supporting communications around a large-scale data infrastructure project later implemented as a consumer tracking system for Target Stores
• Facilitated cross-functional content creation by partnering with engineering, business, and communications teams to capture and present organizational updates, personnel highlights, and product-related information
• Compiled and distributed the InTandem internal newsletter, aggregating content from multiple departments, verifying information accuracy, and delivering finalized communications to a global internal audience

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts – Journalism

San Francisco State University                                                        San Francisco, CA

Technical and Professional Writing Certificate

San Francisco State University (20-month program)                                        San Francisco, CA

CERTIFICATIONS

• Intermediate Public Information Officer Certificate                                                   08/2025
• Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS G606)                                     07/2025