Available to hire
Communications and membership professional and project manager working remotely and across Scotland to tackle rural housing need and support community-led solutions.
Kirsten designs and facilitates engagement programmes, secures funding and sponsorship, and translates research into accessible content for diverse audiences, including communities, stakeholders and the media.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Postgraduate Researcher at University of Aberdeen / James Hutton institute
October 1, 2021 - June 30, 2026Designing and executing a complex research project using qualitative and quantative methods to explore island diasporas and return migration in the Scottish islands context as part of a PhD. Research design, data gathering, data analysis, writing-up and presenting work for a wide range of academic and non-academic audiences.
Project Manager, Scottish Islands Passport Project (part time / job share) at HITRANS
November 1, 2019 - PresentProvide practical and strategic oversight for a project promoting sustainable tourism on 73 islands via an innovative app and paper-based passport. Worked with communities to gather factual information and convert it into user-friendly content for print and digital products. Engaged with communities to understand tourism aspirations and sensitivities; worked with stakeholders at government and community level to ensure resources complement existing offerings. Created a technical specification for the app and worked with developers; used focus groups and surveys to test and inform resources at key stages.
Communications and Membership Manager (part time) at Rural Housing Scotland
November 1, 2019 - PresentProvide resources, advice and support to help communities tackle rural housing need. Developed and facilitated the Rural Housing Summit, delivering 23 online sessions with 50 speakers across three continents. Worked with communities during lockdown to train film making for a series of “Rural Voices” videos documenting the human impact of the rural housing crisis. Secured over £20k in sponsorship and support packages. Contributed to refining and distributing the Rural Futures manifesto, researching, writing and editing case studies, articles, guest blogs and press releases.
Project Manager at Islay Energy Trust
August 1, 2018 - November 1, 2019Worked with European partners from industry and academia on a short-term project to promote geothermal energy solutions in the Atlantic area. Supported the identification and development of a sea-loop water source heat pump option for district heating for a remote island community, sharing outcomes with the academic community. Produced promotional and educational materials for technical and non-technical audiences. Devised, conducted and reported a survey of Islay housing association tenants to assess heating systems effectiveness and satisfaction.
Communications Officer (part time) at River Clyde Homes
August 1, 2016 - August 1, 2018Worked within the Marketing and Communications team to promote the organisation and support internal and external communications. Developed human-interest stories for local press and sector-specific stories for housing press. Analysed online and offline marketing activity and reported to senior management. Devised and delivered stakeholder and customer events including service relaunch events and 10th anniversary celebrations. Designed, distributed and evaluated online surveys using SurveyMonkey.
Freelance research and project management at Various clients
October 1, 2014 - PresentDelivered time- and budget-bound projects for a range of private, academic, and third sector organisations. Researched and mapped educational routes for thousands of occupations to develop the My World of Work website for Skills Development Scotland. Gained funding and executed a Scotland-wide research project on the health of the glass sector and produced recommendations to support its future. Commissioned and edited articles (including editorial management for the Scottish Glass Society Journal editions in 2016 and 2017). Led community consultation on development of an oral history archive for a small island community.
Web Analyst at AXA
August 1, 2012 - August 1, 2014Used web analytics reports and user feedback to assess content and site structure as part of continuous improvement. Identified business goals and set processes to measure progress. Investigated needs of small businesses through user groups and market research. Founded the AXA Web Analytics group to bring together specialists across the UK to share expertise.
Content Manager (contract) at Tesco Bank
March 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012Produced, analysed and reported on user behaviour and implemented improvements to the Tesco Bank website. Analysed data to benchmark online performance internally and against competitors. Presented research findings across organisational levels via reports, presentations and one-to-one sessions. Worked with product marketing teams to create engaging online content for financial products while adhering to house style and regulatory content rules.
Powerdown Project Officer at Jura Development Trust
April 1, 2010 - September 1, 2010Project Officer for a community-led initiative to reduce carbon emissions on Jura as part of the Scotland-wide Powerdown Project. Supported community consultation through questionnaires and local events. Researched and wrote successful community funding bids, raising £149,000 in total. Wrote articles for community newsletters and facilitated community events in partnership with other local organisations.
Content Manager at Learning & Teaching Scotland
December 1, 2009 - February 1, 2011Developed and maintained the Learning and Teaching Scotland web service including micro-sites and portals. Wrote, edited and published web copy for pupils, parents and education professionals with usability and accessibility in mind, adhering to house-style guidelines. Collaborated with technical and non-technical teams to build engaging online learning tools.
Education
BA (Hons) Arts Management at De Montfort University, Leicester
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1999PhD in Human Geography at University of Aberdeen
October 1, 2021 - June 30, 2026Qualifications
Industry Experience
Non-Profit Organization, Government, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Energy & Utilities
Experience Level
Hire a Co-Writer
We have the best co-writer experts on Twine. Hire a co-writer today.