Nadine M. Robinson
Ӣ Teaching, Marketing, Management, Internet/Social Media, Accounting, Negotiations
Ӣ 12 years business experience predominantly in high tech, public & academic sectors
Ӣ International MBA, and B. Comm graduated Highest Honours (currently in DBA program)
Ӣ Fluent English, advanced Spanish & French, basic Italian & Anishinaabe language skills
Ӣ Highly motivated self-starter, creative & analytical, excellent communication and problem solving skills
Ӣ Freelance writer and columnist
Ӣ Passionate about life-long learning and communicating/connecting with others
Work Experience
OSPREY MEDIA – CANADA
Sault Star Columnist “The ink”, June 2007 – PRESENT,
Ӣ column every second Wednesday, current column online at www.saultstar.com
Ӣ old columns posted at www.theink.ca
Ӣ Articles also reprinted in North Bay Nugget, Pembroke Examiner, Sudbury Star, etc.
ADVENTURE RACERS.CA: PROVINCIAL HIGH SCHOOL ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
Founding Organizer and Coordinator, February 2007 to PRESENT
”¢ Working with Canada’s Eco Challenge Champion, innovated, organized, promoted, and ran the out of town Provincial High School Adventure Challenge event for teens across Ontario, attracting an average of 180 racers annually from across Ontario and Quebec.
Ӣ Sponsor relations: responsible for raising sponsorship exceeding $80,000 annually, including local, regional, and Toronto based-media in kind donations, team sponsorship for youth at risk, prize donations, and event advertising sponsorship including brands like Milk, Research in Motion, CTV, Survivorman, Deerhurst Resort, etc.
Ӣ Volunteer coordination: Leading and mentoring a team of diverse volunteers pre-event and at the event.
Ӣ Event planning and coordination: all onsite logistics, including liaising with host site, registering teams, emceeing events, coordinating meals, room set up and tear down.
Ӣ Marketing: Creative concepts and execution of all marketing of the event through high schools using posters, PA announcements, Facebook ads and groups, TV, print, and radio ads.
Ӣ Media relations/communications: acting as media spokesperson (including news at noon 2009 for CTV), coordinating press events, releasing two to four press releases per year (garnering good coverage across all media types), and media opportunities for racers and organizers.
”¢ Acted as celebrity publicist for TV’s Survivorman Les Stroud in 2007, booking him on Breakfast Television and having him sign autographs at the Outdoors show in Toronto to raise event profile
Ӣ Post event follow up with sponsors and media, including thank you plaques.
LES STROUD PRODUCTIONS
Event Manager, Hockey Pro Survival Challenge TV Production, May 2009 to PRESENT
Ӣ Event planning and logistics for 18 NHL hockey players and Les Stroud (Survivorman) to be transported to and from and stay in Hornepayne Ontario for the filming of a TV special to air on Rogers Media Networks. Onsite coordination of transportation, meals, scheduling of players.
Ӣ Sponsorship exceeding $60,000 including over $25,000 in cash, and $25,000 in donated product and services from companies like Ford Motor Company of Canada, Columbia, Coleman, Bearskin Airlines, Luxottica, M&M Meat Shops, SC Johnson, etc.
”¢ Coordinated local volunteers for community events – Friday night autograph session, Sunday community BBQ including all speaker coordination and site set up.
”¢ Public and Media Relations – including two press releases and lining up interviews (Canada AM, CBC Radio, etc)
Ӣ Post event follow up with sponsors, players, media
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
Professor/Sessional Professor, Department of Business and Economics, January 2008 – August 2009
Ӣ Focusing on teaching excellence, student advising and mentorship for core courses in the Bachelor of Business Administration program including:
o Marketing Concepts (ADMN3126)
o Services Marketing (ADMN3127)
o Marketing on the Internet (ADMN4937)
o Management Decision Making (ADMN 1017)
o Understanding and Using Financial Information (ADMN 1126)
Ӣ Identifying PR opportunities for the department and liaising to secure coverage
Ӣ Contributing to the department and university with department tagline creation, content for the website, and assisting in the revamp of the faculty handbook
”¢ Recruiting for the university: presenting to a high school class, and guidance teacher breakfast. Selected by recruiting team as guest speaker at frosh week student “tips for success event”, guidance teacher dinner and recruit at Ontario University Fair
Ӣ Sat on the Academic Regulations and Petitions Committee, Exchange student committee, and selection committee for a marketing firm for university independence campaign.
