Public Relations, Knowledge Management, Corporate Communications
Resume:
WALTER DURU
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
» Profile: I am a skilled and experienced Communication and Public Relations Professional, specializing in Media, Government Relations, Advocacy, Communication Research, Public Awareness and Development Communication. I have acquired invaluable experience in Communications and Public Relations. I am willing to partner with entrepreneurs and Corporate Organisations to address their most daunting Communication challenges.
» Career Objective: To manage Human and Public Relations and defuse tension through the effective use of information and communication. WORK HISTORY
Assistant Professor, Communication/Multimedia Design, 03/2021 to Current American University of Nigeria, Yola
Supported research funding bids through proposals and sustained stakeholders' engagements to maximize the potential of communication programme.
Coordinated all advising and mentoring activities for Communication and Multimedia Design Students
Responsible for academic and career advising to students, including issues of internships, placements and the like.
Implemented strategic teaching, research and educational programme developments such as collaboration and virtual reality, to aid overall understanding, while making teaching/learning more interesting.
Constantly updated personal knowledge in evolving trends in communication and public relations through research and practice to impart most up-to-date subject insight.
Provided additional administrative support and pastoral care to the Communication department for improved delivery of services.
Built learning and citizenship skills to help with personal growth in addition to increasing academic knowledge.
Selected, organised and distributed materials and supplies to meet classroom instructional needs.
Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
Guided students through exercises to challenge personal worldviews and open individual minds to different approaches.
Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
Developed and updated source syllabi to comply with changing course plans.
Implemented diverse instructional approaches to engage students and promote deeper understanding of material.
Used different instructional techniques to obtain and retain student CONTACT
Address:
4 Int’l Airport Rd, PH, Rivers
State, Nigeria.
98 Lamido Zubairu Way, Yola
By-Pass, Yola, Adamawa State,
Nigeria.
Phone: 234 803-***-****
Email: admfii@r.postjobfree.com
SKILLS
Excellent written and oral
communication skills
Advocacy and Campaigns Expert
First Rate Negotiator
Outstanding Research and ICT
skills
Enthusiastic Team Player with
ability to work under pressure
and with minimal supervision
Good Analytical Skills
Excellent understanding of the
Nigerian/African media
Proven contacts with the
Nigerian Media community
Ready to take challenges and
deal with difficult situations
Public Relations: Media
Relations, Government
Relations, Community Relations
and stakeholders' engagement
interest in subject matter.
Created, distributed and reviewed course syllabi for accuracy and compliance with established guidelines.
Educated students in strategies for utilising core principles of discipline to address practical problems in field.
Participated in student and faculty events to highlight programme offerings, engage students and increase profile on campus.
Demonstrated expertise in Public Relations and Print Journalism by offering engaging, insightful communication teaching and resources at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Senior Manager, Public Relations, 02/2020 to 02/2021 Image and Slogans Limited
Developed compelling communications strategies for the organization and for the promotion of clients’ programmes within Nigeria and internationally.
Effectively managed Public Relations and Content Development of the organization, by implementing strategic communication activities.
Acted as communications Lead for the organization.
Directly managed media engagement and cultivated media contacts locally and nationally.
Pitched stories to both national and local media to achieve high visibility in print, broadcast and online media outlets.
Evaluated opportunities for communication partnerships and platforms that strengthened both the organization’s and her clients’ programmes.
Acted as spokesperson and represented the organisation in local and national fora.
Built strong advocacy engagement programmes with national and multinational partners.
Wrote clear and compelling pitches, press releases and opinion articles.
Supported clients in developing content strategies for digital communications, while identifying media trends, news cycles and opportunities.
Supported internal communications initiatives to promote the organization and her clients.
Analysed and measured results of communications initiatives and activities.
Worked closely with clients to ensure that developed communications strategies align with the overall objectives and strategy of their organizations.
Designed and implemented strategic media and communication plans for the organization and her clients, ensuring successful deployment of media plans for new and existing programmes, including press- related activities.
Cultivated mutually beneficial relationships with media firms, agencies and ensured maximum publicity for the organization and her programmes.
Effectively managed the reputation of the organization, while also performing crises management functions.
Coordinated the creation of multimedia productions for the organization, including commercials, short documentaries, audio messages and videos in various formats.
