With 15 years of dynamic experience in the Public Relations industry, I have honed my expertise in strategic communication, crisis management, and media relations across various sectors. My extensive background has afforded me a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of PR, allowing me to implement successful campaigns and foster meaningful stakeholder relationships.
Driven by a passion for education and a commitment to shaping the next generation of PR professionals, I have transitioned into lecturing, where I leverage my industry experience to provide students with practical insights and real-world applications. My goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enriching classroom discussions with firsthand knowledge and case studies from my career.
Currently pursuing a PhD, I am dedicated to furthering my academic credentials and contributing to scholarly research in Public Relations. I am enthusiastic about advancing my academic career and continuing to inspire and mentor students through innovative teaching and research.
Design and lecture comprehensive lecture materials, assignments, and assessments for undergraduate student courses in Public Relations, Film, and Photography. Ensuring that the curriculum is current, relevant, and aligned with industry standards.
Responsibilities included:
· Fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, encourage critical thinking and supporting students as they prepare for their careers in their respective fields.
· Evaluating student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
· Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
· Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
· Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
· Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
· Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
· Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
· Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methodologies and techniques.
As a Senior Account Manager at a Public Relations Firm responsible for clients such as Libstar, Pepkor, and TransLink Corporate Finance, I led the development and execution of strategic communication plans to enhance brand visibility and reputation. My role involved managing client relationships, overseeing media relations, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering integrated PR campaigns that aligned with business objectives. I successfully navigated complex communication challenges, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across all channels while driving measurable results for my clients.
Communication Science 3
As a result of COVID-19, online lectures were conducted for 3rd year Public Relations students which included the following:
· Evaluating student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
· Creating and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
· Developing strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
· Developing and implementing innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
Public Relations 3
Supported the Media Studies Department through part time lecturing of Public Relations 3 theory which included:
· Evaluating student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
· Creating and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
· Developing strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
· Developing and implementing innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
As the Corporate Communications Officer at Frost & Sullivan for the Middle East and Africa, I spearheaded the internal and external marketing efforts to enhance brand awareness and promote the company's service offerings. My responsibilities included crafting and executing communication strategies that positioned Frost & Sullivan analysts and consultants as thought leaders within their respective industries. By developing targeted messaging and leveraging various media channels, I effectively showcased the expertise and value of the company, contributing to its reputation as a leading global consulting firm.
National Marketing and Communications Officer
As the National Marketing and Communications Officer at Mazars South Africa, I was responsible for producing and executing effective internal and external communications in alignment with the national marketing and communications strategy. I drafted and implemented Mazars SA's corporate communications strategy, ensuring consistency across Southern Africa and English-speaking African countries. My role involved delivering external coverage to enhance market presence and drive growth, as well as developing content for various communication materials. I also monitored internal stakeholders' adherence to national communications policies and provided marketing collateral support for all 12 offices in South Africa and English-speaking African countries, including overseeing advertising, production, and process-related marketing materials.
Corporate Communications Officer
As a Corporate Communications Officer, I ensured effective internal and external communications among stakeholders, safeguarding the integrity of the brand. By aligning with the strategic direction of the business, I facilitated positive media coverage to drive growth. My responsibilities included drafting the corporate communications strategy for Mazars SA, implementing the Group's strategy across Southern Africa and English-speaking African countries, and delivering external coverage to enhance market presence. Additionally, I developed content for various communication materials and monitored internal stakeholders' adherence to national communications policies and procedures.
PR Account Executive
As a PR Account Executive at Epic MSL Group, I was responsible for building and nurturing relationships with prominent journalists, ensuring effective media coverage for our clients. My role involved compiling detailed media spreadsheets, generating creative ideas, and developing strategic angles for various client campaigns across the agency. I supported my Account Manager by managing client objectives, which included drafting and disseminating media releases, compiling comprehensive reports, and conducting reviews. Additionally, I took the lead in managing the agency's Pro Bono client, FoodBank SA, overseeing their public relations efforts to maximize their visibility and impact.
Operations Manager
As Operations Manager at Epic MSL Group, I played a multifaceted role, overseeing a range of administrative and operational functions crucial to the agency's smooth operation. My responsibilities included collaborating closely with the financial manager to assist with invoicing and debtor control, updating staff and client contracts, and managing employee reviews and leave records. I also handled IT-related issues by coordinating with our IT technician, ensured the company's BEE rating was completed annually, and supervised both office and cleaning staff. Additionally, I managed the company website, contributed to the company newsletter, organized monthly team-building activities, and kept the team informed of upcoming internal competitions, fostering a collaborative and engaged work environment.