I am a strategic communications leader with over 15 years of experience designing and executing high-impact internal and external communications across public and private sectors in Canada and Asia. I've successfully aligned communications strategies with enterprise goals, supported executive decision-making, and strengthened brand reputation through targeted campaigns, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in crafting compelling narratives across digital and traditional platforms, I lead multidisciplinary teams through transformational change. With deep understanding of CMS platforms, digital analytics, SEO, and social media strategy, I hold a Master’s in Professional Communication and have a proven track record advising C-suite leaders on reputation and risk management.…

Kate Toogood

I am a strategic communications leader with over 15 years of experience designing and executing high-impact internal and external communications across public and private sectors in Canada and Asia. I've successfully aligned communications strategies with enterprise goals, supported executive decision-making, and strengthened brand reputation through targeted campaigns, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in crafting compelling narratives across digital and traditional platforms, I lead multidisciplinary teams through transformational change. With deep understanding of CMS platforms, digital analytics, SEO, and social media strategy, I hold a Master’s in Professional Communication and have a proven track record advising C-suite leaders on reputation and risk management.…

Available to hire

I am a strategic communications leader with over 15 years of experience designing and executing high-impact internal and external communications across public and private sectors in Canada and Asia. I’ve successfully aligned communications strategies with enterprise goals, supported executive decision-making, and strengthened brand reputation through targeted campaigns, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Skilled in crafting compelling narratives across digital and traditional platforms, I lead multidisciplinary teams through transformational change. With deep understanding of CMS platforms, digital analytics, SEO, and social media strategy, I hold a Master’s in Professional Communication and have a proven track record advising C-suite leaders on reputation and risk management.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
French
Beginner
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Strategic Advisor to the Executive Director of Strategy, Business & Innovation at Alberta RCMP, Government of Canada
February 1, 2023 - Present
Provided strategic counsel on communications, stakeholder engagement, risk, and business planning within a $400M portfolio and across 350+ staff. Led internal and external communications aligned with executive priorities and organizational objectives. Directed messaging and stakeholder strategies for high-profile issues. Coordinated internal campaigns and executive correspondence to provincial government partners. Managed executive support and facilitated cross-departmental alignment across teams in Strategic Communications, Operations Strategy, and IT, supporting the 5,000 officers and staff of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta.
Business Development, Communications & Marketing Consultant at Freelance, China & Canada
February 1, 2023 - August 18, 2025
Developed communications and marketing strategies for global clients in technology, health, and sustainability sectors. Advised on business development, communications, and go-to-market strategy using SEO, digital marketing, and public relations to drive visibility and market penetration. Orchestrated high-stakes, cross-border campaigns with cultural nuance and multilingual execution, collaborating with global teams and vendors. Key projects included leading North American business development for a marketing and branding agency and directing marketing and communications strategy for an eco-friendly product manufacturer in China, enhancing brand visibility through media placements and social media.
Communications Officer at Alberta Teachers’ Association
July 1, 2022 - August 18, 2025
Developed executive messaging, strategic communications plans, and media strategies to engage public stakeholders and elevate member engagement. Advised leadership on operational and crisis communications strategy. The Alberta Teachers’ Association represents over 40,000 public school teachers and is responsible for collective bargaining, professional development, and government advocacy.
Press Secretary, Office of the Premier & Communications Officer, Alberta NDP at Government of Alberta
November 1, 2020 - August 18, 2025
Provided strategic communications advice to elected officials focusing on issues management, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement. Managed the organization’s social media platforms, overseeing content strategy and campaign execution, resulting in 300% growth in social media engagement and following. Directed strategic communications for two ministries within the Alberta government and the Premier’s Office, including media relations, social media outreach, and event planning. Coordinated crisis communications efforts, including research, risk assessments, and real-time media response. Generated a 200% increase in media mentions and public awareness, significantly boosting the government’s media presence and coherent public messaging.
Marketing and Media Associate at University of Alberta
August 1, 2014 - August 18, 2025
Contributed to a faculty-wide marketing strategy and data-driven media relations strategy. Secured a 300% increase in media coverage through targeted communications and outreach.
Account Executive at Starburst: An Advertising Company
August 1, 2011 - August 18, 2025
Responsible for project management and client liaison for a variety of clients, including the Government of Alberta and The Brick. Starburst (now FKA) is an agency that provides comprehensive communications and marketing services to clients across the private and public sector.
Strategic Advisor to the Executive Director of Strategy, Business & Innovation at Alberta RCMP, Government of Canada
February 1, 2023 - Present
Provided strategic counsel on communications, stakeholder engagement, risk, and business planning within a $400M portfolio and across 350+ staff. Led internal and external communications aligned with executive priorities and organizational objectives. Directed messaging and stakeholder strategies for high-profile issues. Coordinated internal campaigns and executive correspondence to provincial government partners. Managed executive support and facilitated cross-departmental alignment. Oversaw roughly 350 employees across Strategic Communications, Operations Strategy and IT, supporting 5,000 officers and staff.
Business Development, Communications & Marketing Consultant at Freelance (China & Canada)
February 1, 2023 - August 18, 2025
Developed communications and marketing strategies for global clients in technology, health, and sustainability sectors. Advised on business development, communications, and go-to-market strategies using SEO, digital marketing, and public relations to drive visibility and market penetration. Orchestrated high-stakes, cross-border campaigns with cultural nuance and multilingual execution, collaborating with global teams and vendors. Notable projects include leading North American business development for a marketing and branding agency, directing marketing and communications for an eco-friendly product manufacturer in China, and developing a strategic content plan for a global women’s health organization leveraging SEO and data analytics.
Communications Officer at Alberta Teachers’ Association
July 1, 2022 - August 18, 2025
Developed executive messaging, strategic communications plans, and media strategies to engage public stakeholders and elevate member engagement. Advised leadership on operational and crisis communications strategies. The association represents over 40,000 public school teachers and is responsible for collective bargaining, professional development, and government advocacy.
Press Secretary, Office of the Premier at Government of Alberta
November 1, 2020 - August 18, 2025
Provided strategic communications advice to elected officials, focused on issues management, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement. Managed the organization’s social media platforms, overseeing content strategy and campaign execution, resulting in 300% growth in social media engagement and following.
Communications Officer, Alberta NDP at Alberta NDP
April 1, 2019 - August 18, 2025
Directed strategic communications for two ministries within the Alberta government and the Premier’s Office, including media relations, social media outreach, and event planning. Coordinated crisis communications efforts including research, risk assessments, and real-time media response, generating a 200% increase in media mentions and public awareness.
Marketing and Media Associate at University of Alberta
August 1, 2014 - August 18, 2025
Contributed to faculty-wide marketing strategy and data-driven media relations strategy. Secured a 300% increase in media coverage through targeted communications and outreach.
Account Executive at Starburst: An Advertising Company
August 1, 2011 - August 18, 2025
Responsible for project management and client liaison for various clients, including the Government of Alberta and The Brick. Managed communications and marketing services across private and public sectors.

