Dan Knauss

Dan Knauss

Building clarity and trust from discovery to delivery. Solution architect, project manager, cross-functional team leader, and technical generalist.
204-9664 106 Ave. NW, T5H 0N4, Edmonton, Alberta.

About

Customer-focused technical generalist serving digital agencies and product companies in open-source ecosystems. Currently specializing in enterprise solutions and complex migrations for global clients. Proven ability to translate intricate technical challenges into clear, actionable strategies, fostering cross-functional collaboration and driving significant business impact. Expertise spans consultative sales, project management, operational workflow analysis, and conflict resolution, underpinned by a background in higher education, journalism, and open-source.

Work

Multidots
|

Senior Solution Architect

Austin, Texas, United States

Remote Globally Distributed Team

Summary

Architecting and implementing advanced WordPress solutions for enterprise-level clients across APAC and AMER regions as part of a globally distributed agency and WP VIP Gold Partner.

Highlights

Led the architectural design and implementation of complex WordPress solutions, ensuring scalability, performance, and security for large-scale enterprise clients.

Provided strategic technical consulting and pre-sales support, translating client requirements into robust, actionable architectural blueprints.

Collaborated with cross-functional global teams to deliver high-impact projects, fostering seamless integration and operational efficiency.

Contributed to the agency's reputation as a WP VIP Gold Partner by maintaining high standards of technical excellence and client satisfaction.

Liquid Web / StellarWP
|

Technical Content Generalist

Lansing, Michigan, United States

Full Time

Summary

Developed and executed comprehensive content strategies for leading WordPress product lines, driving brand visibility and customer engagement.

Highlights

Authored and edited over 100 technical articles and marketing copy, significantly enhancing product documentation and brand messaging.

Managed content for product launches, redesigns, and rebranding initiatives, ensuring consistent and compelling narratives.

Secured earned media coverage through high-quality content, amplifying product reach and market presence.

Collaborated with product development and marketing teams to align content with strategic business objectives.

Post Status
|

Editor

Summary

Oversaw editorial direction, publishing, and community management for a prominent WordPress business publication and membership-based professional association.

Highlights

Managed the editorial calendar and content pipeline, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality articles and insights.

Provided comprehensive editing and review for diverse content, maintaining editorial standards and voice.

Collaborated closely with the founder to evolve content strategy and expand audience engagement.

Contributed to the growth and influence of a key industry platform through consistent, valuable content.

New Local Media
|

Solution Developer

Summary

Designed and implemented web solutions, primarily using WordPress and open-source technologies, to support local businesses, governmental entities, independent journalism, and civic advocacy initiatives.

Highlights

Developed custom web solutions and platforms leveraging WordPress and open-source tools for diverse clients across the US and Canada.

Provided technical consulting and development expertise for non-profit organizations and independent media projects.

Managed full lifecycle development from conceptualization to deployment, ensuring robust and user-friendly applications.

Advocated for and implemented open-source solutions, promoting accessibility and sustainability in digital media.

MacEwan University
|

Sessional Faculty

Summary

Taught first-year courses, contributing to curriculum development and student mentorship.

School of Dad
|

Full-Time Parent

Summary

Managed household operations and child development, demonstrating extensive organizational, logistical, and problem-solving skills.

Highlights

Managed complex daily schedules and logistics for a growing team, optimizing resource allocation.

Developed and implemented effective strategies for problem-solving and conflict resolution within a dynamic family environment.

Cultivated strong interpersonal communication and adaptability in diverse and demanding situations.

Marquette University
|

Teaching Fellow

Summary

Teaching fellow, graduate teaching instructor, and research assistant.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
|

Adjunct Faculty

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Summary

Taught in the first-year English program for a year while my partner finished her MA in the J-School. From 1995 to 1997, I taught at North Carolina State University while I was a graduate student there, and for the 1996-97 term, I was an adjunct faculty member at Campbell University.

Volunteer

WordPress Project
|

Contributor

Summary

Actively contribute to the WordPress open-source project, focusing on community development and support for the Edmonton WordPress Meetup and WordCamp Canada since 2024.

Highlights

Support the growth and health of the global WordPress community through various initiatives.

HTTP Archive's Web Almanac
|

Editor / Reviewer, CMS Chapter

Summary

Provide editorial oversight and technical review for the CMS chapter of the HTTP Archive's annual Web Almanac, a comprehensive report on the state of the web.

Highlights

Reviewed and edited technical content for accuracy, clarity, and relevance within the CMS chapter.

Contributed to a leading industry report, influencing understanding of web technologies and trends.

Collaborated with a global team of experts to produce authoritative web performance and technology insights.

Education

North Carolina State University (NCSU)

MA

Early Modern Studies

Campbell University

BA

History and Literature

Skills

Solution Architecture

Enterprise Solutions, System Design, Scalability, Performance Optimization, Technical Strategy.

WordPress Ecosystem

WordPress VIP, Gutenberg, Plugin Development, Theme Development, Headless WordPress.

Content Strategy & Management

Technical Writing, Editorial Leadership, Content Marketing, SEO, Digital Publishing.

Project Management

Agile Methodologies, Stakeholder Management, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Risk Management.

Client Engagement

Consultative Sales, Client Success, Relationship Management, Requirements Gathering.

Process Improvement

Operational Workflow Analysis, Business Process Re-engineering, Efficiency Optimization.

Open Source Technologies

Community Contribution, Civic Advocacy, Linux, Git.

Digital Transformation

Platform Migration, Legacy System Integration, Change Management.

Public Speaking & Podcasting

Technical Presentations, Webinars, Interviews, Thought Leadership.

Web Development

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Database Management.

Projects

Digital Transformation at Syufy Enterprises LP

Summary

Directed the Sitecore to WordPress migration for multiple brands and business lines within Syufy Enterprises LP, focusing on theater properties and their integration with the Vista cinema platform. Authored the comprehensive project case study.

SolidWP at StellarWP / Liquid Web

Summary

Played a pivotal role in the product development, migration, redesign, and rebranding of SolidWP, including extensive content creation and securing earned media.

Writing, Editing, and Podcasting at Post Status, LLC

Summary

Provided extensive writing, editing, and podcasting support for Post Status, contributing to its content strategy and media production.

Various Projects at People's Republic of Riverwest

Summary

Initiated and supported multiple community-driven projects in Milwaukee, including a monthly newspaper, a grocery cooperative and cafe, and a housing redevelopment co-op, primarily leveraging WordPress for digital infrastructure.