Coordinated and supervised the creation of content and leads on social media to drive publicity for the orgaisation’s programmes and events (e.g. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, blog etc); while also monitoring & reporting performance metrics.
Oversaw and managed the activities relating to the production and distribution of branding materials for the organization and all its programmes/events e.g banners, T-shirts, flyers etc.
Monitored and ensured adherence to brand ideals in all external and internal communications and events, while also managing the production of corporate materials used in stakeholders engagement.
Ensured regular and timely production and distribution of client’s newsletters, annual reports and other corporate publications related to the organizations or their various programme activities.
Reported to and worked closely with the Managing Director and the Board of Directors in the creation and implementation of the organization’s communications, public relations, media and branding strategy to strengthen reputation, visibility and influence.
Planned and implemented engagement plans for partners; identified different stakeholders and beneficiary groups and determined the best way to communicate effectively with them.
Developed and maintained relationships with stakeholders, conducted annual stakeholder satisfaction surveys and reviews that feed into their organizational improvements, as well as consulted with organisation’s departments on stakeholder engagement and management.
Ensured regular maintenance and update of websites of the organization and some of her clients, while managing and optimizing SEO for the websites.
Conducted communication and capacity development Needs Assessment/studies to identify gaps and areas of need to guide the organization and clients on entry points and other areas requiring interventions.
Senior Special Assistant, Media and Communications, 06/2019 to 01/2020 Office of the Deputy Governor of Imo State - Owerri, Nigeria
Effectively managed the Deputy Governor's communication through the implementation of strategic communication activities
Strengthened government-media relations through regular engagements, proactive communication and participatory media approach
Enhanced media visibility of the Deputy Governor through timely and strategic use of public relations tools.
Reduced misrepresentation of government positions, programmes and activities through content generation and dissemination
Managed rumours and reduced misinformation through the timely/regular media/citizens' engagement sessions on government plans, achievements, programmes and challenges.
Created two-way communication flow between the government and the citizens through live, broadcast, phone-in interactive programmes, allowing citizens to ask questions, raise concerns and get explanations, while also engaging the youth through the social media.
Minimized negative publicity, through proactive communication and other rumour management strategies.
Increased the chances of success of government programmes through strategic advocacy and communication activities.
Closed gaps in communication and understanding of government programmes and activities by speaking publicly at interviews, press conferences and general public presentations.
Followed government presence in the media through Media monitoring and content analysis, while responding when necessary.
Ensured effective delivery of government messages and positions through Speech writing for the Deputy Governor and sometimes the Governor.
Cultivated network of print, broadcast and new media and communications professionals to maintain strong partnerships, secure positive coverage and facilitate quick dissemination of information.
Devised public relations strategies to engage with and influence general public in support of government programmes and activities
Managed social media accounts by composing content, engaging with followers in comments, monitoring activities, and researching trends.
Authored press releases and communications materials to share vital information and promote intended message.
Created boardroom and courtroom multimedia presentations including video and text- sync'd depositions for enhanced understanding.
Worked closely with the Correspondents' Chapel, Independent (local) publishers, Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to maintain optimum levels of communication for the effective and efficient collaboration on information management.
Initiated two key partnerships which resulted in 54% increase in citizens participation in government activities.
Maintained smooth operations of government through effective and efficient communication and stakeholders engagement.
Handled the day-to-day running of the Communication Bureau in the Deputy Governor's Office, ensuring high levels of productivity, while coordinating the State Government's Communication Council.
Delivered an exceptional level of service to citizens and the mass media community by listening to concerns, answering questions and communicating government activities, plans and programmes proactively.
Managed team of 27 employees, overseeing the hiring, training, and professional growth of employees in the Communication Bureau of the Deputy Governor's office.
Responsible for creative design for stakeholders' engagement projects.
Carried out day-day-day Communication/Public Relations duties accurately and efficiently.
Worked closely with the Deputy Governor of Imo State to establish and deliver to governance needs.
Lecturer 1, Department of Mass Communication, 01/2017 to 09/2019 Madonna University, Nigeria - Okija, Nigeria
Demonstrated expertise in Public Relations and Print Journalism by offering engaging, insightful communication teaching and resources at the undergraduate and Postgraduate levels.
Supported research funding bids through proposals and sustained stakeholders' engagements to maximize the potential of communication programmes.
Resuscitated the moribund Madonna Journal of Communication Studies -MAJOCS, as Head of Department.
