Alysha Van Der Valk Email & Phone Number

Barrie, On, Ca

Orillia, Ontario, Canada

In this role, I provide the OPP with proactive, high-level communications services that address sensitive and contentious issues, particularly during times of crisis when the potential impact on public safety and security is high. Specifically, I leverage my strategic communications skills to develop and implement communications plans, key messages, briefing materials, OPP external news and other communication products about complex issues affecting the OPP and the Ministry of the Solicitor… Show more In this role, I provide the OPP with proactive, high-level communications services that address sensitive and contentious issues, particularly during times of crisis when the potential impact on public safety and security is high. Specifically, I leverage my strategic communications skills to develop and implement communications plans, key messages, briefing materials, OPP external news and other communication products about complex issues affecting the OPP and the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Show less

I direct an interministerial planning team of 25, an executive team of seven, and lead multi-jurisdictional planning teams with external partners to successfully execute large-scale events (e.g. International Women’s Day and Cross-Government Equal Mentorship Program) to thousands of participants across the province multiple times a year. I also maintain strong multi-jurisdictional and private sector relationships and establish new partnerships while actively seeking out and devising… Show more I direct an interministerial planning team of 25, an executive team of seven, and lead multi-jurisdictional planning teams with external partners to successfully execute large-scale events (e.g. International Women’s Day and Cross-Government Equal Mentorship Program) to thousands of participants across the province multiple times a year. I also maintain strong multi-jurisdictional and private sector relationships and establish new partnerships while actively seeking out and devising opportunities for events and initiatives (e.g. New Parent Series). As Chair of the network, I sit on the OPS Diversity Council and Implementation Advisory Council. The Diversity Council an advisory body currently composed of representatives of thirteen Employee Networks that work collaboratively to promote respect for the human rights of all employees in the OPS and to support diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, anti-racism, accessibility and equity in the workplace. The council meets monthly to discuss, develop and share constructive feedback and solution-oriented strategies for addressing systemic barriers, based on the lived experiences of OPS employees. The council plays an integral role in supporting the OPS in becoming a more respectful workplace. The Implementation Advisory Council (IAC) is a group to help ensure that OPS Leadership Pledge initiatives reflect diverse perspectives and take into consideration the impact initiatives will have on workplace culture and the experiences of all OPSers.In 2015 my network’s ability to successfully bring together a diverse group of OPSers to deliver educational, inspiring and unique events for countless women and men was recognized with an Amethyst Award. Show less

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In addition to providing team leadership to communications staff, I led the development of a variety of communications materials to support the biannual Red Tape Reduction Packages, annual Burden Reduction Reports and other ministry initiatives such as the Regulatory Review. These materials included communications snapshots, news releases, backgrounders, media QAs, multicorners decks, Minister's remarks, refreshed Ontario.ca content, shareables/graphics and social media rollouts. In this role… Show more In addition to providing team leadership to communications staff, I led the development of a variety of communications materials to support the biannual Red Tape Reduction Packages, annual Burden Reduction Reports and other ministry initiatives such as the Regulatory Review. These materials included communications snapshots, news releases, backgrounders, media QAs, multicorners decks, Minister's remarks, refreshed Ontario.ca content, shareables/graphics and social media rollouts. In this role, I also built and maintained strong relationships with internal ministry partners (including ADMO, DMO and MO), partner ministries across government, and provided strategic advice to senior leadership while negotiating changes to project scope, design, and timelines. Show less

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In this role with Cabinet Office Communications, I acted as a strategic consultant and provided insight and oversight of communication products for the Premier's Office and 4 client ministries. I built and maintained effective working relationships with leadership, peers, and ministry partners, and collaborated with partners across Cabinet Office, including marketing, digital and issues, to actively manage the rollout of announcements, connect related communications products to government… Show more In this role with Cabinet Office Communications, I acted as a strategic consultant and provided insight and oversight of communication products for the Premier's Office and 4 client ministries. I built and maintained effective working relationships with leadership, peers, and ministry partners, and collaborated with partners across Cabinet Office, including marketing, digital and issues, to actively manage the rollout of announcements, connect related communications products to government priorities, and deliver them on strategy, on time, and error-free.Special Assignment: Ministry of Red Tape Reduction (MRTR)In this role, I acted in a team lead capacity where I led and provided guidance to a cross-functional project team of 3, which included project planning, identifying priorities, assigning work, and reviewing work quality. I was brought on to co-lead the communications planning and strategy for MRTR’s inaugural Fall Red Tape Reduction package with 29 proposals from 12 ministries from conception to introduction. I built and maintained relationships with ministry partners, ADMO, DMO, MO, and PO, developed a variety of communications materials including a communications snapshot, news release, backgrounder, multicorners deck, public-facing document, media QA, refreshed Ontario.ca content, and social media rollout, and provided strategic advice to senior leadership while negotiating changes to project scope, design, and timelines. Show less

