Résumé: Shawn Whalen

Summary

An experienced and organized advertising, communications and media professional. Highly successful in designing and executing creative advertising and marketing campaigns on tight deadlines. Able to analyze and address issues quickly in high-stress environments. Proven ability to work equally well in both a collaborative team environment and independently with minimal supervision. Creative thinker with strong attention to detail. Motivated and results-driven.

Work

Design and Marketing Director / Owner
Clear Image, Toronto

September 2015 – Present

• Operate a dynamic design and marketing company to help businesses reach more customers and grow
• Direct and oversee all company projects by setting clear objectives, managing a team of skilled employees, communicating with all involved and delivering exceptional services and products to our clients to help them achieve their business objectives
• Manage a variety of project types, such as brand identity strategy/design, web design/development, advertising campaigns, digital marketing, social media strategy, search engine optimization, video production, photography, signage design/production, printed marketing materials
• Manage sales and relationships with clients and partners in various industries to identify design and marketing needs and provide expert recommendations and service

Marketing Manager
CN Tower, Toronto

May 2023 – Present

• Manage external and internal marketing for Canada’s National Tower

Professor (part-time faculty)
Durham College, Oshawa

August 2018 – Present

• Teach “Sales, Marketing & Promotions”, “Design & Conceptual Process” and “Digital Illustration & Imaging” courses at the Faculty of Media, Art & Design
• Prepare lesson plans and course materials such as homework, assignments and handouts
• Effectively communicate curriculum through in-depth lectures, in-class activities, case studies and lab work
• Initiate, facilitate and moderate classroom discussions to challenge and motivate students
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work and assignments, providing constructive feedback
• Plan, evaluate and revise course outlines, course materials and methods of instruction
• Develop and update online course content within learning management systems to assist student learning

Promotions and Marketing Director
Indie88, Toronto

October 2013 – October 2015

• Manage all external marketing, promotions and events for radio station Indie88 to increase market share
• Work with sales teams and clients to create and implement advertising campaigns that deliver strong ROI
• Plan and execute promotional events to reach our target demographic and create a lasting impression
• Identify concerts, events and festivals that are a fit for media partnership opportunities
• Negotiate and book artists and performers for various station events, working with agents to secure talent
• Work closely and collaboratively with all other departments to ensure station events and promotions opportunities are flawlessly executed
• Supervise and manage staff so they can perform at their best, encouraging individual growth
• Collaborate with writers, producers and designers to develop the best creative for each individual campaign
• Write and schedule promotional copy, web and social media content to support promotional campaigns
• Write and deliver presentations to clients with exceptional attention to detail
• Prepare and review post-campaign wrap-reports to evaluate the success of each event or promotion
• Write and distribute timely press releases to increase media impressions

Promotions and Marketing Director / Assistant Program Director
Bell Media Inc., Kingston

March 2008 – October 2013

• Manage all communications, branding, external marketing and promotions for radio stations 98.3 FLY FM and 98.9 THE DRIVE, resulting in each radio station achieving the number one audience position in their target demographic
• Work with management team and research consultants to develop and implement annual strategic plan to grow and hold market position
• Conduct and examine weekly research surveys on radio station branding, content and music to ensure each element is reaching and resonating with target audience
• Collaborate with sales team and clients on advertising campaigns and partnership opportunities
• Maintain detailed expense forecasts consistent with department budget
• Manage websites and social media presence for both radio station brands with an audience of over 30,000 fans/followers, the largest in the market
• Act as a brand ambassador and liaison on behalf of the company with external partners and organizations to strengthen community relationships
• Host a daily on-air shift, utilizing excellent oral communication skills

Volunteer

Director
Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Kingston

April 2011 – October 2013

• Chair of “Connect: The Business Expo” event committee, organizing and marketing the largest business-to-business networking event in the region
• Attend and participate in board meetings and networking events to strengthen the local business community
• Develop and consult on communications strategy to promote the Chamber of Commerce
• Contributing writer for Chamber of Commerce print publication “Kingston Business Today”

Chair, Next Gen Cabinet / Director, Campaign Cabinet
United Way serving Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, Kingston

September 2011 – October 2013

• Draft communications strategy to influence and engage the 25 to 40-year-old target demographic with the United Way, including marketing strategy, fundraising initiatives, event planning and social media
• Conduct interviews and write press releases as media spokesperson for the United Way Next Gen to increase media impressions
• Support United Way initiatives, with a focus on healthy communities, reducing poverty and homelessness

Education

Algonquin College
Broadcasting – Radio, Ottawa

2002 – 2004

• Relevant courses included: Marketing, Sales and Promotion; Communications; Media Sales; Media Relations; Digital Communications; Research Methods; News Writing; Script Writing; Commercial Writing

Other Skills

• Earned Google Ads Certifications and experienced with digital advertising strategies and implementation
• Strong understanding of SEO best-practices and tactics
• Excellent computer and graphic design skills (Windows and Mac: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)
• Proficient with online design and publishing using content management systems including WordPress with working knowledge of HTML and CSS
• Solid understanding of social media and digital platforms and their importance for effective communication
• Exceptional communications and interpersonal skills