Skill set (14)
Ilana in a few words
A multi-skilled, versatile and award-winning writer and communications consultant, deft at writing articles and op-eds that get to the heart of an issue, creating engaging and informative copy and writing for targeted audiences. I have worked as a communications specialist in the NGO and charity sector for over twelve years, and my background is in theatre and creative writing.
I'm experienced in raising the profile of campaigns via web, print and digital communications, including effective social media campaigns. My non-fiction has been published by Al Jazeera, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Huffington Post, among others. I also have experience as a project manager and in planning, marketing and running events.
Experience
- Clean Clothes CampaignCommunications Specialist and Urgent Appeal Campaign CoordinatorCIVIC & SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONSNovember 2019 - Today (5 years and 1 month)Amsterdam, NH, Netherlands
- Labour Behind the LabelDirector of CommunicationsCIVIC & SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONSFebruary 2013 - March 2017 (4 years and 2 months)Bristol, England, United KingdomCommunications Director for an organisation campaigning nationwide for garment workers rights. Focused on increasing awareness of the issues, campaign sign up and boosting the supporter base. As Communications Director I wrote engaging website and campaign copy, strategized for media /social media campaigns, raised the profile of the organisation and campaigns, and increased the media presence and public engagement.• Increased awareness through writing engaging articles featured in Huffington Post, New Internationalist, International Business Times, Red Pepper, Triodos’s The Colour of Money (one of their top 10 articles shared on social media in 2015), and EcouTerre.• Edited copy and added content for work that appeared in The Guardian, Financial Times, BBC, Al Jazeera, National Public Radio, and others.• Wrote press releases and dramatically increased global media attention, including being interviewed as spokesperson on BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, CNN, and ABC.• Wrote and edited research reports, bi-annual action update brochures, blog posts and regular supporter emails.• Worked with 18 organisations worldwide to launch global Change Your Shoes Campaign. Secured extensive radio coverage in the UK, reaching 12.3 million people in one week.• Improved click-through rate for website and email newsletters by 40%.• Successfully organised and marketed photographic exhibitions, fashion shows, talks, seminars, fundraising events and film nights.• Oversaw the re-design of the website, including transferring the domain to wordpress and writing copy throughout, using CMS and analytics.• ‘Fashion’s Victims’ and ‘A living wage is a human right’ slogans used in campaigns.• Increased reach and supporter base by 60% due to effective campaigns communication.
- National AIDS Trust (UK)Communications OfficerCIVIC & SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONSOctober 2012 - February 2013 (5 months)London, England, United KingdomA nationwide organisation campaigning for the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. Hired to increase their supporter base, awareness and fundraising reach.• Wrote engaging website copy for four websites, targeted to different audiences.• Improved awareness and increased supporter base, especially with students.• Marketed red ribbon art exhibition held at London’s City Hall, featuring artists and celebrities including Maggi Hambling, Rob Ryan, Gok Wan and Annie Lennox.• Marketed limited edition red ribbon brooch, including appearing in Stylist Magazine, and being worn by high profile TV presenters including Dermot O’Leary and Ant & Dec.• Increased sales of limited edition red ribbon by 40% due to media presence.
Recommendations
Education
- Masters in Advanced Theatre in PerformanceRoyal Central School of Speech and Drama2007Masters degree in devised theatre.
- BA Honours degree in English LiteratureBirmingham University2004BA Honours degree in English Literature from Birmingham University, a British Russel Group university.