Ryan Mearns Email & Phone Number

Wellington, Nz

Wellington, New Zealand

As a senior advisor in the Cyclone Recovery Unit at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet my responsibilities cover media management, strategic communications and supporting engagement with stakeholders to progress the Government's policy response to Cyclone Gabielle, Cyclone Hale and the Auckland floods in 2023.

Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand

• Led the digital transformation project at the Commission, including rebranding and website development• Managed the content system migration to SilverStripe Cloud and improved the complaints process• Served as the contract manager for the service provider Ogilvy New Zealand, procured through an open tendering process• Developed product roadmaps in collaboration with stakeholders to identify features and enhancements aligned with organizational objectives• Translated roadmaps into detailed project plans and deliverables, working with external contractors and in-house experts• Oversaw the implementation of new features and improvements through testing, delivery, and product release• Utilized Prince2 and agile methodologies to ensure timely and budget-conscious project deliveryCollaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and drive project success

Wellington Region, New Zealand

• Provided proactive and reactive communications services for the Chief Human Rights Commissioner• Managed day-to-day media requests and built relationships with key journalists to enhance the Commissioner's profile• Served as the on-call advisor, addressing various issues and coordinating responses with subject matter experts• Offered media coaching and followed approval processes with legal and the Commissioner• Managed complex communications outputs and engagements, including speeches to the United Nations Human Rights Council and country visits by UN Special Rapporteurs• Translated complex international human rights law into digestible sound bites for effective communication• Developed media relations strategies, built partnerships with key media outlets, and secured prime coverage in national media brands• Demonstrated the ability to deliver high-quality writing and content for various channels within public sector constraints

Auckland, New Zealand

• Led the planning, development, and execution of multiple award-winning campaigns for Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission• Collaborated with stakeholders to create campaign briefs and strategies tailored to specific goals and target audiences• Procured and managed relationships with creative agencies and service providers to ensure high-quality campaign materials• Coordinated cross-functional teams, ensuring effective collaboration and timely delivery of campaign elements• Monitored campaign progress and adjusted strategies as needed to maximize impact and reach• Conducted post-campaign evaluations, analyzing performance metrics to inform future campaigns and optimize results• Managed digital campaigns on various topics, including pay transparency, Covid-19, housing, and more

Auckland, New Zealand

ActionStation is an independent, member­ led not­ for­ profit organisation representing over 100,000 Kiwis holding power to account, standing for a fair society, healthy environment & economic fairness. As a Campaign Director I designed, implemented and managed a suite of campaigns on the issues that matter most to ActionStation's members. The role specifically required proficiency in digital campaigning, public relations, front-end web development, email fundraising, public policy analysis, government relations and designing media content, including, video, social and visual stunts. As an early hire in the organisation I was a part of it growing from less than 10,000 supporters to a prominent role in the progressive landscape with a membership of over 130,000 Kiwis. See more here: www.actionstation.org.nz

Auckland, New Zealand

The Green Party of Aotearoa was New Zealand's third largest political party in Government. As the Digital Advisor during the 2014 general election I built and managed the parties digital campaign. The role required proficiency in front-end web development, SQL, writing email copy, managing social media accounts and deploying third party tools such as the distributed call tool Amicus. The role included managing the transition of the organisation to Nationbuilder from CiviCRM. The NZ Herald named me as one of the key players for the election.

Auckland, New Zealand

As an Issues Assistant for New Zealand's Parliamentary services, I supported a Member of Parliament in their constituency and public relations. Over my brief period, I worked with the Member of Parliament to develop a constituency relationship strategy which involved focusing on a number of specific issues of concern for the members constituents.

Bachelor Of Arts (Honours), Politics And International Relations

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Political Science And International Relations

Peacebuilding

As a recipient of a Prime Ministers (Latin American) Scholarship, I completed a postgraduate course in peacebuilding from the Universidad.

Education record