Available to hire
Strategic communications leader with 25+ years’ experience delivering high-impact, multi-channel marketing and PR campaigns for prestigious organisations including the BBC and The Open University, bridging traditional media relations with the evolving digital landscape.
Experienced in crisis communications, digital transformation, and cross-functional team leadership, with proven expertise using AI/LLMs in narrow, optimisation-focused use cases (never for content creation). Known for measurable engagement outcomes, empathy, reliability, and fun, dependable professionalism.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Communications Officer at City of York Council - York, North Yorkshire
April 1, 2026 - PresentProvided cross-portfolio communications support across public health and major projects through online, print, and social media. Handled communications newdesk enquiries across council portfolios, liaising with council executive officers and partners for accurate and timely responses. Planned and managed content for City of York Council’s primary social channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). Worked on communications campaigns including creating and editing video content, writing case studies, and producing collateral for residents, partners, suppliers, and internal council staff. Created and deployed York Health Trainers video/world cup health tips campaign content supporting healthy living during the 2026 Men’s World Cup.
Communications Officer at City of York Council - York, North Yorkshire Communications Office
April 1, 2026 - PresentProvided communications support across public health and major projects, delivering content online, in print and across social media. Handled communications new desk enquiries across council portfolios, liaising with council executive officers and partners to provide accurate and timely responses. Planned and managed content for primary social channels (Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn). Worked on communications campaigns including scripting/editing video content, writing case studies and producing collateral for residents, partners, suppliers and internal council staff. Created and delivered York Health Trainers World Cup health tips campaign content giving practical, supportive health guidance for staying healthy during the 2026 Men’s World Cup.
Communications Officer (York Communications Office) at City of York Council
April 1, 2026 - PresentProvides communications support across Public Health and major project portfolios. Handles communications new desk by triaging incoming media enquiries across council portfolios and liaising with council executive officers and partners to ensure accurate, timely responses. Plans and manages content for the council’s primary social channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). Works on new and existing communications campaigns, creating and editing video content, writing case studies, and producing collateral for residents, partners, suppliers, and internal council staff. Created and delivered the York Health Trainers video World Cup health tips campaign for social media and online platforms.
Digital Marketing Manager at Business Rescue Expert - Darlington, Co Durham
March 1, 2019 - April 1, 2026Spearheaded the digital presence for multiple brands within the Robinson Scott Associates group, overseeing online/offline PR, social media and marketing initiatives. Drove organic growth via SEO-research-led blogging and creation of multimedia social assets. Led end-to-end WordPress and Squarespace website redesign and launch, improving site architecture, UX/UI and SEO for functionality and brand consistency. Developed and executed the “Bounce Back Loan Scheme” campaign using targeted articles and interactive content to reach diverse audiences and drive engagement. Orchestrated targeted email marketing campaigns and automated newsletters to maintain stakeholder engagement and brand loyalty. Managed and optimised PPC advertising and SEO initiatives to maximise ROI. Recruited and led a high-performing digital team, expanding internal capacity and fostering continuous technical improvement.
Digital Marketing Manager at Business Rescue Expert
March 1, 2019 - April 1, 2026Spearheaded the group’s digital presence across multiple brands within the Robinson Scott Associates group, overseeing online and offline PR, social media, and marketing initiatives. Drove organic growth through SEO-optimised blog writing and multimedia social assets. Led end-to-end redesign and launch of WordPress and Squarespace websites, improving site architecture, UX/UI, and SEO for stronger functionality and brand consistency. Developed and executed the “Bounce Back Loan Scheme” campaign using targeted articles and interactive content to reach diverse audiences and increase engagement. Orchestrated targeted email marketing campaigns and automated newsletters to maintain stakeholder engagement and brand loyalty. Managed and optimised PPC advertising and SEO initiatives to maximise ROI. Recruited and led a high-performing digital team, expanding internal capacity and fostering continuous technical improvement.
Head of Content at Precision English - Chester le Street, Co Durham
July 1, 2018 - October 1, 2018Led content strategy and development across a diverse client portfolio, including blog posts, articles, and social media content. Developed and implemented organic, platform-specific, optimised social media content for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest. Managed paid social media advertising campaigns, SEO initiatives, and performance analytics. Supervised two in-house writers and a team of freelance writers to ensure consistent content quality and output.
