Lori Reardon

A communications and content creator/professional with over 20 years of experience in supporting the charity/non-profit sector, media/advertising and small business world.

Background includes work in charity leadership, stakeholder communication, and running a small freelance photography studio. Reliable, organised with a laterally minded approach to managing everyday content creation, brainstorming and collaborating for campaign activation in a busy environment.

Communications & Project Support at Mesh Studios (2018-01 – Present)

• Management of all client communications, project deliverables/trafficking and day-to-day studio administration.
• Oversee and manage expectations for project timelines.
• Full responsibility for the studio's financial and tax administration, including quoting, invoicing and debtors management.
• Responsible for content creation and posting of material for the studio's social media channels and ad campaigns.

General Manager at CityHope Disaster Relief (CityHill Church) (2016-01 – 2018-12)

• General manager of a national disaster relief charity, overseeing every aspect relating to community outreach, disaster reaction and response, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, event coordination and media relations.
• Built the charity from the ground up, implementing new strategies and methods for response as well as engaging with regional disaster management services for collaborative outreach initiatives.
• Recruited, trained and managed a volunteer base of around 150 people
• Sourced full sponsorship from corporate donors for all disaster relief supplies for communities affected by sudden, naturally occurring disasters, i.e. floods, fires, famines
• Represented the organisation across the media, public-facing events and conferences
• Designed and implemented fundraising events such as comedy relief shows and other initiatives to promote, educate and inspire the local community and stakeholders.
• Managed all social media channels and content creation on behalf of the charity
• Reported to a board of trustees and fulfilled all administrative and day-to-day operations of the NPO.

Content Manager at Kidzworld Media (2014-01 – 2014-12)

• Designed a weekly content plan and strategy for a national parenting portal/platform
• Created all digital assets for web upload on behalf of Kidzworld, including newsletters, competitions and promotional material, as well as social content.
• Weekly on-air spokesperson for weekly live radio interviews on Chai FM to discuss parenting topics and promote Kidzworld.
• Wrote weekly parenting and family-oriented articles for web upload and achieved a moderate 25% increase in audience engagement over 6 months.

Owner at Lori C Photography (2003-01 – 2014-12)

• Founder of Lori C Photography, a freelance wedding photography studio.
• Managed all client communication, briefs, and post-wedding meet-ups
• Managed 30 - 40 client projects per year
• Responsible for all studio administrative procedures, financial management and tax compliance
• Designed all promotional material and social media channels on behalf of the studio
• Managed client expectations from initial booking, briefings, photography shoot, post production, album compilation and final handover.
• Built excellent long-term client relationships, which led to repeat business and word-of-mouth advertising opportunities.

Marketing Secretary → Marketing Coordinator → Financial Administrator at Buckman Laboratories (1997-01 – 2003-12)

• Progressed through multiple roles initially with the marketing department, then through to the finance team.
• Supported all administrative duties and day-to-day responsibilities as a secretary within each department
• Coordinated, managed and hosted events, exhibitions, including training seminars, end of year celebratory parties, customer golf days and other promotional campaigns
• Supported internal communications and technical reporting
• Acted as PA to the National Sales Manager, the Operations Manager, the Financial Manager and the Company Accountant
• Managed financial administration, Trust policies and miscellaneous reconciliations

National Diploma in Public Relations Management – Durban University of Technology (1998-01)

Certificate in Social Media Studies – University of Cape Town (2014-01)

Certificate in Creative Photography & Composition – Bruce Mortimer Fine Art (2002-01)

Certificate in Secretarial & Business Administration – Williams Business College (1994-01)

Senior Certificate in Matriculation – Kloof High School, Kloof (1993-01)