Education

Master’s of Communication at Royal Roads University
September 11, 2023 - May 1, 2024
Bachelor of Arts at University of Alberta
September 1, 2005 - April 1, 2008
Master of Professional Communication at MacEwan University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at Royal Roads University
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor of Arts at University of Alberta
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at University of Alberta
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2008
Bachelor of Arts at MacEwan University
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Master of Professional Communication at Royal Roads University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Government, Education, Consumer Goods, Life Sciences, Professional Services, Healthcare
    uniE621 eco&more - Copywriter - 2016
    In 2016 I was the Marketing Manager for eco&more, a leading eco-friendly product manufacturer in China. In this role I directed the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy, improving brand recognition inChina’s competitive market. I led the team that developed all marketing and design products related to the first brick-and-mortar store, and strengthened brand visibility through media and social media and media placements in high-profile publications such as Architectural Digest China. Additionally, I was the sole English copywriter, creating blog posts, event announcements, social media content and product descriptions for online and offline marketing products.…
    paper eco&more - Marketing Manager & Copywriter - 2016
    In 2016 I was the Marketing Manager for eco&more, a leading eco-friendly product manufacturer in China. In this role I directed the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy, improving brand recognition inChina’s competitive market. I led the team that developed all marketing and design products related to the first brick-and-mortar store, and strengthened brand visibility through media and social media and media placements in high-profile publications such as Architectural Digest China. Additionally, I was the sole English copywriter, creating blog posts, social media content and product descriptions for online and offline marketing products. copywriter marketingstrategy publicrelations blogposts socialmedia brickandmortar onlinestores contentplanning marketingmanagement…