Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Voluntary Work
Timeline
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Ruaraidh Swainson

Ruaraidh Swainson

London

Summary

A strategic and politically astute communications professional with an academic background in Politics & International Relations (MA) and Political Communication (MSc). Passionate about the power of effective communication in politics, I bring experience in both consultancy and in-house communications. Now, I am eager to apply that experience in a fast-paced political environment, supporting the causes I believe in and helping to shape the narrative.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work history

Communications Officer

Energy Institute
London
11.2024 - Current
  • The only dedicated Communications professional within the department, reporting directly to the Head of Communications and Marketing
  • Coordinate communications with members of EI branches in the UK and internationally
  • Prepare press releases and speeches for senior representatives of the EI
  • Led the planning, implementation, and execution of the social media strategy at the organisation's major annual conference
  • Coordinate and produce a monthly newsletter shared with 30,000 members and affiliates of the EI
  • Track media coverage of the EI to measure the impact of the communications strategy and events

Account Executive

Lowick
London
10.2023 - 11.2024
  • Carried out stakeholder research, including full stakeholder audits, on behalf of major companies such as Google, and developers such as Landsec
  • Conducted regular media monitoring for clients, analysing the narrative developing about them and political developments that could impact their work
  • Attended events on behalf of clients, interacting with the public to generate support for the client's project
  • Produced press releases, leaflets, and emails to stakeholders on behalf of clients
  • Undertook secretariat work for one of the largest and most recognisable brands in the world, identifying communication opportunities that aligned with the Labour manifesto, and contributions from stakeholders that aligned with the brand's communications strategy
  • Organised an event with the now Business and Trade Secretary in a Westminster venue, attended by several leading figures from multiple industries
  • Led the creation of a weekly political intelligence report to be shared with clients

Charity Fundraiser

Shelter
London
09.2021 - 01.2022
  • Engaged members of the public with the values and ambitions of Shelter
  • Used innovative techniques to persuade individuals and families to donate to Shelter on a monthly basis
  • After only a short period I was offered shifts as a Team Leader during which I would motivate other fundraisers, assist new members of the team with their communication skills and update the management team on our progress

Hub Worker

St Mungo's
Oxford, Oxfordshire
11.2020 - 08.2021
  • Collaborated with welfare services, housing providers, and other professionals, including addiction charities and employment support officers to help rough sleepers transform their lives.
  • Took on the role of Client Involvement Lead Worker for the service, networking with colleagues from multiple other services across the South of England, chaired the services first Virtual Residents Meeting and participated in meetings with St Mungo's campaigns forum, which lobbies the government on behalf of Rough Sleepers.
  • Worked closely with a dynamic team, in an intense and stressful environment during the Covid-19 pandemic, to support vulnerable and often challenging individuals.

Voluntary Office Assistant

Drew Hendry MP
Inverness, Highland
10.2015 - 06.2016
  • Assisted my local MP's constituency office with Administrative tasks
  • Worked closely with the office manager to deliver on the member's programme
  • Engaged with constituents and local businesses by telephone and email when they reached out to the MP for support

Education

Master of Science - Political Communication

University of Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Master of Arts - Politics And International Relations

University Of Aberdeen
Aberdeen
2020

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Strategic and creative mindset
  • Research and writing Skills
  • Personable team member
  • Passion for politics
  • Positive attitude
  • Social media savvy
  • AI communications skills
  • Clean drivers license

Voluntary Work

Currently working with a small group to establish a campaign group in support of electoral reform for young Labour members

Timeline

Communications Officer

Energy Institute
11.2024 - Current

Account Executive

Lowick
10.2023 - 11.2024

Charity Fundraiser

Shelter
09.2021 - 01.2022

Hub Worker

St Mungo's
11.2020 - 08.2021

Voluntary Office Assistant

Drew Hendry MP
10.2015 - 06.2016

Master of Science - Political Communication

University of Amsterdam

Master of Arts - Politics And International Relations

University Of Aberdeen

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Ruaraidh Swainson