HEATHER FORD-HELGESON
Minneapolis
Summary
Communications leader with over 20 years of experience transforming complex information into actionable messaging. Expertise in guiding diverse teams through organizational change by developing clear documentation and communication frameworks that promote alignment and understanding. Known for fostering clarity and structure in dynamic environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Design Manager
Buildertrend
04.2022 - 10.2025
- Partnered with Product, Engineering, HR, and leadership to support alignment during organizational change, reprioritization, and growth
- Led and facilitated working sessions focused on clarity, alignment, and team understanding of priorities and expectations
- Coached managers and individual contributors on clear communication, effective feedback, and navigating complex team dynamics to enhance team collaboration
- Established consistent and scalable communication practices across teams by introducing structured documentation and shared language
- Developed and maintained internal communication artifacts to clarify role expectations, team norms, operating practices, and communication guidelines
- Acted as a key translator between senior leadership strategy and team-level execution, shaping clear, actionable communication from often ambiguous or evolving direction
Senior User Experience Recruiter
Hamm Interactive
Bloomington
06.2018 - 03.2022
- Collaborated with hiring managers and senior leaders to define role expectations, success criteria, and team needs in fast-paced or ambiguous environments
- Developed and refined job descriptions, interview materials, and candidate communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment
- Facilitated stakeholder decision-making by clarifying tradeoffs, priorities, and evaluation criteria
- Streamlined onboarding and transitions with clear communication and comprehensive documentation
User Experience Manager (Co-Manager)
The Nerdery
Minneapolis
03.2014 - 06.2017
- Co-managed a distributed team of 25+ designers during a period of rapid growth, supporting alignment across teams and locations
- Guided teams through unclear client or leadership direction by framing problems, clarifying constraints, and aligning on priorities
- Developed onboarding practices, team communication norms, and shared expectations across the design organization
- Managed people leadership alongside organizational communication needs for multiple stakeholders
Book Publicist & Program Coordinator
Hillcrest Media Group
Minneapolis
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Crafted messaging strategies for full-length books, transforming complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives for media and public audiences
- Customized messaging for diverse audiences, maintaining author voice and intent
- Facilitated communication among authors, internal teams, and external partners to ensure successful publication and media coverage
Health Incentives Program Manager
YMCA of the Twin Cities
Minneapolis
04.2003 - 06.2007
- Managed large-scale health programs across 21 locations, facilitating effective communication among diverse teams to enhance program delivery
- Developed procedural documentation, training materials, and reporting structures to ensure clarity and consistency across operations
- Produced reports and communications for external partners and stakeholders
- Enhanced operational understanding by communicating processes and expectations clearly to stakeholders
Hospital Bioterrorism Preparedness Project Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Health
Minneapolis
03.2002 - 03.2003
- Created materials, tools, and training support to ensure statewide compliance and enhance preparedness
- Acted as a liaison between federal agencies and hospital systems, facilitating clarity and alignment across stakeholders.
- Translated complex federal grant requirements into clear, actionable guidance for hospital administrators and staff across Minnesota
- Facilitated communication of high-stakes, technical information for practical, real-world application
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Communication, Writing, Journalism, and Creative Writing
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, MN05-1995
Skills
- Strategic & Employee Communications
- Complex Information Translation (Technical → Human)
- Content Strategy & Editorial Planning
- Writing, Editing & Message Clarity
- Change & Organizational Communication
- Stakeholder Advising & Leadership Support
- Manager & Team Communication Enablement
- Program Communication & Initiative Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration (HR, Product, Engineering)
- Systems Thinking & Operational Communication Rhythms
Timeline
Product Design Manager
Buildertrend
04.2022 - 10.2025
Senior User Experience Recruiter
Hamm Interactive
06.2018 - 03.2022
User Experience Manager (Co-Manager)
The Nerdery
03.2014 - 06.2017
Book Publicist & Program Coordinator
Hillcrest Media Group
09.2012 - 06.2013
Health Incentives Program Manager
YMCA of the Twin Cities
04.2003 - 06.2007
Hospital Bioterrorism Preparedness Project Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Health
03.2002 - 03.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Communication, Writing, Journalism, and Creative Writing
College of Saint Benedict