Reduced time of response to enquiry and correspondences from the postgraduate school, as Post Graduate Representative for the Department of Mass Communication.
Implemented strategic teaching, research and educational programme developments such as collaboration and virtual reality, to aid overall understanding, while making teaching/learning more interesting.
Constantly updated personal knowledge in evolving trends in communication and public relations through research and practice to impart most up-to-date subject insight.
Provided additional administrative support and pastoral care to the Communication department for improved delivery of services.
Created and saw to the inauguration of the Madonna University chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Students' Association -NIPRISA.
Built learning and citizenship skills to help with personal growth in addition to increasing academic knowledge.
Selected, organised and distributed materials and supplies to meet classroom instructional needs.
Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
Guided students through exercises to challenge personal worldviews and open individual minds to different approaches.
Utilised multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
Developed and updated source syllabi to comply with changing course plans.
Implemented diverse instructional approaches to engage students and promote deeper understanding of material.
Used different instructional techniques to obtain and retain student interest in subject matter.
Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
Created, distributed and reviewed course syllabi for accuracy and compliance with established guidelines.
Educated students in strategies for utilising core principles of discipline to address practical problems in field.
Participated in student and faculty events to highlight programme offerings, engage students and increase profile on campus.
Developed a Public Relations strategy for the University and supervised the take-off of the Public Relations Unit of the University, which has reduced tension and crises caused by mismanagement of information and situations, particularly, involving staff and students of the university. This, I achieved, as Chairman of the University's Public Relations committee.
Lead Communications and Advocacy Consultant, 03/2018 to 06/2020 British Council-ROLAC - Abuja, Nigeria
Led the delivery of Trainings for state and non-state actors on the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
Increased stakeholders' awareness and use of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
Developed and implemented strategic communication activities that helped in the realization of the programme's overall objectives.
Enhanced the capacity of State and Non-state actors on FOI and other Governance initiatives.
Grew stakeholders interest in the implementation of the FOI Act through sustained advocacy activities such as Roundtables, Advocacy visits and media engagements
Worked closely with the Component 3 Manager, other consultants and support staff to maintain optimum levels of communication for the effective and efficient delivery of the annual work plan
Provided empirical evidence that guided programme implementation activities through the development and deployment of Monitoring Template, Data gathering tools and other necessary tools that aided the delivery of the ToR.
Conducted Baseline Studies and mapping of civil society organizations implementing the FOI Act for implementation review engagements.
Conducted capacity needs assessment on participants, aimed at understanding the areas of gap in knowledge in order to determine capacity development/enhancement interventions to close the identified gaps
Worked closely with the FOI Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice in the delivery of an FOI Implementation and Compliance Assessment at the Federal level and in the five ROLAC focal states of: Adamawa, Lagos, Kano, Edo and Anambra.
Developed new process for engaging Government institutions, which resulted in marked performance Improvements that enhanced the programme's annual rating as a result of evidence-based output and outcomes.
Worked closely with the FOI Coalition, Nigeria and Federal Ministry of Justice in achieving increased implementation of the FOI Act by MDAs through the establishment of FOI Desks
Created boardroom and courtroom multimedia presentations, including video and text - sync'd depositions for enhanced understanding
Researched and updated all required materials needed for the programme and stakeholders
Obtained documents, clearances and approvals from local, state and federal agencies on FOI implementation
Performed training needs assessment and analysis to establish capacity gaps
Conducted post training evaluation to ascertain the extent of success or otherwise of the engagement
Worked directly with the component 3 (anti corruption) team to implement activities in the annual work plan
Media and Communications Consultant, 11/2013 to 04/2017 Justice For All- British Council - Abuja, Nigeria
Coordinated media legislative advocacy efforts by developing and implementing strategic communication activities.
Coordinated the design, development and management of the project’s public affairs and public awareness communications programmes, such as public communications, studies, reports, workshops, conferences, media engagement, etc.
Coordinated the dissemination of information on projects developments
Developed and led the implementation of the Communication Strategy for the J4A Programme.
Enhanced the capacity of media and civil society stakeholders on anti corruption and other Governance initiatives.
Closed knowledge gaps through capacity needs assessment and delivery of well researched training contents
Worked closely with partners and media organizations to organize periodic media roundtable on relevant burning National issues to underscore the need for strengthening institutional mechanism to address them.