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In this role, I provided strategic communications and issues management advice to leadership and staff on important and often contentious regional files within the ministry's Central Region.I developed thoughtful key messages for consistent use across media responses, house notes, information notes, briefing materials, presentations, letters to stakeholders and more. I also supported media relations by analyzing and assessing public opinion, media perceptions and stakeholder positions… Show more In this role, I provided strategic communications and issues management advice to leadership and staff on important and often contentious regional files within the ministry's Central Region.I developed thoughtful key messages for consistent use across media responses, house notes, information notes, briefing materials, presentations, letters to stakeholders and more. I also supported media relations by analyzing and assessing public opinion, media perceptions and stakeholder positions and used this information to help inform the development of Q&As for use by the ministry spokesperson or staff.Lastly, I developed strategic issues management plans to inform the Deputy Minister's Office and Minister's Office of the best approach for addressing stakeholder concerns. Show less

Toronto, Canada Area

In my role as organizational information officer, I led the communications and marketing initiatives for the Organizational Dynamics Unit (ODU) within Corporate Management Division (CMD). I analyzed divisional communications requirements and prepared project plans, proofread/edited materials and provided expert advice, as well as acted as a liaison with our communications branch for the MECP Connects Editorial Board on behalf of CMD. I also coordinated the ministry’s Peace Officer Exemplary… Show more In my role as organizational information officer, I led the communications and marketing initiatives for the Organizational Dynamics Unit (ODU) within Corporate Management Division (CMD). I analyzed divisional communications requirements and prepared project plans, proofread/edited materials and provided expert advice, as well as acted as a liaison with our communications branch for the MECP Connects Editorial Board on behalf of CMD. I also coordinated the ministry’s Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal (POESM) and Quarter Century Club (QCC) Long-Service Recognition programs. Some highlights of my time with the ODU include: spearheading MECP’s 12-part Wellness Wednesday series in collaboration with Morneau-Shepell, developing an MECP Career Talks program, working as a project manager to oversee my division's migration to InsideOPS, and coordinating all of MECP's Change Champions for the Office 365 migration.I also assisted in the development and delivery of the MECP employee engagement strategy including the Employee Experience survey, new employee and summer student orientation sessions. Further to that, I led the execution of a new-to-MECP orientation program for managers, which I assisted in developing. My secondary role was supporting MECP Health and Safety initiatives. My duties included coordinating First Aid and Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) training sessions, Lunch ‘N Learns, creating communications materials, as well as managing the shared ODU mailbox. Show less

Toronto, Canada Area

My time as an event and marketing coordinator with the communications branch was exciting! One of my favourite tasks was coordinating the logistics and providing on-site support for numerous ministry events and announcements, like the annual Conference of the Parties (COP). In this role, I also oversaw the production and printing of communications products for Minister's Office & Deputy Minister's Office binders, assisted with updating the branch communications calendar and managed stakeholder… Show more My time as an event and marketing coordinator with the communications branch was exciting! One of my favourite tasks was coordinating the logistics and providing on-site support for numerous ministry events and announcements, like the annual Conference of the Parties (COP). In this role, I also oversaw the production and printing of communications products for Minister's Office & Deputy Minister's Office binders, assisted with updating the branch communications calendar and managed stakeholder organizations, stakeholder contact information and interactions with stakeholders through the Enterprise Stakeholder Management System (ESMS). Show less

Toronto, Canada Area

After finishing my time with the Sustainability Office, I joined the ministry's Communications Branch as a communications assistant. In this role, I assisted in the planning and execution of Minister's events, consultation sessions, internal corporate events, internal greening initiatives and Women in Government (WiG) events. I also researched, wrote, edited and sourced content for social media channels and other digital platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WiG’s Intranet site… Show more After finishing my time with the Sustainability Office, I joined the ministry's Communications Branch as a communications assistant. In this role, I assisted in the planning and execution of Minister's events, consultation sessions, internal corporate events, internal greening initiatives and Women in Government (WiG) events. I also researched, wrote, edited and sourced content for social media channels and other digital platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WiG’s Intranet site. Further to this, I tracked, analyzed and reported on social media penetration, effectiveness, and proactively identified issues and trends using a variety of tools and approaches. In this role, I also familiarized myself with the Translation Tracking System (TTS) and French language suppliers, and coordinated the translation of communications materials. Show less

Toronto, Canada Area

After graduating, I joined the ministry as a communications intern, where I led the rebranding of Project Green as it moved into sustainability. I designed a new logo, constructed a new name, tagline and commitment statement, and produced a website tactical plan for the intranet site. I also researched and reported on environmental trends through the blogging feature. Lastly, I collected, tracked and inputted data for internal greening initiatives like the People Power Challenge.

British Columbia, Canada

Yours to Mine Adventure Tours was an ecotourism company that specializes in providing authentic gold panning tours throughout the Okanagan and lower mainland in beautiful British Columbia. I was the marketing communications specialist for this part-time passion project. In this role, I led the brand development strategy, which included brand identity, website and SEO, content marketing strategy and brand positioning; developed communications and marketing materials to promote brand awareness… Show more Yours to Mine Adventure Tours was an ecotourism company that specializes in providing authentic gold panning tours throughout the Okanagan and lower mainland in beautiful British Columbia. I was the marketing communications specialist for this part-time passion project. In this role, I led the brand development strategy, which included brand identity, website and SEO, content marketing strategy and brand positioning; developed communications and marketing materials to promote brand awareness through online and offline marketing efforts; and created and curated content for social media to drive engagement and social presence, as well as managed the online community. Show less

Honours Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.)

Graduate Certificate