Head of Content at Precisely English - Chester le Street, Co Durham
July 1, 2018 - October 1, 2018Led content strategy and development for diverse client portfolios, including blog posts, articles and social media content. Developed and implemented organic, platform-specific, optimised social content for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest. Managed paid social media advertising campaigns, SEO initiatives and performance analytics. Supervised two in-house writers and a team of freelance writers to ensure consistent content quality and output.
Head of Content at PRECISENGLISH (Chester Le Street, Co Durham)
July 1, 2018 - October 1, 2018Led content strategy and development for a diverse client portfolio, including blog posts, articles, and social media content. Developed and implemented organic, platform-specific, optimised social content for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest. Managed paid social media advertising campaigns, SEO initiatives, and performance analytics. Supervised two in-house writers and a team of freelance writers to ensure consistent content quality and output.
Corporate Communications Officer at Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service - Washington
January 1, 2018 - July 1, 2018Led the project to redevelop the service’s website (www.twfire.gov.uk). Developed and implemented proactive and reactive social media content across all service channels, using daily/weekly/monthly content calendars. Managed media relations with local, national and industry outlets, covering personnel and activities. Led web and social media content development to support public understanding of service initiatives.
Corporate Communications Officer at Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service
January 1, 2018 - July 1, 2018Led the project to redevelop the service’s website (www.twfire.gov.uk). Developed and implemented proactive and reactive social media content across all service channels using daily, weekly, and monthly content calendars. Managed media relations with local, national, and industry media outlets, covering the service’s personnel and activities. (Additional responsibilities and specifics were not provided in the resume text beyond the above.)
Corporate Communications Officer at Stockton Sixth Form College
September 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018Initial teacher training (role description not specified in the resume).
Multimedia Officer at Durham County Council - Durham
April 1, 2016 - August 1, 2017Collaborated with the press office team to write statements and issue press releases; managed the council’s social media presence (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and handled media/public enquiries. Produced engaging multimedia social content including video, audio and visual elements. Contributed to website development and updates, including a significant overhaul of the planning section. Managed social media content for high-profile events (e.g., Bishop Auckland Food Festival). Developed and curated content for the Durham Student Life app (Android, Apple, Windows) providing essential information and resources. Created and delivered a “Digital First” presentation to senior management and cabinet members highlighting the importance of digital channels for citizen engagement.
Multimedia Office Officer at Durham County Council
April 1, 2016 - August 1, 2017Collaborated with the press office team to write statements and issue press releases; managed the council’s social media presence (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and handled media/public enquiries. Produced engaging multimedia content for social platforms, including video, audio, and visual elements. Contributed to website development and updates including a significant overhaul of planning section content. Managed social media content for high-profile events (e.g., Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2016 and 2017). Developed and curated content for the Durham Student Life app (Android, Apple, Windows) providing students with essential information and resources. Created and delivered a “Digital First” presentation to senior management and cabinet members emphasising the importance of digital channels for citizen engagement.
Digital & Social Media Manager at D TW - Guisborough, North Yorkshire
February 1, 2014 - March 1, 2016Provided strategic and tactical social media counsel and implementation for a diverse client base including The Law Society, Solicitors Regulations Authority, Redcar & Cleveland College and others. Developed and led social media coaching and training programs to enhance clients’ internal social media capabilities. Contributed to PR, marketing, crisis communications, research, and event strategy and projects.
Digital & Social Media Manager at DTW - Guisborough, North Yorks
February 1, 2014 - March 1, 2016Provided strategic and tactical social media counsel and implementation for a diverse client base, including The Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Redcar & Cleveland College, and others. Developed and led social media coaching and training programmes for clients to enhance internal social media capability. Contributed to PR, marketing, crisis communications, research, and event strategy and projects.
Digital & Social Media Manager at DTW - Guisborough, North Yorkshire
February 1, 2014 - March 1, 2016Provided strategic and tactical social media counsel and implementation for a diverse client base including The Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Redcar & Cleveland College and others. Developed and led social media coaching and training programmes for clients to enhance internal social media capabilities. Contributed to PR, marketing, crisis communications, research and event strategy/projects.
Digital & Social Media Manager at DTW (Guisborough, North Yorks)
February 1, 2014 - March 1, 2016Provided strategic and tactical social media advice and implementation for a diverse client base including The Law Society, Solicitors Regulations Authority, Redcar & Cleveland College and others. Developed and delivered a social media coaching and training programme for clients to enhance internal social media capabilities. Contributed to PR, marketing, crisis communications, research, and event strategy and projects.
