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I am in the process of making a case to my software company to create a
full-time department for Documentation/Tech Writing.
They are agreeable to this, since we currently pay a number of consultants to
do the work, and see the benefits of bringing these people in full-time. I
just need to define the structure of the department.
In defining the roles and responsibilities, I have individuals with a variety
of skills (writing, project management, online help, etc.) who have spent
varying degrees of time in the industry and with the company. While "time"
is not necessarily a mitigating factor in determining
competence/promotion/etc., it is still a factor.
I am looking for information to help with my presentation. Specifically:
1. What kind of titles/roles best work in creating a unit?
Should there be Documentation Specialists, Tech Writers, Documentation
Project Managers, Online Information Analysts? I don't want to create
specialization, but recognition of certain abilities is important. What
works?
2. What about seniority or strengths?
What about moves upward? Doc Person - Senior Doc Person - Doc Projects
Coordinator? Where can I read guidelines on employee motivational goals and
the steps necessary to reach them? Is it years+experience+success? Everyone
needs recognition and something to strive for.
If anyone out there has practical experience or can suggest some literature
concerning setting up such a department, I would be extremely grateful.
JMM
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