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I’m a communications professional with a strong focus on robust, positive communication systems that deliver innovative outcomes. My work spans print, radio, digital and video journalism, and I’m a team player who often goes the extra mile to add value. I’ve helped organisations navigate a full spectrum of states from calm to crisis, building relationships and delivering clear messaging. I’d be glad to share more about my work and how I can contribute to your team. Over the years I’ve led campaigns, shaped policy communications, and reported on issues ranging from Parliament to public interest stories. Highlights include coordinating a campaign backed by an international airline, contributing to NZ Bill debate, and reporting on Timor-Leste’s post-independence changes. I’m currently training in crisis communications and welcome opportunities to discuss how I can support your organisation’s communications goals.…I’m a communications professional with a strong focus on robust, positive communication systems that deliver innovative outcomes. My work spans print, radio, digital and video journalism, and I’m a team player who often goes the extra mile to add value. I’ve helped organisations navigate a full spectrum of states from calm to crisis, building relationships and delivering clear messaging. I’d be glad to share more about my work and how I can contribute to your team. Over the years I’ve led campaigns, shaped policy communications, and reported on issues ranging from Parliament to public interest stories. Highlights include coordinating a campaign backed by an international airline, contributing to NZ Bill debate, and reporting on Timor-Leste’s post-independence changes. I’m currently training in crisis communications and welcome opportunities to discuss how I can support your organisation’s communications goals.

Shannon Gillies

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I’m a communications professional with a strong focus on robust, positive communication systems that deliver innovative outcomes. My work spans print, radio, digital and video journalism, and I’m a team player who often goes the extra mile to add value. I’ve helped organisations navigate a full spectrum of states from calm to crisis, building relationships and delivering clear messaging. I’d be glad to share more about my work and how I can contribute to your team. Over the years I’ve led campaigns, shaped policy communications, and reported on issues ranging from Parliament to public interest stories. Highlights include coordinating a campaign backed by an international airline, contributing to NZ Bill debate, and reporting on Timor-Leste’s post-independence changes. I’m currently training in crisis communications and welcome opportunities to discuss how I can support your organisation’s communications goals.…I’m a communications professional with a strong focus on robust, positive communication systems that deliver innovative outcomes. My work spans print, radio, digital and video journalism, and I’m a team player who often goes the extra mile to add value. I’ve helped organisations navigate a full spectrum of states from calm to crisis, building relationships and delivering clear messaging. I’d be glad to share more about my work and how I can contribute to your team. Over the years I’ve led campaigns, shaped policy communications, and reported on issues ranging from Parliament to public interest stories. Highlights include coordinating a campaign backed by an international airline, contributing to NZ Bill debate, and reporting on Timor-Leste’s post-independence changes. I’m currently training in crisis communications and welcome opportunities to discuss how I can support your organisation’s communications goals.

Available to hire

I’m a communications professional with a strong focus on robust, positive communication systems that deliver innovative outcomes. My work spans print, radio, digital and video journalism, and I’m a team player who often goes the extra mile to add value. I’ve helped organisations navigate a full spectrum of states from calm to crisis, building relationships and delivering clear messaging. I’d be glad to share more about my work and how I can contribute to your team.

Over the years I’ve led campaigns, shaped policy communications, and reported on issues ranging from Parliament to public interest stories. Highlights include coordinating a campaign backed by an international airline, contributing to NZ Bill debate, and reporting on Timor-Leste’s post-independence changes. I’m currently training in crisis communications and welcome opportunities to discuss how I can support your organisation’s communications goals.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Stakeholder Engagement Advisor at Government Procurement New Zealand

December 1, 2024 - Present

Reignited newsletters and introduced a news agency approach to content production, lifting the profile of procurement work locally and internationally. Focused on relationship building with government agencies and not-for-profits supported by government, opening doors through individual specialists. Created a cache of case studies on how procurement benefits the public. Currently in crisis communications training.

Senior Communications Advisor at Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand

November 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024

Established the media function, implemented communications infrastructure and media training for spokespeople. Created the first strategic communications plan, a media policy, data retention policy, and privacy policy. Served as Privacy Officer and developed internal communications strategy. Created a member support protocol for robberies and led election planning for the National Executive Committee. Produced crisis communications materials for a restructuring and event planning for Pharmacist of the Year.

Senior Communications Advisor at Office of the Privacy Commissioner

November 1, 2022 - November 1, 2023

Managed media relations, prepared spokespeople for live and pre-recorded interviews, and developed media policies. Built cross-department relationships to strengthen privacy messaging. Wrote pitches for TV to broaden reach (including Air New Zealand education campaign). Improved consultation methods to reach more members of the public. Served as building fire warden and health & safety committee member, contributing to staff health outcomes and safety protocols.

Senior Communications Advisor at Toitū Te Whenua – Land Information New Zealand

April 1, 2022 - November 1, 2022

Reshaped media and communications workflows for wider agency impact. Prepared the Māori Crown Relations team for settlements and supported media responses on land use. Built cross-agency relationships to strengthen communications.

MP Support at Government Whip’s Office – Parliamentarian Services

August 1, 2021 - April 1, 2022

Developed an activity plan for EA team development, supported strategic and professional development, and drafted messaging for workplace safety campaigns. Updated the EA Manual and proposed a carbon emissions accountability system. Led initiatives to improve inclusivity in the workplace.

Communications, Policy, Research Advisor and EA at Parliamentary Services

September 1, 2020 - August 1, 2021

Handled multiple roles including social media insights for the Labour Leader’s Office, executive support and research for a List MP. Trained staff, coordinated high-quality events, and developed communications plans for legislation and social media presence.

Freelance Communications Advisor at Volunteer Comms

April 1, 2020 - September 1, 2020

Volunteer communications lead for an MP’s campaign. Created comms plans, advised on media and public engagement, and produced a constituent newsletter.

Marketing Advisor at Federated Farmers

March 1, 2020 - May 1, 2020

Contributed to a nationwide membership campaign, created a blog character for the campaign, and authored educational and entertaining blog content.

Communications Support (Internal Comms) at Federated Farmers/Primary Industries New Zealand Awards

February 1, 2020 - March 1, 2020

Ran a direct marketing campaign promoting awards, sourced and contacted potential recipients, and supported communication efforts around Covid-19 related postponement.

Senior Communications Advisor at Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

June 1, 2019 - December 1, 2019

Developed a data project to track media interest, managed media requests, trained staff in writing and presentation, briefed the unit head, produced ministerial PR packages, and supported regional public announcements.

Communications Advisor at Federated Farmers

April 1, 2018 - June 1, 2019

Ghost wrote opinion pieces, managed social media engagement, produced press releases, and advised on media relations. Supported drought response work and internal comms.

Comment Moderator at Stuff

February 1, 2018 - March 1, 2018

Moderated comments on a major NZ news site, applying understanding of defamation and related laws.

Journalist at Otago Daily Times

March 1, 2016 - October 1, 2017

Regional reporter covering court, social issues, and other local topics; produced video and photography.

Journalist at Radio New Zealand

July 1, 2014 - November 1, 2015

News reporting and production across radio platforms.

IPad Producer at Melbourne Age

March 1, 2013 - July 1, 2014

Constructed iPad edition pages; covered Timor-Leste post-independence changes and international stories.