Senior Social Media & PR Specialist at Colewood Digital - Stokesley, North Yorks
June 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014Developed and implemented comprehensive social media, PR, and SEO strategies for clients including Thyssenkrupp Encasa UK and SWAG Jewellers, and others. Produced social media strategies, white papers, tactical briefs, competitor analysis, analytics reports, and business recommendations. Managed social media advertising campaigns and competitions. Provided guidance on PPC, social media advertising, and other SEO strategies. Offered social media, PR, and marketing coaching and training to clients and colleagues.
Senior Social Media & PR Specialist at Colewood Digital - Stokesley, North Yorkshire
June 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014Developed and implemented comprehensive social media, PR and SEO strategies for clients including Thyssenkrupp Encas UK, SWAG Jewellers and others. Produced social media strategies, whitepapers, tactical briefings, competitor analysis, analytics reports and business recommendations. Managed social media advertising campaigns and competitions. Provided guidance on PPC, social media advertising and other SEO strategies. Offered social media, PR and marketing coaching and training to clients and colleagues.
Senior Social Media & PR Specialist at Colewood Digital (Stokesley, North Yorks)
June 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014Developed and implemented comprehensive social media, PR, and SEO strategies for clients including Thyssenkrupp Encas UK and SWAG Jewellers and others. Produced social media strategies, whitepapers, tactical briefings, competitor analysis, analytics reports, and business recommendations. Managed social media advertising campaigns and competitions. Provided guidance on PPC, social media advertising, and other SEO strategies. Offered social media, PR, and marketing coaching and training to clients and colleagues.
Social Media Supervisor at Kennesaw State University - Kennesaw, GA, USA
October 1, 2011 - June 1, 2013Established and managed the university’s presence across multiple social platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Foursquare, StumbleUpon, YouTube, Pinterest and Vine. Achieved the highest Facebook audience engagement among all universities in Georgia. Doubled audiences on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and significantly increased engagement across all platforms. Developed and implemented social media strategic and tactical campaigns and content. Established and led a university-wide Social Media Council to coordinate policy, best practices and innovative ideas. Designed and implemented official social media policy and best practice guidelines. Created and delivered staff workshops and seminars on social media best practices. Presented at external conferences and seminars to showcase KSU social media achievements and share best practices with peer institutions.
Social Media Supervisor at Kennesaw State University
October 1, 2011 - June 1, 2013Established and managed Kennesaw State University’s presence across multiple social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Foursquare, StumbleUpon, YouTube, Pinterest, Vine). Achieved the highest Facebook audience engagement among all universities in Georgia. Doubled audiences for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and significantly increased engagement across all platforms. Developed and implemented university-wide social media strategic and tactical campaigns and content. Established and led a university-wide Social Media Council coordinating policy, best practices, and innovative ideas. Designed and implemented the university’s official social media policy and best practices guidelines. Created and delivered training workshops and seminars on social media best practices for staff across departments. Presented externally at conferences and seminars to showcase KSU’s social media achievements and share best practices with peer institutions.
Regional Communications Coordinator at RE/MAX Regional Services - Alpharetta, GA, USA
January 1, 2009 - October 1, 2011Developed and managed communication channels connecting with over 5,000 real estate professionals across five US states. Launched the company’s social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Blogger. Managed creation, implementation and maintenance of regional company websites and individual broker/agent websites. Pitched and placed numerous stories, articles, interviews, opinion pieces, blogs and case studies to enhance company profile. Developed and executed public relations and promotional strategies for regional offices and individual personnel. Played a key role in developing and producing redeveloped franchise sales initiatives. Advised executive management on communication strategy and tactics. Created and delivered social media training for staff, brokers, owners and agents. Presented at conferences and seminars showcasing achievements and new technologies as a RE/MAX representative.
Regional Communications Coordinator at RE/MAX Regional Services
January 1, 2009 - October 1, 2011Developed and managed communication channels connecting with over 5,000 real estate professionals across five US states. Launched the company’s social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Blogger. Managed creation, implementation, and maintenance of regional company websites and individual broker/agent websites. Pitched and placed stories including articles, interviews, opinion pieces, blogs, and case studies to enhance the company’s profile. Developed and executed public relations and promotional strategies for regional offices and individual personnel. Played a key role developing and producing redeveloped franchise sales initiatives. Advised executive management on communication strategies and tactics. Created and delivered social media training for staff, brokers, owners, and agents. Presented at conferences and seminars as a RE/MAX representative showing case achievements and new technologies.