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Marketing and Communications Consultant, (acting Director) October 2007 – December 2008
Ӣ Responsible for the coordination, project management and execution of the Algoma U Summer/Fall 2007 alumni magazine: Wrote cover story, lead article, edited copy, coordinated freelance writers, worked with designer, printer and internal clients through concept, proofing, and distribution process
Ӣ Increased local and provincial media visibility, improved homepage, provided guidance to recruiting efforts
Ӣ Increased awareness and registration for Future Play gaming industry conference in Toronto, ON, including project managing the proceeding CD, targeting additional companies to attend, public relations, publicity
Ӣ Managed day-to-day activities of Communications Officer
Ӣ Directed creative concepts through execution on marketing campaigns and ad purchasing
OSPREY MEDIA – CANADA
Regional Report & Focus writer, Northern Business Journal, July 2007 – October 2008
Ӣ two business profiles a month, current columns posted at www.northernbusinessjournal.ca
Ӣ Articles also reprinted in North Bay Nugget, Sudbury Star
SAULT COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY – SAULT STE. MARIE, CANADA
Director of Marketing & Communications, September 2005 – June 2007
Reporting to the President, was responsible for the College marketing & communications functions to attract, convert, and retain students, improve the profile of the College, providing strategic direction, action-oriented planning and leadership. With a budget in excess of $500,000, major activities included:
Ӣ Directing, planning, managing, and implementing College branding, communication and public relations strategies (short and long term plans). Initiated new strategic directions including development web-based marketing, e-marketing to applicants, and the use of success metrics
Ӣ Leading innovative Adventure Challenge event attracting 60 teams from across Ontario and 2 from Quebec. Was responsible for all marketing, PR, many sponsorship deals, the awards banquet and acted as celebrity publicist
Ӣ Restructuring, staffing, team building, and managing a team of 8 union employees and external consultants
Ӣ Developing short and long term communications plans, coordinating outreach and communications activities: event planning, media relations, electronic communications (web & email), presentations, speech writing, publications, letters, pamphlets, media kits, Q & As, backgrounders, etc
Ӣ Improving media relations and raising the profile of the College by handling media enquiries in a timely and appropriate manner; working with internal staff on objectives of communications, key messages, timing and forum; and advising the President and Senior Management on media and marketing issues and briefing them for media appearances & questions
Ӣ Planning and executing special events and publicity initiatives (news conferences and awareness building events)
Ӣ Researching and writing a variety of content including: magazine articles, speeches, AV presentations, annual reports, media releases, funding announcements, web content, brochure copy, ad copy, using different writing styles (familiar, professional, web). Editing copy for publications and speeches for style, language usage, flow and logical presentation of information
Ӣ Serving as a liaison with local politicians and key stakeholders in the community
Ӣ Negotiating favourable contracts for external consultants to arrange for services and purchases
Ӣ Planning, coordination and project management to deliver concurrent marketing, advertising and communication projects on time and on budget, including special events, publications, commercials, award applications, etc.
