Atif Mehmood
Strategic Communications Consultant
Lahore,Punjab
Summary
A Strategic Communications and Outreach Specialist, with 14 years of experience in over 3 different continents with a proven record of accomplishments in designing actionable communications and outreach strategies, advancing organizational mission priorities. Pro-actively managing and supporting organizational strategy and key programmes. Creating actionable engagements and outreach strategies, focusing on continuous innovative resource development methodologies, building lasting relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Nurturing brand awareness and client's value and establishing press relations, managing client portfolios, nurturing lasting friendships with existing/potential donors, internal/external stakeholders and professional relationships. Experience of reporting to, liaising and advising Board of Directors, senior management, government officials and members of congress.
Overview
5
5
years of post-secondary education
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Communications Consultant
Euro Oil (PVT) Ltd
Lahore, UK
05.2018 - 11.2020
- Launched Euro Oil , oil-marketing in Pakistan, to compete directly with SHELL Total.
- Reported directly to the Board of Directors and BBE Capital (UK); established a joint venture with Jordanian Petroleum consortium.
- Created the Branding and Marketing Department from inception, co-created HR Department, worked on HR manual, policies, identification and implementation of SOPs for all departments.
- Researched, designed and developed communication strategies and company's brand book, with award winning British designer, David Davis.
- Hired and managed both Ogilvy and Mullenlowerauf on digital/non-digital marketing strategies and with DCC on brand activation campaigns throughout Pakistan.
- Proficiently negotiated with Russia and Malaysia for distribution rights in Pakistan as Euro Oil's official lubricant partners, worked closely with both these companies on all marketing campaigns, branding, TVC/DVC and official launch events.
- Personally launched the first 4 oil pumps for Euro Oil across Pakistan, overseeing all brand activation, PR events, press and interviews.
- Concept Development and Creative Services.
- Internal branding and communication/ Community management.
- Campaign Design Visuals/Campaign Design Final Artworks.
- Digital - always on content/Website Design & Development.
- Social Media Management/Brand Activation / PR Events
- Oversaw professional social media messaging through content development, follower engagement, social listening, trend analysis and by leveraging competitor research.
- Prepared for public relations presentations and plans by gathering information on business objectives, vision, brand strategy, competition and industry trends.
- Studied objectives, promotional policies or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies influencing public opinion or promoting ideas.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Prepared or edited organizational publications such as employee newsletters or stockholder reports for internal or external audiences.
- Created unified messaging of public relations efforts in conjunction with advertising campaigns by working closely with marketing peers.
- Increased revenues and supported business goals by developing public relations strategies and campaigns.
Communications Consultant & Volunteer
Earls Court Youth Club (ECYC)
London, Greater London
03.2016 - 04.2018
- Provided strategic communications and fundraising services.
- Advised the Board of Directors and private donors on developing effective communication strategies to raise awareness on child abuse and anti-bullying issues across the UK.
- Raised awareness and support for suicide awareness program at ECYC by developing digital and non- digital awareness campaigns.
- Volunteered for the ECYC Big Brother Youth Initiative Program in collaboration with the Chelsea Football Club's Young Entrepreneurship Program by Provided career/educational counseling.
- Monitored effectiveness of various campaigns and communication strategies.
- Worked with marketing teams to design campaigns and communications.
Strategic Communications Consultant
USAID Reproductive Health and HPV Vaccine Africa
Washington DC, USA
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Member of the Knowledge Gateway: An electronic communication platform for people working in health and development through virtual networks and online discussions to facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange developed by WHO: The IBP Initiative.
- Helped develop outreach strategy to provide medical care/HPV vaccines/reproductive healthcare to regions of conflict and tribal areas within Africa.
- Collected raw quantitative/qualitative data, working closely with African based agencies tasked by USAID ; researched and compiled raw data to create presentable data for future fundraising and annual progress report.
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with my communications colleagues in Africa to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications.
- Responded to requests for information from African authorities.
Director of Political Communications
Georgetown Post (GTP)
Washington DC, The District of Columbia
08.2014 - 01.2016
- Organized and managed 4 senatorial election campaigns on a $60M budget.
