Ronald Odanga

Accomplished communications professional with 9 years of expertise, proficient in public and media relations, content creation, social media management, and digital communications. Proficiently develops and executes comprehensive communication strategies, fostering brand visibility, engagement, and reputation. Adept at crafting strategic plans that resonate across various channels, from press releases to social media posts, consistently driving audience interaction and enhancing brand recognition.

Adaptability in the ever-evolving communications landscape makes for a valuable asset in conveying key messages and elevating organizational visibility and impact.

Skills

Public relations, media relations, content creation, social media management, digital communications, photography, branding, project management, analytical thinking, strategic communications, leadership, marketing, crisis communication, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, photo and video production, internal and external communications, event coverage, news story development, editorial direction, content production, newsroom management, news gathering, media management, public participation, brand management, networking, and professional development.

Senior Communications Officer, Indigo Agencies Limited, Kenya, 09/2022–10/2023

• Communication Strategy Development: co-developed and executed comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the company's goals and objectives.
• Content Creation: Create engaging and informative content for various communication channels, including press releases, articles, blogs, and social media posts.
• Internal Communications: co-developed and implemented internal communication strategies to foster a positive work environment and keep employees informed about company updates. In addition to creating internal newsletters, announcements, and presentations.
• Social Media Management: Managed the organization's presence on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Increased the number of followers on the organization's social media platforms by 50% within 6 months. 
• Brand Management: Developed and implemented a social media style guide to improve the content and ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity across digital and social media channels.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders, including customers, partners, and regulatory authorities, to build positive relationships and gather feedback

Communications Specialist: Blue Lens Images 08/2021 – 08/2022

• Digital Communications Strategy: developed and executed comprehensive digital communications strategies to effectively convey the organization's messages and goals using target audiences, select appropriate digital channels, and determine key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success. 
• Content Creation: Produced engaging and high-quality digital content that received an average of 3,000 views for various platforms. 
• Social Media Management: Managed the organization's presence on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Increased the number of followers on the organization's social media platforms by 50% within 6 months. 
• Public Relations: Increased positive press coverage by 20% by implementing public relations strategies including building long-term relationships with media contacts, monitoring media, and drafting press releases for all events and initiatives. 
• Crisis Communication: Developed and executed a crisis communications plan to effectively manage the crisis communication for the organization. 
• Brand Management: Developed and implemented a social media style guide to improve the content and ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity across digital and social media channels. 

Communication Officer - Council of Governors 09/2016 – 12/2021 

• Internal Communications: Facilitated effective internal communication within the organization - preparing internal newsletters, memos, and announcements to keep employees informed about important updates, policies, and events. 
• Media Relations: Developed and maintained relationships with media outlets, journalists, and reporters. Act as a spokesperson for the organization, handling media inquiries, arranging interviews, and coordinating press conferences and media events. 
• Public Affairs: Developed and implemented public affairs strategies to disseminate information about the organization's activities, policies, and initiatives. This may involve preparing press releases, statements, speeches, and other communications materials to ensure accurate and consistent messaging. 
• Photography and Videography: Produced high-quality photographs and videos of various events, meetings, and initiatives related to the Council. Used professional equipment and editing software to ensure visually appealing and engaging content. 
• Content Creation: Created compelling visual content, including photo galleries, videos, and multimedia presentations, to support communication campaigns, websites, social media platforms, and other communication channels. 
• Event Coverage: Attend and document educational, cultural, and sports events organized or supported by the Council of Governors. Capture key moments, conduct interviews, and produce multimedia content showcasing these events' impact and importance. 

Communications and Digital Media Officer - Greengate Media Kenya. 08/2015 – 06/2016

• Internal Communications: Facilitated effective internal communication within the organization - preparing internal newsletters, memos, and announcements to keep employees informed about important updates, policies, and events
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to gather information, coordinate communications, and promote collaboration and engagement.
• Social Media Management: Managed the organization's social media presence, including developing social media strategies, scheduling posts, responding to comments and messages, and monitoring social media analytics to track the effectiveness of campaigns. 
• Media Relations: Developed and maintained relationships with media outlets, journalists, and reporters. Act as a spokesperson for the organization, handling media inquiries, arranging interviews, and coordinating press conferences and media events. 
• Public Affairs: Developed and implemented public affairs strategies to disseminate information about the organization's activities, policies, and initiatives. This may involve preparing press releases, statements, speeches, and other communications materials to ensure accurate and consistent messaging. 
• Content Creation: Engaging and informative content for various digital platforms such as websites, social media, blogs, and email newsletters. This included writing articles, designing graphics, recording videos, and capturing photos. 