Ӣ Undertaking special projects for the President and the Board of Governors
Ӣ Writing monthly Education Column in the local newspaper
Ӣ Acting as a judge for the Association of Canadian Community Colleges National Excellence Awards
INSTITUTE FOR CONNECTIVITY IN THE AMERICAS (ICA/IDRC – Crown Corporation) – OTTAWA, CANADA
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, September 2002 – August 2005
Reporting to the Managing Director of ICA, was responsible for managing all branding, corporate communications and public relations functions of ICA, including strategic direction, action-oriented planning and leadership in the development of ICA communication strategies. Key achievements:
”¢ Built, managed, and implemented ICA’s branding, communication and public relations strategies
”¢ Positively enhanced the awareness & understanding of ICA amongst key target audiences leading to securing second phase funding of $10M (ICA’s Advisory Board, Department of Foreign Affairs, CIDA, Industry Canada, the World Bank, IADB, press and various governments in Latin America)
Ӣ Planned and executed international special events (Milan, Chile, Brazil, Canada) and publicity initiatives (news conference, tradeshows, and awareness building events) including concurrent marketing and communication facets (all aspects of event planning & logistics, media coordination, and required publications). Also responsible for presentations & briefing notes for President of IDRC, and other senior management
Ӣ Presented and received approval for marketing & communications strategies from the Hemispheric Advisory Board
Ӣ Represented ICA at top-level international functions (OAS General Assembly, IADB Annual Meeting) liaising with decision makers and stakeholders
Ӣ Acted as media spokesperson, including interviews with CBC. Handle media enquiries in a timely and appropriate manner. Prepared internal staff on objectives of communications, key messages, and provided media training or briefings prior to appearances
Ӣ Innovated and implemented communication strategies, developed communications plans, coordinated outreach and communications activities
Ӣ Researched and wrote all institutional vehicles, print and electronic, for key audiences in Canada and abroad (bi-monthly newsletter, web content for quadra-lingual website, magazine article, corporate video script, presentations, speeches, publications, annual report, media releases, funding announcements, brochure copy, correspondence, media kits, Q & As, backgrounders, briefing notes, event invitations, etc). Editing copy for written & oral pieces for grammar, style, language usage, flow and logical presentation of information
”¢ Provided project management for dozens of contractors (designers, translators, writers, researchers, printers) and the communications staff, coordinating everyone’s efforts for final product. Ensured products and services were received on time and on budget, problem-solving where needed
Ӣ Negotiated and supervised contracts for design, translation, video conferencing. Responsible for management of contracts and a budget of $400K
December 2001 TO May 2002 – Travelled South America (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru)
WEBHANCER CORP. – OTTAWA, CANADA JUNE 2000 TO NOVEMBER 2001
Manager of Sales Operations, April 2001 TO November 2001
Reporting to the Executive VP of Worldwide Sales and Business Development, acted as the VPs’ corporate presence, overseeing a team of 3 corporate based sales reps. Met with management weekly to continue interdepartmental communication and cooperation and to ensure the sales teams’ deliverables were met. Guided the sales process towards better execution and consistent application of the process as set out by the Exec VP. Key Achievements:
Ӣ Worked closely with Product Management in the development and launch of marketing email campaigns for lead generation. Also assisted in the strategy, creation and implementation of new packaging and pricing to expand the addressable market
Ӣ Created and implemented a methodology for better qualifying sales prospects including training staff
Ӣ Drafted and administered the compensation program including sending quota letters, sales incentive programs
Ӣ Implemented and administered the Sales Force Automation/CRM package
Ӣ Created and reviewed legal documents/contracts for sales, liaising with external counsel on appropriate issues
Ӣ Produced weekly forecasts for the executive team and reviewed the sales funnel with the regional teams weekly
Business Development Manager and Product Management, June 2000 TO March 2001
Reporting to the CEO, conceptualized and implemented a program to distribute millions of copies of a consumer software application. This role included pinch-hitting as product manager of the software until a full-time candidate was hired. Once the program was self-running, the CEO requested assistance in the Sales department to implement process and build a team to produce results. Key Achievements:
Ӣ Negotiated and signed up distribution partners, including the lowest cost per install contract, and highest volume contract, growing the install base from 300 to 3 million installed units
Ӣ Innovated various distribution methods including incentive programs, pay for distribution, internal contests
Ӣ Created and reviewed legal documents/contracts, liaising with external counsel on appropriate issues
Ӣ Acted as product manager for the development of the software to ensure that it was stable, tested and delivered on schedule
Ӣ Made strategy recommendations that resulted in lower distribution costs
Ӣ Developed reports and forecasts for the executive team and board of directors
Ӣ Lead the creation of training and process documents and trained business development staff