Organized periodic anti-corruption public debate to galvanize public demand advocacy for increased performance and oversight of anti- corruption agencies and stakeholders.
Worked closely with key anti-corruption media practitioners in setting the agenda for national discourse on the need for relevant legislation.
Facilitated effective media coverage of stakeholders' roundtables organized by J4A towards the passage of pending anti-corruption bills
Coordinated the active participation of media organizations in J4A's anti-corruption support activities, thereby increasing media visibility of the programme by about 80%.
Coordinated the production of a monthly “J4A in the Media” report.
Facilitated legislative retreats for relevant committees of the National Assembly to deepen their understanding of pending anti-corruption legislations, thus increasing their chances of passage.
Facilitated monthly media review of anti-corruption related international cooperation instruments (agreements and treaties) to increase opportunities for Nigeria's ratification, domestication or compliance to those treaties as may be appropriate.
Planned communication tactics for various programme's activities.
Communicated with local media about programme's news and events.
Researched programme needs, goals, competitors and industry trends to guide public relations presentations and planning.
Cultivated network of print, broadcast and new media and communications professionals to maintain strong partnerships, secure positive coverage and facilitate quick dissemination of information.
Authored press releases and communications materials to share vital information and promote intended message.
Devised public relations strategies to engage with and influence general public in support of accomplishing programme objectives.
Improved programme annual performance appraisal by 50%.
Initiated two key partnerships which resulted in the passage of key legislation of interest
Supported the production of newsletters and bulletins for internal and external stakeholders and periodic summaries for all staff on developments in the project
Created boardroom and courtroom multimedia presentations including video and text- sync'd depositions for enhanced understanding.
Worked closely with Component 3 team to maintain optimum levels of communication for effective and efficient programme delivery. Senior Organisation Development Specialist/Consultant STAR Coach, 11/2014 to 06/2015
Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement - SACE-USAID - Abuja, Nigeria
Facilitated the exploration of needs, motivations, and skills to assist the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to achieve their proposal outcomes.
Facilitated organizational planning and goal setting processes and supported the CSOs in setting appropriate short-term, medium-term and long-term goals and methods of assessing progress in relation to the goals.
Provided technical assistance to organizations in identifying and applying tools and techniques such as one-to-one training, facilitating, networking and identification of external resources and talents.
Worked closely with the Civil Society sector with a focus on voice and governance and experience of working with networks and clusters of organizations to motivate change.
Provided support to a host of actors at various locations, including community engagements.
Created boardroom and courtroom multimedia presentations including video and text- sync'd depositions for enhanced understanding.
Editor/General Manager, 01/2013 to 12/2014
Royal Communications Group (New Kingdom Trumpet Ltd) - Calabar, Nigeria
Read copies to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
Allocated print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters.
Planned the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
Verified facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
Reviewed and approved proofs submitted by composing room prior to production.
Supervised the progress of individual departments and the overall progress of the company.
Set business goals and assign targets to the employees and ensure that the employees are providing productive results for the company.
Networked with other potential clients and competitors in the market and get business tactics and ideas from them.
Developed strategies to boost sales and profits of the company and plan the future prospects of the company.
Brought new and innovative ideas to the business and looked for opportunities to expand and create a goodwill in the market.
Collaborated with graphics department to develop and implement visual elements such as digital scoreboards.
Developed and optimised online and print strategies to maximise coverage, advertiser investment and subscriptions.
Promoted articles through social media platforms.
Reviewed each article for accuracy and compliance with quality standards.
Planned budgets and negotiated contracts with freelance writers.
Worked closely with writers to maintain voice while removing spelling, grammatical and accuracy problems.
Provided concise and constructive editorial feedback to writers.
Wrote headlines and summaries for each article.
Determined whether a piece was ready for publication and approved final versions.
Worked with reporters to assess stories and improve quality of work.
Interviewed sources and developed relationships with informants to obtain stories.
Guided and motivated staff to achieve demanding targets under tight deadlines.
Monitored breaking news and assigned coverage.
Used reference sources to verify dates, facts, and statistics.
Assigned topics and stories to writers for coverage.
Oversaw team of 46 reporters, anchors, producers and support staff
Assigned stories, led content development meetings and reviewed completed stories.
Worked with digital artists, post-production team members and other specialists to produce successful content.
