Dena Allen Email & Phone Number

Toronto, On, Ca

Toronto, On, Ca

Plan International operates in 83 countries around the world. Plan International Canada is one of Canada's largest charities reporting an annual revenue of $289M in 2023. I report to the Chief Marketing & Development Officer and a member of the Executive Management Team. As the Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement, I am responsible for integrated omni-channel communications, public engagement, reputation management, content development and creative services. I currently lead a team of 25+ full-time communications professionals from a range of disciplines plus freelance creators and agency partners.

Toronto, On, Ca

The Munk School of Global Affairs unites people who are passionate to address the problems of a fast-changing world. Its aspiration is to create a unique, world-leading centre of research, teaching and public engagement that builds the new field of global affairs from Canada. The Munk School is the home of world-renowned researchers and more than 40 academic centres, labs and programs.As the Executive Director of Public Affairs and Engagement, I reported to the Director of the Munk School and was a member of the senior leadership team. I was responsible for providing vision and leadership in public engagement and strategic communications locally, nationally and internationally. I led a team of dedicated communications and events professionals to support the School’s efforts to foster a global conversation around some of the globe’s most pressing challenges, including innovation for the poor, global migration, human rights in a digital landscape, urban development and sustainability, and systems of global justice, just to name a few. • Strategic communications and public engagement• Brand positioning and development • Issues management• Public affairs and government relations• Media relations• Event management • Digital communications

Toronto, On, Ca

Engage Canadians in the work of Plan Canada and the fight against global poverty through innovative media outreach, thought leadership efforts and public engagement events. Improve public awareness of Plan International and the Because I am a Girl initiative. Tell vivid and engaging stories that improve public understanding of how we can work with children, families and communities in the Global South to break the cycle of poverty. Manage Plan Canada's media communications during disasters and humanitarian emergencies, and represent Plan on the Humanitarian Coalition.

Toronto, On, Ca

Managed corporate and internal communications, including research publications, speech writing, annual report and other collateral materials, photo and video research, and ensured consistent execution of Plan Canada's brand across a variety of platforms. Advised on issues and risk management and supported crisis communications and thought leadership efforts.

Woking, Surrey, Gb

Occasional 3-4 week deployments in the time frame above. Plan's Emergency Response Roster is comprised of seasoned humanitarian experts available for short-term emergency assignments on short notice during times of humanitarian crisis. Deployed as Emergency Communications Manager in the following emergencies: 2015 Nepal Earthquake2014 Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines2010 Pakistan FloodsFacilitated media interviews (national & international); produced and/or commissioned photos, stories & videos; managed issues & threats to reputation; managed internal & freelance communications supports; managed information being disseminated to offices around the globe; wrote, cross-checked & disseminated situation reports; positioned Plan as a thought leader in humanitarian response; represented Plan in UN Communicating with Communities cluster.

Woking, Surrey, Gb

Provided strategic vision and direction for Plan’s communications in Asia.Responsible for leading the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategic communications plans, activities and external positioning across the Asia region, including the Asia regional office and Plan's 14 Asian country offices. Provided training & support to staff across a wide range of cultural contexts. Managed communications sub-functions of media, online, internal communications, publications/content, and support to programs, advocacy, and resource mobilization. Positioned Plan as a thought leader in the fight against global poverty and a champion for the rights of children. Lead regional coordination of emergency communications during times of disaster and humanitarian crisis.

Ottawa, Ontario, Ca

Responsible for leading strategic communications in support of Red Cross local programs, disaster preparedness and response, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment in Northern BC and the Yukon (2005-2007) and Southern Alberta (2007-2009).Supported emergency communications during flooding response in Northern BC (2008) and multiple local fires and floods in Southern Alberta, as well as Canadian appeals for support to major international disasters such as Hurricane Katrina (USA), Cyclone Sidr (Myanmar) and the Sichuan Earthquake (China).

Regina, Saskatchewan, Ca

Responsible for managing communications of the technical and vocational skills training portfolio for the Saskatchewan Department of Education and the provincial Learning Minister.

London, United Kingdom, Gb

Responsible for teaching IGCSE English curriculum to young adults under the pressure of difficult working conditions, large class sizes and extremely limited resources; and for developing in-service training programs for primary and junior secondary school English teachers in the region. Designed and conducted an HIV/AIDS social marketing campaign in the village and aided others in surrounding communities in their efforts to combat the issue. Initiated and ran an after-school life skills program to mentor and empower girls and young women.

Toronto, Ontario, Ca

Responsible for promoting a provincial social marketing campaign on nutrition. This included developing and executing communications plans, overseeing the production of a variety of promotional materials and equipment, and regularly staffing promotional booths at public events.

Responsible for teaching English as a second language to youth and small children, producing cross-cultural teaching materials for the English department, and supporting cross-cultural activities and exchanges with surrounding schools, sister schools overseas, and local cultural associations.

Toronto, Ontario, Ca

Responsible for the production of a provincial media guide to be used by local branches of the organization. Adapted national position statements to a provincial context and local audience.

Gatineau, Quebec, Ca

Responsible for delivering presentations and networking at local events and public engagements; as well as writing an array of communications pieces for a wide variety of audiences, including press releases, public service announcements,press kits, backgrounders, newsletters and educational kits.

Regina, Saskatchewan, Ca

Responsible for conducting interviews, researching and writing both short and feature-length articles for the University of Regina alumni magazine. Also fielded media and general public inquiries and responded to information/interview requests appropriately.

Gatineau, Quebec, Ca

Responsible for helping to organize and execute an official visit from the federal Environment Minister. Monitored provincial media outlets and compiled a weekly media report for internal audiences across the country. Researched and wrote articles for the website.

Certificate Of Advanced Strategic Leadership

Masters Of International And Intercultural Communications, Communications

Ba, Journalism & Communications