December 1999 – May 2000 – Travelled South East Asia (Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Tibet, India)
NORTEL NETWORKS – Senior Market Researcher –N. Amer. Carrier Customers Report, Oct – Dec 99 (Consulting)
CARLETON UNIVERSITY – Instructor for the School of Business, Management Certificate Program: Using Accounting Information (Financial and Managerial Accounting), January to April 99
COREL CORPORATION – Ottawa, CANADA
Manager of Internet Sales, November 1998 TO September 1999
Reporting to the Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, responsible for creating the e-commerce sales team, online sales channel and online marketing programs to grow sales. Revenue exceeding $5 million a year was derived through the eStore directly, the eChannel of online resellers, and software rental channel. Managing a team of three and developing relationships with strategic partners, overachieved sales quota targets by 25%, 47%, 82% in successive quarters. Key Achievements:
Ӣ Consistently overachieved sales targets
Ӣ Represented Corel in various Internet press opportunities and at conferences including public speaking in front of large audiences (won the Best Internet Strategy Award for Software at the Web Sellers Symposium)
Ӣ Credited with winning top ten e-commerce web site award from Softletter
Ӣ Provided sales kick-off training on all aspects of internet sales to global sales force
Ӣ Innovated partner programs to pull in last minute sales to meet corporate revenue requirements
Ӣ Evaluated the inherited online store partner, drafted an RFP, selected a new partner for eStore, drafted and negotiated a favorable contract and hired an account manager to maintain the relationship
Ӣ Actively assisted in marketing, advertising, development and launch of two online products, and one online store
Ӣ Successfully conducted direct e-marketing campaigns to former customers to generate repeat business
Ӣ Implemented focus groups and surveys to ensure successful launch of e-store
Ӣ Developed the corporate Internet Strategy in conjunction with the Executive Web Strategy committee, including preparation of Internet opportunities presentations for executive monthly meetings
Consulting Projects, February – September 1998
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS – Internet Consulting Businesswomen in Trade website
SIMWARE – Technical writing of “Engineering Development Process and Staff Guide”
BODA ZAPHA INC – Small Business Startup Consulting – Drafted Business Plan/Sourced Suppliers/Scouted Locations Calgary, CANADA
CANADIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE AMERICAS – Spanish Language Evaluator/Interviewer
CANADIAN EMBASSY, Mexico DF, MEXICO – Internet Specialist (Marketing/Training), Sept 1997- Jan 1998
Revamped the Embassy web page during a six-month contract, improving navigational structure, content and look, prior to the Team Canada visit. Assisted in the highly visible visit. Key Achievements:
Ӣ Project management and coordination for all technical aspects of website revamp, trilingual translation, web publishing and graphic design
Ӣ Documented Internet Guidelines including roles, responsibilities, policies, procedures & site standards and organized a three day training session for embassy staff
Ӣ Worked in conjunction with senior staff at the Department of Foreign Affairs to align the site to make it the pilot for the Canadian International Information Strategy Initiative
Ӣ Assisted with the Team Canada visit, liaising with conference delegates, aiding in contract signing ceremony, authoring the IT seminar summary document for the website
SYSTEMS XCELLENCE INC., Milton, Ontario, CANADA, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
Gerente de Producto – Project Manager Argentina Project, April – Aug. 1997
Relocated to Argentina to ensure successful implementation of pharmacy claims clearing network. Key Achievements:
Ӣ Acted as the external project manager & account manager
”¢ Provided technical training in English and Spanish on pharmacy claims clearing software to the client’s staff of 12, including high level training distilling technical messages for executives
”¢ Ensured client’s needs were met (or understood) as the primary communication link between Buenos Aires and Milton, Ontario
Ӣ Handled all budgeting and contract management
Ӣ Developed a training plan and staffing forecast at the request of the COO once implementation was complete
UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA – Teaching Assistant (Marketing courses) 1996-1997
NEWBRIDGE NETWORKS CORPORATION, Ottawa, CANADA – Marketing Analyst, May – Aug. 1996
Created the Sales and Marketing site of the Asia Pacific Intranet and helped develop various net based applications. Acted as project manager for a team of 4 at various stages of the project, including the launch of the Intranet site, creation of online documentation, and training. Delivered technical training for the Regional Directors and VPs.
WOODROFFE HIGH SCHOOL – Instructor for Grade 10 ‘Introduction to Business’, Feb – May 1996
Developed class plans, lessons, assignments and tests from the assigned text book, marked assignments and evaluated students. Assisted in the instruction of keyboarding – grade 9, and financial accounting – grade 11.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE, Ottawa, CANADA – Accountant, May – August 1994, Jan – June 1995
Performed financial services including auditing, reviewing and compiling financial statements, preparing supporting documentation files, tax returns and forensic accounting. Used various Accounting software including ACCPAC, Simply Accounting, and Tax applications. Prepared a training manual for new student hires into the firm.
