MAUREEN NAGASHA MAKUBA
Summary
Experienced communications practitioner with over 10 years of experience specializing in strategic communications, brand communications, and internal communications. Proficient in developing and executing comprehensive public relations strategies, I excel in digital and social media communications, stakeholder management and crisis communication. I have successfully contributed to the communications endeavors of both local and global agencies, as well as regional and local Ugandan institutions. My skills extend to content development for corporate, brand, and ghost-writing requirements, along with a proven track record in event conceptualization, execution, and management.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications and Events Manager
DFCU Bank
12.2022 - Current
- In charge of conceptualizing, planning, and executing diverse events to promote awareness and consumption of DFCU bank's products and services. Successfully achieved a 32% increase in event attendance for flagship events, contributing to heightened brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies, creating impactful content to connect with internal and external stakeholders.
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media outlets, handling media inquiries and interviews to enhance the bank's public image.
- Develop and manage budgets for events and communication campaigns, achieving 25% cost savings through strategic vendor negotiation.
- Successfully fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders like multi-nationals, NGO's resulting in increased sponsorship for major events and supporting collaborative initiatives in line with the bank's mission.
Acting Manager, Communications & Events
DFCU Bank
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Managed bank-wide public relations activities to achieve an AVE of UGX 1,238,490,668 and PRVE of UGX 3,816,692,004 Vs a budget of UGX 4,700,000/ from August - December 2021 from online, broadcast, print PR stories and interviews.
- Handled successful PR launches for several campaigns including Banking at the Speed of U, Cardless ATM Deposits, Visa Rewards campaign, Visa-AFCON Festive Season campaign, DFCU MobiLoan and World Remit Services/ Partnership, Rising Woman Initiative.
- Was in charge of coordination of both internal and external bank communications including writing of press releases, speeches, interview guides, FAQ documents and fact sheets.
- Developed nd executed PR plans for various business campaigns while managing and coordinating the PR agency and media houses for positive coverage of the brand, products, and market activities.
- Wrote all internal communication and monitored adherence to the DFCU communications policy.
Digital and Social Media Specialist
DFCU Bank
09.2018 - 07.2021
- Planned and executed the bank's digital and social media strategy including; managing the social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
- Obtained, attributed and wrote compelling captions and other text for photos, video and other graphics for both print and online use.
- Developed social media calendar, which included scheduling email blasts, social media posts, marketing campaigns, and website updates.
- Successfully grew the Facebook follower count by 41,999 new page likes and by 270.7% on Twitter.
- Optimized the bank's website from 56% in December 2020 to a 95% score at end of 2021.
- Attained 16,169 new followers on LinkedIn; marking a 527.7% growth.
- Trained and regularly supported the online customer service team ensuring quick resolution of customer queries.
- Reviewed and fixed mobile responsiveness for the bank's website - recording over 92K users and over 330K site visits between December 2020 - December 2021.
Senior Account Manager
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Uganda
04.2016 - 09.2018
- Was in charge of connecting the agency's creative efforts with client's needs, some of the accounts I managed were Airtel Uganda, Emirates Airline, East African Development Bank, Proctor & Gamble and Coca-Cola Uganda.
- Developed communication strategies for these clients including but not limited to public relations, stakeholder management, crisis communication, media relation and digital communications.
- Created written messaging for different clients including, press releases, speeches, communication for campaigns' execution as well as new message formats such as hashtags.
- Managed the day to day engagement with influencers, business, and infotainment bloggers to amplify awareness of client's products, services, and market activities.
- Planned and executed media FAM trips within and outside Uganda.
Account Manager
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Uganda
05.2014 - 04.2016
- Acted as the point of contact, bridging the gap between the agency and some of our top clients like Airtel Uganda, Emirates Airline and Coca-Cola Uganda.
- Developed and executed PR plans for new products and services while ensuring media visibility to drive publicity for all activities.
- Planned and managed PR events like press conferences, activations, and product launches to increase reach and visibility of clients' projects, products or services.
- Conceptualized and created different campaign and communication plans for clients.
- Managed and supervised a team of account executives, graphics designers and copy writers and ensured that we delivered utmost good customer service to all clients
Copy Writer, PR & Communications
Star Leo Advertising Limited
11.2011 - 04.2014
- Developed and executed PR strategies from formulation through to execution for clients including Coca-Cola Uganda and Century Bottling Company.
- Oversaw the scripting, editing, and production of short films, documentaries, and events.
- Created advertising copy for various clients including Orange Telecom and Toyota Uganda.
- Ensured PR initiatives and events were delivered on time and within budget specifics.
Communications Officer
Media Analyst
03.2011 - 11.2011
- Researched and wrote articles for a client's (UMEME) quarterly company magazine.
- Wrote speeches/ talking points for MTN Uganda as part of the PR account management team.
- Managed daily media reporting for MTN Uganda and developed social media skills.
Teller
Fina Bank Uganda (now GT Bank)
10.2009 - 11.2010
- Balanced cash drawer daily and resolved discrepancies to provide accurate data regarding cash flow.
- Answered customer inquiries regarding account balances, transaction history, services charges, and ATM cards.
- Maintained in-depth knowledge of bank products and services to provide appropriate recommendations to customers.
Education
Specialized Diploma in Internal Communications -
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
01.2022
Fundamentals of digital marketing -
Google Digital Skills For Africa
01.2020
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Sciences - International Relations and Diplomatic Studies
Makerere University
01.2009
Skills
- Corporate Messaging
- Crisis Communication
- Multimedia Storytelling
- Internal Communications
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Events Management
- Content Development
- Social Media Marketing
- Communication Planning
- Strategic Communication
References
To be provided upon request.
Timeline
Communications and Events Manager
DFCU Bank
12.2022 - Current
Acting Manager, Communications & Events
DFCU Bank
08.2021 - 11.2022
Digital and Social Media Specialist
DFCU Bank
09.2018 - 07.2021
Senior Account Manager
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Uganda
04.2016 - 09.2018
Account Manager
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Uganda
05.2014 - 04.2016
Copy Writer, PR & Communications
Star Leo Advertising Limited
11.2011 - 04.2014
Communications Officer
Media Analyst
03.2011 - 11.2011
Teller
Fina Bank Uganda (now GT Bank)
10.2009 - 11.2010
Specialized Diploma in Internal Communications -
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Fundamentals of digital marketing -
Google Digital Skills For Africa
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Sciences - International Relations and Diplomatic Studies
Makerere University
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