Pierre Hamel
Summary
An experienced communicator with exceptional writing skills and a passion for clear and concise language in quality communications vehicles. A well-rounded communications generalist, I am ready to perform at any level and in any medium in the technical communications field.Security Clearance
Level II - Secret ClearanceEducation
2017 – 2018 Technical Writer Program, Algonquin College2006 Technical Writing Certificate, Mount Royal College
2004 Bachelor of Communications Studies (With Distinction), University of Calgary
2002 Diploma, Journalism Arts program (With Honours), Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Skills
Strong knowledge of Office suites, good working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, FrameMaker, RoboHelp, MadCap Flare and many open source software titles and utilities. Adept in a multi-platform environment that includes MAC/OS, Windows and Linux/Unix.Scholarships
IABC Journalism Arts ScholarshipJason Lang Memorial Scholarship from the Government of Alberta (University of Calgary)
Experience
Program Advisor
Service Canada | 5/2018 to PresentAccomplishments:
• Review and analyze CPP and OAS procedures and policies materials to gain an in-depth understanding of CPP and OAS agent responsibilities
• Write CPP and OAS task-specific procedures using templates, style guides, lexicons, and other guidance documents
• Consult and collaborate with subject matter experts, advisors, editors and other writers and provide feedback to stakeholders
• Adapt complex technical concepts and materials into user-centric, plain language text
• Manage information in SharePoint and department drives and, primarily, on the MS Dynamics-based Knowledge Management Tool development
Digital Communications Advisor
Accomplishments:
• Facilitated critical information being posted to Health Canada’s digital properties
• Created and edited web content for a wide variety of audience and provided strategic web advice
• Provided advice and ongoing support for clients
Web Co-ordinator
Canadian Forest Service | 2/2017 to 6/2017 (casual)Accomplishments:
• Wrote, edited and delivered communications required for Canada 150 along with project planning and management
• Advisor on the editorial team for the State of the Forest report – both print and web
• Created and edited web content for a wide variety of audience and provided strategic web advice
• Provided advice and ongoing support for clients
Marketing and Communications Manager
4-H Canada | 5/2016 to 11/2016Accomplishments:
• Wrote, edited and delivered communications required for annual general meeting
• Created and edited web content for a wide variety of audience and provided strategic web advice
• Conceived and modified strategic communications plans with integrated social media, digital and print components in support of key organizational initiatives
• Wrote, edited and managed all aspects of the organization’s annual bilingual magazine
• Created and edited strong new content for social media channels reflecting positive youth development thought leadership
• Provided advice and ongoing support for clients
Manager Editorial Services
gordongroup | 6/2015 to 12/2015 (contract)Accomplishments:
• Effectively researched, wrote, fact-checked, proofread and edited various communications vehicles for clients and for Gordon Group
• As Managing Editor, maintained a strong editorial voice for several client publications, including books, magazines and newsletters
• Created and edited strong new content for social media channels reflecting marketing sector thought leadership
• Conceived and wrote effective campaign concepts and strategic communications plans
• Created and edited web content for a wide variety of audience and provided strategic web advice
Communications Officer
Carleton University Faculty of Engineering and Design | 10/2014 to 04/2015Accomplishments:
• Wrote and edited Dean’s speaking notes, web posts, faculty magazine, letters from the Dean and printed collateral for specific programs and events
• Managed, consolidated, and increased the reach of social media—including Twitter (@CarletonU_ENG), LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and others, and reported on Klout score and web analytics
• Provided advice and ongoing support for clients
• Managed all communications surrounding faculty events and assisted with the logistics when required
• Co-ordinated the design, insertion and messaging of all faculty advertising—in print and online
• Created and edited web content for a wide variety of audience and provided strategic web advice
Communications Officer
Carleton University Faculty of Public Affairs | 12/2011 to 05/2014 (contract)Accomplishments:
• Established and sharply grew social media channels, especially Twitter (@FPACarleton), which increased to almost 1,500 followers under my management
• Successfully planned and executed the communications and logistics of more than 50 events including receptions, awards, town halls, retreats, movie screenings, panel discussions and lectures by outstanding politicians, policy analysts, thinkers and writers
• Created and edited web content for a wide variety of audience and provided strategic web advice
• Effectively researched, wrote and edited multiple communications vehicles and the Faculty of Public Affairs website to increase visibility and traffic
• Advised the Dean and other FPA administrators on all aspects of faculty communications
• Provided advice and ongoing support for clients
Alumni Manager
Algonquin College | 12/2010 to 05/2011 (contract)Accomplishments:
• Effectively planned, wrote and edited all alumni communications and managed the alumni database
• Successfully planned and executed Alumni Association events including Career Week, and managed the Alumni Association Board of Directors
• Maintained and substantially increased activity across multiple social media channels
• Steered the alumni website rebuild team
Communications Specialist
SAIT Polytechnic | 12/2008 to 11/2009 (one-year term)Accomplishments:
• Created and inspired a strong new editorial direction for the alumni magazine
• Established strong and ongoing relationships with writers, illustrators, photographers and service providers
• Was instrumental in planning a communications strategic plan for a campus-wide event for the public phase launch of a major campaign
• Integral in the launch of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube presence
Communications Advisor
Calgary Zoo | 03/2007 to 11/2008Accomplishments:
• Effectively wrote, edited and proofread all printed and web-based communications such as brochures, annual reports, newsletters and media releases
• Was instrumental in developing and maintaining the enterprise-wide style guide and branding guidelines as chair of the Image Advisory Committee
• Steered and deployed the re-branding of external communications, including stationery and business cards, and facilitated a complete website redesign
Online Editor
The Forzani Group Ltd. | 2004 to 2007Accomplishments:
• Conceptualized and created new and engaging web content for SportChek.ca and other Forzani websites
• Steered enterprise-wide website redesign