CARLETON UNIVERSITY – Teaching Assistant (various Accounting courses) 1993-1995
SCOTT RANKIN GARDINER, Chartered Accountants, Ottawa, CANADA – Accounting Clerk, Jan. – August 1990
Performed financial services including petty cash and bank reconciliations, reviewed and compiled financial statements, prepared supporting documentation files, and tax returns.
PC Nova – Technical Writer, 1989
Wrote instructional manual for a suite of software products (Enable: Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Database). Trained my replacement on the software and required writing style.
Education
Doctorate in Business Administration (in progress)
Athabasca University, Expected completion 2012
International Masters of Business Administration (International MBA)
University of Ottawa, CANADA
Graduated with Highest Honours in 1997
Ӣ Graduate entrance scholarship
Ӣ Bell Northern Research Award for Excellence in the Development of a Business Plan
Ӣ CAHA Award for Excellence in Marketing
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm)
Carleton University, Ottawa, CANADA,
Graduated with Highest Honours and the Senate Medal for academic achievement in 1995
”¢ Dean’s honour list 1992 – 1995
Ӣ Seven different awards and scholarships for academics (available on request) 1991-1995
Languages & Computer Skills & Courses
Ӣ Fluent English, advanced French and Spanish, basic Italian, basic Anishinaabemowin
Ӣ Computer fluency: Word, WordPerfect, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, Quick Tax, digital photography/editing
”¢ St John’s Ambulance CPR 2009
Ӣ WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety Act training 2007, 2005
Ӣ NCCP Multi-sport Coaching Theory Level 1 & 2, 2007
Ӣ Professional Development sessions 2007: Communicating with Success, Leadership & Management, Advocating Engagement: Purpose-based Management for Academic Leaders
Ӣ Media Training 2005
Ӣ Introduction to Dispute Resolution Theory and Practice 2003
Ӣ Canada Labour Code Part II: Internal responsibility 2002
”¢ PADI Advanced Open Water Diver – February 2000
Ӣ Effective Communication Skills 1998
Other Publications & professional activities
Ӣ Bearskin Airlines Magazine Article, 2009
”¢ Freelance writing for Algoma University’s Alumni Magazine, 2007 – 2009
Ӣ Market Research for the Vankleek Hill Business Revitalization Initiative, 2008
Ӣ Communications and messaging consulting for Great Lakes Power, 2008
Ӣ Co-authored article in SAY Magazine, 2008
Ӣ Professional resume writing, 2007.
Ӣ Published article in Canadian Government Executive Magazine, 2005
Ӣ Freelance Newspaper Articles published in the Ottawa Citizen, 2000-2002
Ӣ Television Actor (WholeNotes, Justice, Tommy & Lefebvre commercial), Summer 1998
Community/Public Service
Ӣ Robinson, N. M. (2009). Invited panel member: Marketing in challenging times: tips to getting heard and building long-term relationships, Economic Crisis Teach-in, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Chair of the Publicity Committee.
”¢ Robinson, N. M. (2007). Invited Speaker: Media Training: there is no such thing as ‘off the record’. Presented at Women’s Leadership Conference, Searchmont, Ontario.
”¢ Robinson, N. M. (2007). Invited Speaker: Marketing Plan Workshop. Presented at the Women’s Leadership Conference, Searchmont, Ontario.
”¢ Organizing Committee for Women’s Leadership Conference – 2008.
”¢ Press releases for launch and ongoing awareness of Women’s Leadership Conference – 2008.
”¢ Volunteer, gymnastics coach-in-training, Sault Gymnastics Club – 2008, 2009.
Ӣ Robinson, N. M. (2008). Invited Speaker: Marketing 101: The new marketing. Presented at CASS, Introduction to business, grade 10 class, Desbarats, Ontario.
”¢ Emcee for Canadian Cancer Society, In the Pink – Grand Dessert Night event for 500 women, 2007
”¢ Media consulting and press releases for Taoist Tai Chi Association – 2007.