Sam Whelan-Curtin Email & Phone Number

Specialising in working with Social Sector organisations, I provide a range of Communications and Media services to my clients. Utilising my extensive background in Organisational Communications, I work with clients to find/develop their message, know their audience and create compelling works to communicate and convince.I specialise in video production due to its unique power as a means of showcasing projects. I also provide a full suite of media production services such as photography, graphic and web design, event management and social media planning. I operate both individually and collaboratively with other specialists so there is no project too big or too small.Amongst my clients are Genio, Social Innovation Fund Ireland, Inclusion Ireland, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Katharine Howard Foundation, King Baudouin Foundation, and Dublin Well Woman Centre. My video work on the 'Keep Your Promise' campaign has been shown at the United Nations.

5 Dame Lane, Dublin 2

Ireland

The Dochas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages seeks to ensure that development organisations represent those that they work for in a way which upholds the prinicipals of equality, fairness and decency. As chair of the group I was lead large developments in the implementation of the code, including the introduction of new minimum criteria to increase compliance, the development of materials to assist organisations in implementing the code, the development of an illustrative guide, and high level discussion to further embed adherence to the code in organisational practice.

My appointment as Communications Manager with Suas was a progression of my previous Communications support roles with the organisation, and gave me the opportunity to lead the development of the function at a higher level.Key achievements with the role include:- Expanding the organisation's public reach by 300% (3.2 million in 2013), and improving the depth and quality of coverage received, leading to a greatly improved public profiled.- The introduction of quantitative and qualitative reporting frameworks covering all Communications activities, allowing for greater efficiency in delivery the Communications goals.- Redeveloping and restructuring the Suas website to create a platform designed around engaging and expanding it's audience and demonstrating 'Stories of Change'.- Creation and implementation of a Social Media strategy and calendar (increasing Facebook following from 2,000 to 9,000)- Conducting extensive field media capture in India and across Ireland to create a reliable and easily accessible bank of resources.- Leading the design and supporting delivery of a broad range of programme and fundraising marketing campaigns, reaching upwards of 100,000 students on campuses across Ireland.

As Communications Officer, I oversaw the development and implementation of a designated Communications plan to firmly establish the organisations goals of engaging with and informing a broader cohort of supporters. Key achievements in this time included introducing consistent brand design, developing Suas' online presence (including the introduction of Social Media), creating a wide suite of engaging video content, and supporting the day to day Communications operations of the organisation.My duties in coordinating the Programme Support function included such duties as organisational IT Administration, HR, Legal and Code Compliance and general Office Management.

In this role, I supported the initial development of the Communications function within Suas Educational Development, while providing graphic and video design, social media, PR and event support to the Suas Programmes.

Wave Change is an innovative organisation dedicated to assisting young change makers to develop the skills, knowledge and networks they require to make an impact on society. As a Steering Group Member I supported the strategic direction of the organisation to achieve it's goals, particularly in terms of communicating its message to its network.

Dublin City

With fifty years of tremendous achievement behind them, I had the wonderful task of marking USI's celebration through researching, writing/editing and designing their Anniversary Magazine, co-creating a short documentary highlighting the period, organising the Anniversary event (featuring special guest former President of Ireland Mary MacAleese), and establishing Cairde USI to ensure the ongoing engagement of former members following the event.

Midleton, Co. Cork

An innovative start-up newspaper, the East Cork Journal continues to provide quality news to the people of East Cork. As part of the team that created the paper, my role as Deputy Editor and Lead Designer involved coordinating a team of journalists and contributors, ensuring the high design standards were met, liasing with advertising to ensure client satisfaction, and supporting the ongoing business development of the paper.

Cork City

Working as part of a small team to provide the latest and most pertinent news to the 15,000 students of UCC. Having previously never having been awarded/nominated in the National Student Media Awards, myself and my colleagues improved the quality of the Express to such a degree that by 2008 it had four awards and numerous nominations across a range of categories.

Castlemartyr, Co. Cork

Swiftly rose from clerical and administrative support to a core part of the layout and editorial department of this regional newspaper which reached an audience of ~40,000. I also performed key projects in establishing local archives to capture regional history.

Ma, Film Production And Screen Culture, Second Class Honours, First Degree

This Masters provided intensive training in all areas of Film Production while allowing me to explore my particular focus.

Ba, English And Psychology, Second Class Honours, First Degree

Activities and Societies: UCC Express Newspaper (Designer Editorial Department and Journalist) - Student Media People's Choice Award.

Graduate Certificate In Innovation In Social Enterprise, Business, Distinction