Digital Media Producer, Africa Insight Communications 07/2013-07/2015 

• Content Strategy: Collaborated with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive content strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and target audience. This included identifying content themes, determining the most suitable digital platforms, and establishing content distribution plans. 
• Project Management: Planned, coordinated, and managed the entire lifecycle of digital media projects, defining project goals and deliverables, creating production timelines, allocating resources, and ensuring projects stay on track and within budget. 
• Content Creation and Curation: Oversaw the creation of digital media content such as videos, podcasts, infographics, animations, and interactive multimedia experiences.

scripts, storyboarding, directing, editing, and providing creative guidance to the production team.

• Team Collaboration: Supervised a team of content creators, videographers, graphic designers, animators, and other specialists to ensure smooth production processes. Provide guidance, feedback, and creative direction to ensure the quality and consistency of the digital media output. 
• Technical Expertise: Stayed updated with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in the digital media industry. Maintain knowledge of video editing software, animation tools, graphic design software, and other relevant technologies.

News Media Producer- Ilhas News Agency – Nairobi Office. 04/2011 – 05/2014

• News Story Development: Collaborated with journalists and reporters to brainstorm story ideas, research potential topics, and identify newsworthy events and trends. Provide guidance and support in developing compelling and balanced news stories. 
• Editorial Direction: Set the editorial direction and priorities for the news team. Determine which stories should be covered, assign reporters to specific assignments, and establish deadlines for content production. 
• Coordination and Planning: Coordinated with various teams within the news organization, such as reporters, editors, photographers, and videographers, to plan coverage of news events. Ensured effective communication and coordination among team members. 
• Content Production: Oversaw the production process of news stories. This includes monitoring progress, reviewing and editing content, and ensuring adherence to journalistic standards, style guidelines, and legal and ethical considerations. 
• Newsroom Management: Managed the day-to-day operations of the newsroom. This involves organizing workflow, scheduling shifts, assigning resources, and ensuring that all tasks are completed on time. 
• News Gathering: Stayed updated on current events, news trends, and emerging stories. Monitor news wires, social media, and other sources to identify potential news stories and ensure the news team stays informed.

Communications Associate - aCatalyst Consulting. 01/2010 – 02/2011 

• Media Relations: Developed and maintained relationships with media outlets, journalists, and reporters. Act as a spokesperson for the organization, handling media inquiries, arranging interviews, and coordinating press conferences and media events. 
• Public Affairs: Developed and implemented public affairs strategies to disseminate information about the organization's activities, policies, and initiatives. This may involve preparing press releases, statements, speeches, and other communications materials to ensure accurate and consistent messaging. 
• Internal Communications: Facilitated effective internal communication within the organization - preparing internal newsletters, memos, and announcements to keep employees informed about important updates, policies, and events. 
• Social Media Management: Oversaw the organization's social media presence and strategy. Created and curated content for social media platforms, monitored online conversations and engaged with followers to build and maintain a positive online presence. 
• Brand Management: Helped maintain and enhance the organization's brand identity and reputation. Develop branding guidelines, ensure consistency in messaging and visual representation, and actively promote the organization's brand through various communication channels. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, such as government agencies, NGOs, business partners, and community groups. Collaborate with them to promote the organization's objectives and foster positive relationships.

2020 – Ongoing Masters in Corporate Communications

University of Nairobi

2009 – 2013 Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Productions

University of Nairobi

2007 – 2009 Diploma in Mass Communication

East African School of Media Studies

2007 – 2009 Diploma in Broadcast Journalism and Media Studies

Institute of commercial Management (ICM)

2009 – 2010 Certificate in 3D and Multimedia

Shang Tao Media Arts College

2004 – 2006 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)

Aga Khan High School, Nairobi.