DANNI O'CONNELL
South West London
Summary
A seasoned professional with a proven track record in developing services, projects, and organisations efficiently. Skilled in managing large teams with a warm, positive approach and adept at working with well-known clients to align projects with their KPIs and objectives. Expertise in top-quality communications and social media management, growing key audiences, and enhancing brand messaging to create strong advocacy for stakeholders. Experienced in navigating multi-level companies to achieve positive results and committed to developing programmes for equality and diversity. Proficient in training and recruiting teams, delivering personalised programmes, remaining calm under pressure, problem-solving, communication skills, public speaking, and team building. Takes on challenging new role harnessing interpersonal skills, collaboration and problem-solving. Driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Communications Manager
Kier Group
2024.05 - 2025.05
- Develop a better relationship between community and works.
- To create press releases based on updates around the site works.
- To develop an effective online tool to develop and engage with the wider public.
- Manage a team of Community Engagement Officers, Interns and Project Managers.
- Manage communications plan.
- To work closely with the clients to develop a stronger online communications presence.
- Work with local communities to smooth out issues, and run the Engagement team.
Community Engagement Specialist
HS2
2023.08 - 2024.02
- Develop a better relationship with HS2 and local authorities, businesses, residents and the press.
- To create press releases based on updates around the HS2 site works.
- To develop an effective online tool to develop and engage with the wider public.
- Manage a team of Community Engagement Officers, Interns and Project Managers.
- To work closely with the clients to develop a stronger online communications presence.
- Fostered a sense of belonging amongst community members by leading engagement activities.
- Conducted surveys to understand communal needs, resulting in relevant program development.
- Worked closely with volunteers; resulted in successful event organisation efforts.
- Pitched sponsorship proposals, securing financial support for numerous initiatives.
Head of Advocacy Services & Healthwatch Manager
The Advocacy Project
2022.12 - 2023.08
- Develop three new services of Healthwatch in Brent, Westminster and RBKC.
- To recruit 15 members of staff across all services.
- To develop social media, online presence for each service.
- To work with other services to develop more impact within local communities.
- To fundraise, write bids and collate contracts in order to create more revenue.
- Train teams on effective communications.
- Develop better online customer engagement.
- To meet all targets, KPIs and objectives.
- Delegated tasks efficiently to maximise productivity.
- Streamlined communication channels, enhanced internal information flow.
- Maintained inventory control, reduced stock shortages.
- Enforced safety regulations to reduce workplace accidents.
Community Engagement and EDI Lead
Richmond Council
2022.06 - 2022.12
- Developed services tailored to resident needs, fostering key stakeholder relationships.
- Led initiatives representing residents with learning disabilities and mental health diagnoses.
- Executed daily operations with precision and efficiency.
- Provided respectful and friendly assistance as required.
- Acquired and applied new skills promptly to enhance productivity.
- Delivered tasks successfully within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
RUILS
2021.01 - 2022.05
- Executed yearlong pilot empowering individuals with learning disabilities and autism to establish businesses and activities.
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders, community groups, and national charities, including MIND and Public Health England.
- Facilitated creation of three enterprises, engaging approximately 80 socially isolated individuals due to COVID.
- Collaborated with marketing department to optimise advertising strategy effectiveness.
Refugee Resettlement Coordinator/ Community Solutions Lead
Hounslow Council
2020.01 - 2021.01
- Helped work in a crisis hub for the residents of Hounslow, with a particular focus on refugees arriving into Hounslow.
- Worked towards building resilient, empowered lives for families.
- Managed differing issues from residents restricted by COVID, and worked with other organizations to ensure safety and reduce poverty and risk.
Criminal Justice Coordinator
CGL, Richmond
2013.05 - 2016.01
- Created key working relationships with stakeholders and Council commissioners.
- Facilitated Self-Advocacy groups and taught key Borough wide Advocacy training.
- Managed and trained 45 Volunteer Advocates throughout the borough, and 6 Self- Advocacy groups for differing groups of individuals.
- Promoted justice by hearing and resolving legal cases.
- Adjudicated civil and criminal cases towards maintaining law and order.
Education
BA Hons - English Literature and Professional/ Creative Writing
St Mary University London
2013.01 - 2014.01
Skills
- Developing services, projects and organisations more efficiently
- Managing large teams in a warm, positive way
- Working with well-known clients and developing projects alongside their KPIs and objectives
- Top quality communications and social media management
- Developing key audiences and growing online followings
- Working with brand messaging and creating strong Advocacy for stakeholders
- Working within a multi-level company with differing stakeholders to create positive results
- Developing programmes for equality and diversity
- Training and recruiting teams of people in roles and delivering personalised programmes
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Public speaking
- Team building
Custom
Available on demand
Timeline
Senior Communications Manager
Kier Group
2024.05 - 2025.05
Community Engagement Specialist
HS2
2023.08 - 2024.02
Head of Advocacy Services & Healthwatch Manager
The Advocacy Project
2022.12 - 2023.08
Community Engagement and EDI Lead
Richmond Council
2022.06 - 2022.12
Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
RUILS
2021.01 - 2022.05
Refugee Resettlement Coordinator/ Community Solutions Lead
Hounslow Council
2020.01 - 2021.01
Criminal Justice Coordinator
CGL, Richmond
2013.05 - 2016.01
BA Hons - English Literature and Professional/ Creative Writing
St Mary University London
2013.01 - 2014.01