- Developed and implemented political communication strategies and client relationships with the media and voters, resulting in all 4 candidates winning against fierce competition.
- Managed a team of 30+ personnel, including operation managers, researchers, analysts, writers, contractors and volunteers in a busy open plan press office
- Reported directly to the CCO and CEO working independently under aggressive deadlines, managing teams to meet time-sensitive targets
- Responsible for the collection and dissemination of qualitative/quantitative data and identification of strategic methodology needed to influence voters with targeted adaptive messaging
- Oversaw and approved candidate speeches, blogs, op-eds, press releases, press interview questions and organized press conferences
- Managed and oversaw all press office/outsourced Public Relations activities.
Associate Director Communications
GEORGETOWN POST MEDIA, GTP
Washington DC, United States, USA
06.2006 - 01.2016
- Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations.
- Managed a cross-functional team of 10+ writers, digital/non-digital communication associates, designers and 3 subcontractors.
- Successfully negotiated subcontracts that led to significant
reduction in project costs. - Analyzed and developed strategies for process improvements and deviation reduction by consulting with agency experts.
- Performed earned value analysis to effectively manage the project cost and schedule.
- Responsible for communicating with internal and external stakeholders on the progress of the upcoming senate election.
- Organized GTP's proposal team to raise private funding from businesses and private investors; acquired $3.5M of additional sponsorship in 6 months for upcoming senate campaigns.
Investigative Journalist, Editor and Producer
Freelance Journalist
London, UK
11.2009 - 05.2013
- Investigated and reported on political, social and economic issues, including an in-depth coverage of the 2010 London riots and aftermath
- Co-wrote, produced and presented online news segments focused on Business news, political and social issues for London Alive
- Drafted and edited independent articles for a number of news agencies, most notably for the Holloway Express, writing feature piece articles on the impact of the economic decline.
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes and approved final versions for publication.
- Worked with graphic artists, post-production team members and other specialists to produce captivating and successful content.
- Interviewed sources and developed relationships with informants to obtain vital information for stories.
- Communicated directly with reporters to assess stories and improve quality of work.
- Assigned stories, led content development meetings and reviewed completed stories to guide execution of concepts and tone.
Co-founder & Managing Director
AVISAS EXPRESS LTD
London, UK
06.2006 - 03.2012
- Founded and managed corporate experience company from conception to completion
- Created and provided corporate team building seminars and activities
- Managed marketing team with a limited budget for initial outreach
- Utilized cheaper advertising methods and raised company profile via business conferences and events for the City of London's business community
- Re-adjusted the annual marketing plan and business strategy to help the business successfully survive the 2008 recession.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Drove implementation of new market expansion to propel business forward and adapt to market changes.
- Investigated and addressed business development challenges to proactively mitigate problems.
- Established and administered annual budget with controls to prevent overages, minimize burn rate and support sustainability objectives.
- Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and services and to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Managed key accounts, including developing sales presentations and promotion initiatives to drive product sales and increase brand awareness.
Education
Master of Arts - Strategic Communications
American University
Washington DC, USA 08.2013 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
London Metropolitan University
London, UK 09.2009 - 07.2011
Bachelor of Arts - International Business
University of Westminster
London, UK 09.2001 - 07.2003
Skills
Strategic communications
Timeline
Strategic Communications Consultant
Euro Oil (PVT) Ltd
05.2018 - 11.2020
Communications Consultant & Volunteer
Earls Court Youth Club (ECYC)
03.2016 - 04.2018
Strategic Communications Consultant
USAID Reproductive Health and HPV Vaccine Africa
01.2016 - 12.2016
Director of Political Communications
Georgetown Post (GTP)
08.2014 - 01.2016
Master of Arts - Strategic Communications
American University
08.2013 - 08.2014
Investigative Journalist, Editor and Producer
Freelance Journalist
11.2009 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
London Metropolitan University
09.2009 - 07.2011
Associate Director Communications
GEORGETOWN POST MEDIA, GTP
06.2006 - 01.2016
Co-founder & Managing Director
AVISAS EXPRESS LTD
06.2006 - 03.2012
Bachelor of Arts - International Business
University of Westminster
09.2001 - 07.2003
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