Head of Media and Communications, 05/2011 to 12/2012 Community Social Humanitarian Project-COSHUP - Abuja, Nigeria
Performed daily media monitoring to scan news items on the industry and on other related developments, responded when necessary and generated reports.
Coordinated the overall design, development and management of the project’s public affairs and public awareness communications programmes, such as public communications, studies, reports, workshops, conferences, media engagement, etc.
Developed and led the implementation of a Communication Strategy for the Programme.
Coordinated the dissemination of information on projects developments
Led the production of newsletters and bulletins for internal and external stakeholders and periodic summaries for all staff on developments in the project
Drafted Press statements on company developments, events and activities, as well as holding Statements on developing issues that required company response.
Drafted articles/features on topical issues that were of interest to the organisation and circulated same to media contacts.
Profiled the media to keep track of changes of practitioners and their media for deeper engagement.
Maintained regular contacts and interaction with the media
Produced the In-house Publication of the Organisation.
Headed and coordinated the Media and Publicity Unit of the organisation.
Initiated and ensured successful execution of media and publicity campaigns.
Advised the Country Representative and Management on Media and publicity related issues.
Managed social media accounts by composing content, engaging with followers in comments, monitoring activities, and researching trends.
Organized Press briefings and Conferences to inform the world, through the media on developments in the organisation
Activated dispute resolution processes with community stakeholders, with the view to ensuring cordial relationship with communities of operation and reducing tension.
Engaged with agro-based SMEs, Industry Influencers and Networks
Identified conflict early warning signs and responded appropriately to prevent same.
Developed new process for employee evaluation which resulted in marked performance improvements.
Implemented new team onboarding programme, reducing training time from 4 weeks to 2.
Worked closely with the Head of Public Enlightenment to maintain optimum levels of communication for the effective and efficient delivery of communication activities.
Managed team of 32 employees, overseeing the hiring, training, and professional growth of employees.
Created boardroom and courtroom multimedia presentations including video and text- sync'd depositions for enhanced understanding.
Assistant Editor, 11/2007 to 04/2011
Niger Delta Standard Newspapers - Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Nigeria
Handled internal staff correspondence through emails and scheduling.
Reviewed each article for accuracy and compliance with quality standards.
Collaborated with specialists such as artists and analysts to execute successful content.
Expanded subject matter of publication by developing streamlined brainstorm processes and storyboarding.
Selected and prepared content photos
Provided concise and constructive editorial feedback to writers.
Assisted in hiring and training interns on company procedures and style guidelines.
Drafted assignment forms and style guidelines for a team of 43 reporters.
Pitched stories weekly, storyboarded them and assigned writing to various reporters.
Worked with digital artists, post-production team members and other specialists to produce successful content.
Managed EICs calendar of meetings, editorial tasks and overall publication.
Reviewed and edited final copy for accuracy and oversaw all phases of production.
Applied understanding of public opinion, social media and traditional media use to create engaging and attention-grabbing stories.
Collaborated with creative director and copywriting team in completing all phases of client projects from planning to on-time completion of quality deliverables.
Wrote, edited and produced stories for multiple platforms, including Internet and digital channels.
Followed through on beat sources, contacts and leads to gather information for stories.
Evaluated and followed up on news leads and news tips to develop story ideas.
Performed research and checked all facts to maintain high standard of journalistic integrity.
Wrote pieces and news stories for online publication, coordinating images and layout to ensure proper presentation.
Participated in creative planning and review sessions, working with the team to elevate quality of content and designs.
Pursued and developed stories independently and for assignment, covering range of topics.
Organised material, determined area of emphasis, and wrote stories according to prescribed editorial style and format standards. Political Editor (Oct. 2008 – Dec. 2009)
Senior Political Correspondent (April – Sept. 2008) Correspondent (Nov.2007 - April,2008)
Roles
Gate keeper' of Political stories
News Writing and reporting
Co-ordination of the Political desk
Editorial and features writing
Supervision of Industrial attachment students/trainees Reporter, 03/2006 to 10/2007
The Agenda Newspaper - Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Developed and pursued stories independently and for assignment, covering range of topics.
Pursued and developed stories independently and for assignment, covering a range of topics.
Applied understanding of public opinion, social media and traditional media use to create engaging and attention-grabbing stories.
Evaluated and followed up on news leads and tips, developing key story ideas.
Organised material, determined area of emphasis, and wrote stories according to prescribed
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