Public Relations and Events Coordinator - University of the Western Cape - Bellville, Cape Town
(2010-05)
Dynamic and experienced Programme Coordinator and Personal Assistant with extensive expertise in operational management, event coordination, and executive support. Skilled at managing complex projects, handling administrative duties, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders. Strong background in report writing, financial management, and logistics coordination for large-scale events. Adept at improving processes to boost organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Project manage and coordinate events for the University, liaising with provincial, national, and international dignitaries and guests.
- Developed and standardized operational procedures for graduation ceremonies, ensuring adherence to institutional policies.
- Successfully managed high-profile events, including the Annual Leah & Desmond Tutu International Peace Lectures, Kind and Queen visit of Belgium, Hilary Clinton visit, Jakes Gerwel Memorial and other; and many more
- Facilitated logistical coordination for all Orientation and Graduation Ceremonies from 2010-2016, enhancing the overall event experience. Currently only oversee smooth voc operations.
- Liaise with faculties and external organizations to ensure best practices in event and risk management, including compliance with UWC policies.
- Established and managed Joint Operation and Venue Operational Centres for high-profile events, ensuring a seamless execution of protocols
- Provide executive assistance to senior management, preparing briefing documents and acknowledgment lists for events where required
- Served on key committees, including the Senate, Graduation and other event Committees, contributing to strategic decision-making processes
TBP Coordinator and PA to Director - Africa Genome Education Institute - Claremont, Cape Town
(2009-05 - 2010-04)
Dynamic and experienced Programme Coordinator with a proven track record in event and logistics management, administrative support, and stakeholder liaison. Skilled at organizing large-scale events, coordinating with regional teams, and providing comprehensive administrative assistance. Adept at improving processes and ensuring smooth execution of programme activities, while maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Managed daily administrative functions, ensuring efficiency across TBP operations.
- Supervised interns and TBP activities in the absence of the Director, ensuring operational continuity.
- Maintained internal databases, ensuring accurate record-keeping and data management.
- Produced detailed financial reports, tracked expenses, and ensured accurate acknowledgment of donations.
- Planned, organized, and executed logistics for conferences and workshops, including venue booking, accommodation, travel, catering, and entertainment
- Sourced event donations, led marketing initiatives, and evaluated the success of events with comprehensive post-event reports.
- Coordinated site visits and managed relationships with service providers for smooth event execution
- Assisted the Director with scheduling, diary management, and travel arrangements.
- Prepared financial expenditure reports and other documents as required.
- Provided administrative support to ensure seamless programme execution and supported high-level meetings through minutes and reports for the SEEDS Consortium.
Programme Coordinator - SANGOCO Western Cape - Woodstock, Cape Town
(2008-12 - 2009-04)
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in programme coordination, operational management, and events planning. Proven expertise in fundraising, financial reporting, and strategic programme development. Adept at liaising with high-level stakeholders and managing complex projects across civil society, academic, and health sectors.
Strong leadership, negotiation, and administrative skills, complemented by a consistent track record of executing large-scale events and workshops.
- Played a crucial role in organizing a major provincial-wide programme, culminating in a Provincial Summit at Goudini Spa, attended by over 300 leaders in NGO/CBO to plan civil society activities in the province.
- Liaised with six regional offices to track RSVPs and ensure accurate participant information for the summit.
- Worked closely with the Provincial Development Committee (PDC) to coordinate logistics, including venue booking, managing participant numbers, and other event-related tasks.
- Ensured the smooth running of activities leading up to and during the event, handling last-minute adjustments and troubleshooting on-site.
- Acted as the primary liaison with the PDC and other stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and task coordination for the successful execution of the summit.
- Actively participated in SANGOCO's Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meetings, contributing to strategic discussions and providing updates on event planning.
- Managed filing systems, updated databases, and maintained accurate records of participants and stakeholders.
- Drafted correspondence, managed internal communications, and provided support in writing project management reports.
- Coordinated the graphic design and layout of SANGOCO's annual publication, collaborating with external designers.
Marketing and Fund Developer - Epilepsy South Africa Western Cape - Lansdowne, Cape Town
(2007-07 - 2008-11)
Results-driven Marketing and Fund Developer with a robust background in event management, proposal writing, and public relations. Proven ability to enhance public awareness and secure funding through strategic relationship-building and targeted marketing initiatives. Adept at operational management, ensuring that all activities align with organizational goals and contribute to the mission of raising awareness and supporting individuals affected by epilepsy.
- Planned and coordinated various events throughout the year, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Compiled budgets, sourced donations, and evaluated the effectiveness of events to maximize outreach and engagement.
- Conducted in-depth research to identify potential donors and crafted tailored proposals to secure funding. Maintained ongoing relationships with funders and monitored the outcomes of proposals to ensure successful grant implementation.
- Research and continued collaboration and Coordination of the Eisenhower Fellow's Programme from when I worked at CLPV as shown below: Collaborated closely with the Centre Director and Project Coordinator of the Eisenhower Foundation to organize appointments for American Fellows with senior officials in various sectors. Prepared detailed research profiles to facilitate meetings and provided logistical support throughout the Fellows' stay in South Africa.
- Developed and maintained networks with stakeholders, managed media relations, issued press releases, and worked on branding initiatives. Played a key role in updating the organization's website to enhance visibility.
