Hope Chawala Banda
Communications Specialist
Lilongwe,Malawi
Summary
Ambitious Communications Specialist possessing strong public relations, communication and project management abilities. Excels in managing print communications and enforcing proactive media plans. Diverse credentials in both private and public industry sectors. Detailed professional with writing and marketing experience. Communicative and motivated individual well-versed in conducting creative, proactive media outreach and pitch ideas. Recognized as strong team player with background in copywriting and editing.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Public Relations Consultant
Mikoko Repute
Mzuzu, Malawi
09.2021 - Current
- Wrote press releases for routine use and crisis management.
- Communicated with media weekly to build relationships and optimize press coverage.
- Assisted with marketing strategy development to increase public awareness and customer engagement.
- Developed over 20 brand media relations strategies that bolstered community awareness and knowledge.
- Produced and distributed internal and external communications.
- Developed and implemented social media strategy to increase engagement by 15% and reach new audiences.
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications.
- Supported over 10 public relations managers with writing, researching and preparation of materials.
- Studied objectives, promotional policies or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies influencing public opinion or promoting ideas.
Journalist
Northern Region Information Office
Mzuzu, Malawi
12.2021 - 11.2022
- Cultivated strong relationships with sources and other contacts to support leads and story development.
- Edited and proofread 100% of articles to achieve peak accuracy and quality.
- Wrote 2-5 pieces and news stories for online publication, coordinating images and layout to deliver proper presentation.
- Utilized social media to engage readers and promote content.
- Performed research and checked facts to maintain high standard of journalistic integrity.
- Applied understanding of public opinion, social media, and traditional media use to create engaging and attention-grabbing stories.
Project Lead
GrandPen Community
Mangochi, Malawi
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Partnered with over 25 project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
- Planned, executed, and controlled assigned projects, ensuring work performed complied with contractual requirements.
- Maintained tactical control of project budgets and timelines to keep teams on task and achieve schedule targets.
- Produced quality standards, checklists, report templates, and processes.
- Developed and trained 20 junior team members by leveraging industry experience to achieve optimal project strategy.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
Chief Editor
Trendy Magazine
Lilongwe, Malawi
01.2021 - 06.2022
- Oversaw, trained and developed over 30 writers and associates, assistants and junior editors to optimize production and quality of work.
- Supported and encouraged editorial board to provide independent and objective advice, opinions and perspectives to enhance publication.
- Adhered to ethical guidelines and standards to promote responsible publication and media practices.
- Solicited and encouraged public reviews and commentaries on trending topics and subjects of topical interest.
- Led and managed multiple projects from conceptual stage through to launch.
- Managed team of 20 writers and junior editors to deliver accurate and engaging content.
Managing Editor
GrandPen Publications
Mangochi, Malawi
09.2020 - 06.2022
- Oversaw publication of over 20 digital and print products, aligning multi-media content strategies to maintain cohesive brand identity.
- Oversaw compliance with style guide, editorial guidelines and brand identity throughout entire publication portfolio.
- Proposed ancillary projects and products to expand diversity of editorial offerings and revenue opportunities.
- Conducted editorial meetings with staff members to collaborate and review proposed publication suggestions.
- Handled final proofreading, copy editing and revision functions for over 15 books.
- Delegated and tracked each staff member's assignments and deadlines.
- Worked with graphic artists, post-production team members and other specialists to produce captivating and successful content.
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes, and approved final versions for publication.
- Communicated directly with writers to collaboratively assess work and guide editorial improvements.
- Managed freelance editorial teams, coordinating 10 remote workers to achieve prescribed deliverable milestones
Project Management Consultant
Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi
Mzuzu, Malawi
02.2022 - 05.2022
- Determined appropriate budgets and oversaw expenses.
- Established parameters and managed schedule throughout project.
- Managed and oversaw 5 junior project consultants and delegated tasks for timely execution.
- Scheduled and participated in meetings to discuss project progress and identify solutions to bottlenecks.
- Applied knowledge of project management life cycle to keep project work moving smoothly.
- Tracked project progress and updates and monitored deliverables, milestones and issues for accurate reporting.
Junior Public Relations Consultant
Marketing Machine Consultancy Firm
Lilongwe, Malawi
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Facilitated and oversaw media presence for firm and clients, working together with media community.
- Directly involved with clients and their representatives, ensuring uniformity of messaging that goes to their publics through media.
- Developed and monitored over 30 social media marketing strategies resulting in customer retention, demand creation and good will.
- Wrote professional copies for firm and clients such as speeches, press releases, media partnership letters, and emails.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Participated in 100% team projects, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Programs and Production Intern
Radio ABC
Lilongwe, Malawi
02.2020 - 04.2021
- Generated on-air promotional scripts to promote client marketing and advertising initiatives and improved revenue by 10%.
- Researched topics for comment and discussion.
- Delivered exceptional programming to audience members by always researching events, guests, and programs thoroughly.
- Interviewed show guests and moderated discussions.
- Operated studio equipment and produced show advertisements.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
News and Production Intern
ABC TV
Lilongwe, Malawi
04.2019 - 04.2021
- Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging, and fact-checked stories.
- Built strong relationships with sources to gain access to exclusive information.
- Captured and edited audio, video and photographs to provide multimedia content to enhance stories.
- Edited stories for accuracy and clarity.
- Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication
African Bible College
Lilongwe, Malawi 08.2017 - 06.2021
Skills
Public Relations
Communications development
Media relations
Information gathering
Social media marketing
Reputation management
Communications management
Campaign management
Organization and Time Management
Accomplishments
- Published "Honestly, how are you": A detailed guide to mental hygiene, GrandPen Publications (November, 2022)
- Published "I burnt my suicide note", a collection of stories on depression, suicide and other mental health issues, GrandPen Publications (May, 2022)
- Published "Little roar, thirty echoes", a collection of poems on various issues affecting Africa, GrandPen Publications (July, 2021)
Certification
Certificate in Project Management Essentials, Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation (2023)
Timeline
Project Management Consultant
Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi
02.2022 - 05.2022
Project Lead
GrandPen Community
01.2022 - 06.2022
Journalist
Northern Region Information Office
12.2021 - 11.2022
Public Relations Consultant
Mikoko Repute
09.2021 - Current
Junior Public Relations Consultant
Marketing Machine Consultancy Firm
06.2021 - 09.2021
Chief Editor
Trendy Magazine
01.2021 - 06.2022
Managing Editor
GrandPen Publications
09.2020 - 06.2022
Programs and Production Intern
Radio ABC
02.2020 - 04.2021
News and Production Intern
ABC TV
04.2019 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication
African Bible College
08.2017 - 06.2021