Rachel Rizk Email & Phone Number

Sydney, Australia

In this newly created role, I am responsible for devising the communications strategy and delivering a plan of communications activities to support the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP). Drawing on my background in science and extensive expertise in communications I work on two primary goals: to build awareness about the value of co-produced translational research and to promote ARCAP as Australia's autism practice research leader.

Sydney, Australia

I was appointed to MindSpot during a very exciting time in the organisation’s evolution and expansion. My expertise in strategic communications has played a key role in helping to define MindSpot’s organisational objectives and identity as a leader in the online mental health space. While never losing sight of our ultimate vision, I handle the day-to-day operation of communication activities including social media, marketing collateral, information campaigns and multimedia content.

North Sydney

After almost five years working as Communications and Information Manager at MND Australia, I have taken on the role of Research Manager within the same organisation. In this position I use my writing and editing skills together with my in-depth knowledge of the sector to showcase projects funded by MND Australia's research arm, the MND Research Institute of Australia. I have further developed my design skills through the re-branding of regular publications and production of the landmark report… Show more After almost five years working as Communications and Information Manager at MND Australia, I have taken on the role of Research Manager within the same organisation. In this position I use my writing and editing skills together with my in-depth knowledge of the sector to showcase projects funded by MND Australia's research arm, the MND Research Institute of Australia. I have further developed my design skills through the re-branding of regular publications and production of the landmark report "$25 Million, 25 Milestones: Changing the future of MND". I have also dusted off event management skills, overseeing a successful conference and public forum for the MND community.Achievements:- Co-writing, editing, designing and managing production of a 56-page report showcasing MNDRIA's 30-year, $25 million investment in funding MND research in Australia- Revamping the MNDRIA biannual newsletter "Advance" by writing articles in a new style and refreshing the design- Revamping the "MND Australia International Research Update" by revising use of images and refreshing the design- Co-organising and managing the "13th MND Australia Research Conference", which was attended by 150 delegates from the MND research community- Co-organising and managing the "3rd MND Connect" forum, which was attended by 130 delegates from the MND community Show less

North Sydney

I manage and conduct communications activities at both strategic and operational levels to support MND Australia's position as the national voice representing state MND associations and people living with MND in Australia. I produce high-quality content across traditional and online media to raise awareness, inform a variety of stakeholders, and lobby key government representatives.Achievements:- Devising the first comprehensive communications plan that aligns with the strategic… Show more I manage and conduct communications activities at both strategic and operational levels to support MND Australia's position as the national voice representing state MND associations and people living with MND in Australia. I produce high-quality content across traditional and online media to raise awareness, inform a variety of stakeholders, and lobby key government representatives.Achievements:- Devising the first comprehensive communications plan that aligns with the strategic objectives of MND Australia- Revamping the MND Australia website including devising the information architecture and writing content - Fostering a passionate online community that is committed to supporting MND care and research- Initiating and writing a bimonthly e-newsletter that has an open rate of around 40%- Leveraging from the global social media phenomenon, the ALS/MND Ice Bucket Challenge, which resulted in MND Australia and the state MND associations receiving $3 million of donations from 60,000 supporters Show less

Macquarie University

I managed the production of a monthly e-newletter and complementary website that were designed to promote Macquarie University to prospective students. I chaired editorial meetings, sourced content, managed contributors, edited content, and managed the production and distribution of the e-newsletter. Achievements- Producing a useful, high-quality publication that consistently exceeded sector norms in open rates and click-through rates.

Macquarie University

I developed and implemented projects and materials that increased the profile of Macquarie University as a provider of high quality science, engineering and technology programs. Major initiatives that I coordinated include a peer tutoring program, events for National Science Week, website for the Science Faculty and an interactive database of science careers.Achievements- Connecting individuals from across the university and from external organisations who worked together to… Show more I developed and implemented projects and materials that increased the profile of Macquarie University as a provider of high quality science, engineering and technology programs. Major initiatives that I coordinated include a peer tutoring program, events for National Science Week, website for the Science Faculty and an interactive database of science careers.Achievements- Connecting individuals from across the university and from external organisations who worked together to successfully promote science, engineering and technology at Macquarie University. Show less

I wrote a series of fact sheets that were used as business development tools to outline potential areas of collaboration with CSIRO. My scientific background and marketing communication skills enabled me to translate scientific terminology into promotional stories about CSIRO's major food and nutritional science successes.

North Ryde

I used a range of media to communicate Food Science Australia's mission and research highlights with external and internal stakeholders. I was responsible for managing the end-to-end production of high-quality promotional material including web content, corporate publications, media releases, trade journal articles, a weekly staff newsletter, speech notes and design briefs.I was also an Equal Employment Opportunity Contact Officer for the staff of CSIRO's North Ryde… Show more I used a range of media to communicate Food Science Australia's mission and research highlights with external and internal stakeholders. I was responsible for managing the end-to-end production of high-quality promotional material including web content, corporate publications, media releases, trade journal articles, a weekly staff newsletter, speech notes and design briefs.I was also an Equal Employment Opportunity Contact Officer for the staff of CSIRO's North Ryde site.Achievements- Generating international and national publicity of Food Science Australia's research, which resulted in business development opportunities- Working in a team to re-brand Food Science Australia and launch the new corporate look- Coordinating the opening of the Riverside Life Sciences Centre, which was opened by Prime Minister John Howard Show less

London, United Kingdom

I was responsible for setting up a database system and database to collect information from the world's ports.

North Ryde

While working at BRI Australia I gained experience in many areas of grain-related research including, electrophoresis for varietal identification, Asian food analysis, milling, Single Kernal Characterization System (SKCS) for analysis of individual grains, near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and dough rheology. I was co-author of several scientific papers that focused on SKCS and NIR. I was the quarantine manager, which required me to devise processes to comply with Australian quarantine… Show more While working at BRI Australia I gained experience in many areas of grain-related research including, electrophoresis for varietal identification, Asian food analysis, milling, Single Kernal Characterization System (SKCS) for analysis of individual grains, near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and dough rheology. I was co-author of several scientific papers that focused on SKCS and NIR. I was the quarantine manager, which required me to devise processes to comply with Australian quarantine laws and gain AQIS accreditation. I was also the convenor of the electophoretic varietal identification methods section of the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC). Show less

Bachelor Of Technology (Biotechnology), Biochemistry And Molecular Biology, Graduate

Activities and Societies: Biotechnology society, FilmSoc, chemistry demonstrations

Diploma Of Public Relations, Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication, Distinction

Hsc, English, Mathematics, Science, Visual Arts, Year 12

Activities and Societies: Peer support mentor, Bronze Medallion for lifesaving, lifesaving instructor, received credit certificates.