Media Relations Manager at The Open University - Milton Keynes
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009Planned, budgeted and executed national and regional PR campaigns for Open University TV, radio and online programmes broadcast on BBC and Discovery Networks. Led content development for a new student-focused website during a six-month secondment, driving traffic and increasing user engagement. Pitched stories, articles, interviews and case studies to raise the university’s profile. Developed and managed regional PR plans and activities for satellite offices across the UK. Supervised and trained three office staff, new recruits and freelance/temporary staff. Wrote and issued press releases promoting the university’s research, staff, achievements and students. Organised press meetings, briefings and entertainment functions.
Media Relations Manager at The Open University
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009Planned, budgeted, and executed national and regional PR campaigns for Open University TV, radio, and online programmes broadcast on the BBC and Discovery Networks. Led content development for a new student-focused website during a six-month secondment, driving traffic and increasing user engagement. Successfully pitched stories, articles, interviews, and case studies to raise the University’s profile. Developed and managed regional PR plans and activities for the University’s satellite offices across the UK. Supervised and trained three office staff, new recruits, and freelance/temporary staff. Wrote and issued press releases promoting the University’s research, staff, achievements, and students. Organised press meetings, briefings, and entertainment functions.
Senior Press Officer at BBC - London
October 1, 2001 - January 1, 2006Served as a spokesperson responding to worldwide media enquiries regarding programming, corporate positions, future plans, ongoing initiatives, opinions and historical queries. Developed and executed the publicity strategy for the launch and first year of the BBC’s Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, including a major conference on Africa. Created and implemented a new 24/7 staff rota for the Corporate Press Office combined with a system of daily staff briefings to improve team effectiveness and responsiveness. Contributed to design and launch of bbc.co.uk/pressoffice. Supervised, managed and trained junior staff, temporary staff and new recruits.
Senior Press Officer at BBC
October 1, 2001 - January 1, 2006Served as a spokesperson responding to worldwide media enquiries regarding programming, corporate positions, future plans, ongoing initiatives, opinions, and historical queries. Developed and executed the publicity strategy for the launch and first year of the BBC’s Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, including a major conference on Africa. Created and implemented a new 24/7 staff rota for the Corporate Press Office combined with a system of daily staff briefings to improve team effectiveness and responsiveness. Contributed to the design and launch of bbc.co.uk/pressoffice. Supervised, managed, and trained junior staff, temporary staff, and new recruits.
Press and Publicity Officer at Thames Valley Police - Oxford
June 1, 1998 - September 1, 2001Acted as a spokesperson responding to local, national and international media enquiries regarding criminal investigations, appeals, reconstructions and briefings. Provided advice on legal issues and media strategies to police officers and staff. Served as spokesperson in the high-profile assault case of former Beatle George Harrison. Secured national media coverage for charity and community campaigns involving officers and staff. Developed and implemented advanced media strategies for several high-profile criminal cases. Created and maintained media sections of both intranet and internet sites. Supervised, managed and trained junior staff and temporary staff within the press office.
Press and Publicity Officer at Thames Valley Police
June 1, 1998 - September 1, 2001Acted as a spokesperson responding to local, national, and international media enquiries regarding criminal investigations, appeals, reconstructions, and briefings. Provided advice on legal issues and media strategies to police officers and staff. Served as a spokesperson in the high-profile assault case involving former Beatle George Harrison. Secured national media coverage for charity and community campaigns involving officers and staff. Developed and implemented advanced media strategies for several high-profile criminal cases. Created and maintained the media sections of both intranet and internet sites. Supervised, managed, and trained junior staff and temporary staff within the press office.
Education
B.A. in Media Studies with Business Management and IT at Manchester University
September 1, 1993 - June 1, 1996BTEC National Diploma in Business and Finance (Distinction/Merit) at Stockton Riverside College
September 1, 1991 - June 1, 1993Certificate in Creative Writing at The Open University
September 1, 2006 - June 1, 2007Qualifications
Social Media Strategy and Implementation
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2026Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2026Personal Effectiveness
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2026Running Effective Meetings
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2026Podcasting
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2026Video Production and Editing
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2026Industry Experience
Government, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction
Hire a PR Freelancer
We have the best pr freelancer experts on Twine. Hire a pr freelancer in Stockton-on-Tees today.