Carol Wanza
Public Relations and Strategic Communication Professional
Nairobi, Nairobi Province
Summary
With ten years of industry expertise, Carol is a highly skilled and experienced public relations and strategic communication professional. She has a proven track record in designing and executing goal-oriented communication campaigns that consistently yield impactful results. Carol has managed campaigns in both the private and public sectors, providing her with extensive knowledge in media relations, corporate communication, events, and issues and crisis management. Her focus is on fostering strong media relations, producing compelling editorial content, engaging stakeholders effectively, and ensuring effective brand management. She consistently delivers projects that align with organizational goals and enhance brand reputation. As an active member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), she stays updated on the latest industry trends and best practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2024
2024
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Associate Account Director
Apex Porter Novelli
11.2022 - Current
- Awarded 1st runner-up certificate for Best Internal Campaign at the 2023 PRSK Awards for a campaign developed for one of my client accounts
- Developing and maintaining strong business relationships with new and existing clients as well as their stakeholders
- Leading a team of communication experts to execute client campaigns and plans
- Identifying and implementing relevant media relations tactics that amplify client messages and maintain positive relationships with the media
- Leveraging current multimedia strategies to engage client stakeholders in an engaging and impactful manner
- Providing strategic guidance around crisis and issues management including monitoring, scenario mapping, message development, and strategy implementation
- Supporting the business developing team to establish new business opportunities
- Driving revenue growth from existing clients through opportunity mapping
- Other roles which include stakeholder management, content development and training of junior and new team members
- Streamlined account management processes for increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Conducted regular client meetings to review progress, address concerns, and ensure alignment on goals and expectations.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms for clients and the agency.
- Analyzed campaign performance data, making informed recommendations for optimization efforts.
- Managed cross-functional teams, delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Balanced multiple accounts simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively while maintaining exceptional service levels for all clients.
Senior Account Manager
Newmark Group Limited
07.2016 - 11.2022
- Won the Media Relations Campaign of 2019 at the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) awards for impactful media communication of a healthcare services sustainability program that is currently being implemented in 7 countries in Africa
- Established the in-house media relations department for Newmark Group in Africa, which has led to increased revenue by over 50 percent, by using less outsourced talent
- Awarded a certificate of excellence in Media Relations for the 2018 SABRE Africa
- Acknowledged a first runner up in the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK)
- Led the PR department in Africa with at least 8 permanent team members and additional consultants
- Developing, managing, and implementing a portfolio of result-oriented regional communication activities for my client portfolio in Africa
- Setting up templates for standard communication reports which cut down delivery time by 2-3 hours for team members
- Effecting and reporting on media relations strategies for campaigns in Kenya and the region
- Organizing and facilitating external and internal events, panels, and webinars which ensuring that the brand presence and outcomes are achieved
- Giving client advice on market insights, strategy, and ongoing campaigns
- Designing audience-friendly communication and advocacy materials to make a certain impact on targeted stakeholders
- Providing capacity development to junior teams and interns
- Stakeholder management for the implementation of various projects
- Project planning and management to achieve set objectives
- Drafting budgets for proposed activities and tracking their use throughout set periods
- Research and insights collection for accounts to guarantee informed activities targeting various stakeholders
Account Executive
African Laughter Limited
04.2015 - 05.2016
- Developed client proposals that led to the implementation of impactful campaigns for clients such as the Broadways Bread no sugar project
- Increased media visibility of Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa and achieving advertising value of more than KES 500,000 every month
- Researched and developed content for Top 40 under 40 awards published by Business Daily newspaper
- Established an up-to-date media database for key media desks in Kenya to make sure that pitching activities targeted the right editors and reporters for quality media coverage results
Public Communication Intern
Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development
05.2014 - 07.2014
- Documented the digitization process for title deeds through photography and videography
- Contributed weekly content for the Ardhi House website
- Compiled daily media reports for the Cabinet Secretary on coverage and sentiment
Education
Master of Arts - Communication Studies, Development Communication
University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media Technology with IT
Maseno University
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - undefined
Moi Forces Academy
Skills
- Stakeholder relations
- Media relations
- Project management
- Digital and social media communication
- Event planning and management
Campaign management
Product launches
Certification
Project Communication Management, Udemy Online Course
Timeline
Associate Account Director
Apex Porter Novelli
11.2022 - Current
Senior Account Manager
Newmark Group Limited
07.2016 - 11.2022
Account Executive
African Laughter Limited
04.2015 - 05.2016
Public Communication Intern
Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development
05.2014 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media Technology with IT
Maseno University
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - undefined
Moi Forces Academy
Master of Arts - Communication Studies, Development Communication
University of Nairobi
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