Elaine Begley
Chesham,Bucks
Summary
Award-winning communications specialist with 30 years of experience in executing impactful corporate and integrated campaigns for charities, universities, public sector organisations, and global brands. Expertise in driving awareness and engagement through strategic content creation and authentic storytelling. Proficient in media relations, influencer engagement, digital and social media, and stakeholder communications. Proven track record in supporting fundraising initiatives and managing brand experiences.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Communications Consultant
South Bucks Hospice
2023.04 - 2025.12
- Led end‑to‑end communications strategy to increase awareness, fundraising and community engagement. I significantly increased all digital metrics and community reach.
- Delivered creative digital campaigns (organic and paid) targeted at local audiences.
- Captured and managed sensitive human‑interest stories to demonstrate impact.
- Used analytics and insight to improve reach, engagement and performance.
Schools and Communications Officer
Brunel University London
2019.01 - 2024.06
- Increased student enrolment from priority schools and colleges.
- Delivered digital‑first recruitment campaigns using CRM, email, social media, webinars and events.
- Increased engagement across parents, teachers, advisers and students.
PR lecturer
Brunel University
2018.01 - 2023.09
- I taught a PR course PR to Brunel university to students undertaking their NCTJ professional journalism qualification.
Freelance Marketing and PR Roles
Various
2015.01 - 2018.12
- Developed communications strategies for key clients at a leading PR agency during apeak period.
- Acted as interim marketing manager for South Bucks Hospice, facilitating a major rebrand and engaged local supporters in the revitalised charity. I coordinated a major event while overseeing media relations and collateral design.
- Oversaw Piper-Heidsieck’s sponsorship of British Film Institute’s London Film Festival.
Communications Manager
ScotsCare
2006.04 - 2011.05
- Built the communications function from the ground up at this niche charity.
- Increased beneficiaries by 20% and supporter base by over 500%.
- Pioneered digital marketing as the charity’s primary engagement channel.
Senior Agency Roles
Munro and Forster, Stuart Higgins, WeberShandwick
1998.03 - 2006.03
- Led UK and international campaigns for major consumer brands including Kellogg’s, Unilever and PepsiCo.
- Managed issues‑led communications, rebrands and integrated campaigns in the UK and internationally.
- Senior leadership, client counsel and budget responsibility.
- I also led a team to win the PR remit for Cafédirect, the Fairtrade coffee producer and pioneer.
Associate Director
Burson-Marsteller
1998.11 - 2002.08
- As associate director of a dynamic brand marketing practice, my remit was to conceive and direct UK and international communications campaigns for a diverse range of B2B and B2C clients.
- In addition to ensuring the strategic effectiveness and creativity of campaign, responsibilities included leadership, team management and budget control.
Account Manager
Nexus Communications
1995.10 - 1998.11
- I joined this small and innovative agency as amember of the dedicated McVitie’s team handling issues, corporate, trade, internal and brand communications.
- I managed a product launch for a leading brand from concept to execution.
- The agency became an industry success due to the creative and innovative work created during my time there, I was promoted three times to recognise my contribution.
Marketing Position
California Cake and Cookie
1994.10 - 1995.10
- The diversity offered by this marketing position proved valuable as a foundation to my career.
- My marketing efforts resulted in new product listings for this innovative growth company.
Education
BA (Hons) - Marketing
University of Stirling
1990.09 - 1994.05
5 Highers -
Turnbull High School
Glasgow 1985.01 - 1990.05
Skills
- Creative digital campaigns
- Case study writing
- Student enrolment strategies
- PR course instruction
Career breaks and sabbaticals
- 2011 – 2015: Career break to focus on family.
- 2004 – 2005: Volunteer English teacher in Nepal, followed by travel in Asia.
Personal Information
Nationality: British
References
Available on request
Timeline
Communications Consultant
South Bucks Hospice
2023.04 - 2025.12
Schools and Communications Officer
Brunel University London
2019.01 - 2024.06
PR lecturer
Brunel University
2018.01 - 2023.09
Freelance Marketing and PR Roles
Various
2015.01 - 2018.12
Communications Manager
ScotsCare
2006.04 - 2011.05
Associate Director
Burson-Marsteller
1998.11 - 2002.08
Senior Agency Roles
Munro and Forster, Stuart Higgins, WeberShandwick
1998.03 - 2006.03
Account Manager
Nexus Communications
1995.10 - 1998.11
Marketing Position
California Cake and Cookie
1994.10 - 1995.10
BA (Hons) - Marketing
University of Stirling
1990.09 - 1994.05
5 Highers -
Turnbull High School
1985.01 - 1990.05