Joann Bruce, External Communications Specialist

Joann Bruce

External Communications Specialist

Qatar Cool

Location
Qatar - Doha
Education
Diploma, Public Relations
Experience
23 years, 8 months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :23 years, 8 months

External Communications Specialist at Qatar Cool
  • Qatar - Doha
  • My current job since August 2013

Commenced as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Human Resources, progressing to the External Communications Officer and swiftly elevated to the role of External Communications Specialist. At present I autonomously manage the whole function, directly reporting to senior management. I manage the entire spectrum of public relations, crisis communication, marketing, stakeholder engagement, CSR, social media, and sustainability initiatives.

Key Achievements
• Successfully designed and executed strategic communication plans in alignment with organizational objectives.
• Orchestrated seamless execution of diverse external company events, encompassing conferences, seminars, CSR, and sustainability initiatives.
• Effectively managed event budgets, logistics, suppliers, and personnel, ensuring flawless operations.
• Spearheaded end-to-end creation and deployment of PR and marketing collateral, encompassing both digital and physical assets.
• Conducted comprehensive research and composed all-encompassing company content, spanning website material, interview responses, speeches, articles, and press releases.
• Pioneered the formulation of the company's sustainability strategy, along with the creation of associated policies and actionable plans.
• Managed the successful execution of corporate-level sustainability initiatives, encompassing both internal organizational efforts and community-based projects.
• Cultivated collaborative partnerships with essential stakeholders and industries, fostering synergistic efforts in the realm of sustainability.
• Orchestrated and supervised the public engagements of senior executives, ensuring their impactful presence at events, conferences, and corporate meetings, encompassing seamless travel arrangements and public interactions.
• Provided dedicated support to senior management and the board of directors, actively contributing to projects, and offering instrumental assistance, including the role of secretary to the Board.
• Led crisis communication efforts for the organization, actively participating in crisis management and adeptly communicating with stakeholders.
• Crafted brand positioning strategies by closely monitoring industry trends and competitive landscapes.
• Formulated and executed comprehensive social media strategies, including content creation and data analytics.
• Managed, designed, and developed the company's website, including those for its international branches and subsidiaries.
• Effectively navigated bilingual content (Arabic), utilizing translation to enhance communication even without fluency.
• Successfully implemented new systems to boost organizational efficiency, cut waste, and foster a circular mindset.
• Devised numerous internal initiatives targeting environmental issues, substantially enhancing the company's ecological footprint and reputation.

Executive Assistant to VP HR at Qatar Cool
  • Qatar - Doha
  • August 2011 to August 2013

• Managed travel arrangements for senior executives and employees, ensuring seamless logistics for business trips and training sessions.
• Acted as a representative of the Vice President's office, maintaining professionalism and diplomacy during meetings and public events with external parties.
• Oversaw the budget of the department, regularly reported on financial performance through comprehensive analysis and control measures.
• Innovated and implemented digital systems to automate manual processes, streamlining procedures, and optimizing efficiency within the department.
• Developed and established a departmental dashboard and reporting system, providing real-time insights and metrics for informed decision-making.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement, leveraging technology and best practices.
• Monitored and managed compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies, ensuring adherence and mitigating potential risks.
• Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, encouraged feedback, and implemented suggestions to enhance productivity and effectiveness.

Executive Assistant to the Senior Partner at BDO Bahrain
  • Bahrain - Manama
  • January 2009 to January 2010

• Fostered robust relationships with internal and external stakeholders, serving as a trusted intermediary between the Senior Partner and key individuals or organizations.
• Managed sensitive and confidential information discreetly, adhering to stringent confidentiality protocols.
• Assisted in orchestrating and coordinating meetings, conferences, and events, guaranteeing seamless logistics and timely follow-up on action items.
• Collaborated cross-functionally to facilitate effective communication, ensuring alignment on strategic initiatives.
• Provided unwavering support to the Senior Partner in special projects and initiatives, demonstrating adaptability in managing evolving priorities.
• Continuously enhanced processes and workflows within the Senior Partner's office, implementing innovative solutions to amplify efficiency and productivity.
• Represented the Senior Partner's office, projecting a professional and positive image in all interactions.
• Stayed abreast of the Senior Partner's areas of expertise, aiding in preparation for presentations, speeches, and public engagements.
• Collaborated with the Head of Media Relations to devise strategic communication plans and maintain consistent messaging across diverse media channels.

English Teacher at Berlitz
  • Bahrain - Manama
  • January 2007 to January 2009

Dedicated and experienced English teacher skilled in providing effective instruction to private and corporate students. Proficient in delivering personalized one-on-one sessions as well as leading classroom settings with 20+ students. Demonstrated ability to tailor lessons to meet the individual needs and goals of each student, ensuring optimal learning outcomes. Passionate about creating engaging and interactive learning environments that foster language proficiency and confidence. Strong communication and interpersonal skills enable the establishment of positive rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.

Welfare and Housing Officer at British Army
  • Germany - Moenchengladbach
  • January 2000 to January 2007

Specifics about the role are best suited for an in-person conversation, owing to the sensitive nature of the content.

Education

Diploma, Public Relations
  • at Brentwood
  • January 2023
Diploma, Health And Social Care
  • at Neath
  • January 1999

Specialties & Skills

Communication Skills
Leadership
Event Planning
Public Relations
Planning and Organizational Skills
Website Design and Development
Communication
Media Relations
Detail and Accuracy
leadership
Event Development
Crisis management
Content Creation
Social Media Management
Technology & Digital Tools
Strategic Planning

Languages

English
Expert

Training and Certifications

MS Office (Training)
Training Institute:
Cassels House
Date Attended:
January 2002
Duration:
16 hours
Social Media Management (Certificate)
Date Attended:
January 2018
ESG Intergration (Training)
Training Institute:
Reuters
Date Attended:
August 2023
Duration:
16 hours
Event Management (Certificate)
Date Attended:
February 2023
CPR & First Aid (Certificate)
Date Attended:
January 2023
Excellence in Customer service (Certificate)
Date Attended:
January 2017
Media and spokesperson (Certificate)
Date Attended:
January 2015
Presentation and media skills (Certificate)
Date Attended:
January 2016