Silas Russell Email & Phone Number

Newbury, Gb

I proactively identify opportunities to raise awareness of the Member of Parliament’s (MP) parliamentary and constituency-based activities. I do this by leading multichannel communications efforts and managing the press office function of the constituency team. In doing so, I develop engaging press releases, digital content, policy statements, and direct correspondence with constituents, ensuring messages are aligned with public affairs goals. Having designed and implemented a creative and comprehensive communications and media relations strategy, the MP’s social media engagement increased by over 500% upon taking on the role.Managing stakeholder engagement with government ministers, corporate leaders, and local communities, I drive impactful policy outcomes. For example, I lobbied the Managing Director of a global pharmaceutical company to improve local provisions amid shortages. This ensured meaningful interventions to support local provisions were adopted, to the benefit of thousands of residents. Having developed a network of journalists, I secured high-quality media coverage for this, in addition to other campaigns. Moreover, following a major incident involving thousands of residents losing access to their water supply, I worked swiftly and effectively with stakeholders to organise and advertise public meetings between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the CEO of the relevant national water company, ensuring residents remained informed and had a platform to engage with decision-makers.

I led the development and implementation of the local authority's strategy to recruit and retain the local adult social care workforce of over 6,000 people. With responsibility for budgets exceeding £750,000 to deliver transformative projects, including international recruitment and training schemes, I worked with hundreds of companies to develop policy solutions. This contributed to a 5% upsurge in recruitment rates, following a record low upon taking on the role. This position involved relaying key messages concisely and accurately to political audiences. Whilst directing cross-functional teams and chairing meetings with key stakeholders, including local government leaders and sector professionals, I sourced and analysed data to help me independently write policy papers which provided strategic counsel for policymakers regarding theirbudgetary decision-making. My ability to use these papers to persuade political stakeholders contributed towards uplifts in the sector’s funding. I also authored business cases that secured six-figure grant funding towards a variety of recruitment programs which significantly reduced companies' operational costs. The development of strategic communications was critical in resolving key workforce issues. While disseminating email communications to hundreds of leaders from across the sector, I led the development and delivery of the Council’s digital and print communication campaigns to recruit staff. I allocated funds towards new web pages, in addition to print, social media, and billboard advertisements. This led to the campaign engaging ten thousand people in twelve months.

Winchester, England, United Kingdom

Working independently and coordinating with my team, I directed the Student Union to represent its membership of over eight thousand people. In doing so, I met hundreds of students and promoted surveys for members to enable me to champion their perspectives at regular meetings with the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Senior Leadership Team. During these meetings, I used my interpersonal skills to represent the Union and discuss potential solutions to issues raised by members. For example, I raised members’ concerns regarding the University’s lack of a no-detriment policy, following which I worked with the University diplomatically to develop this policy to members’ satisfaction.Successfully persuading members to elect me, I delivered engaging social media and digital content and adapted speeches to different audiences.I also supported the Student Union under pressure in navigating a period of change and uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, I helped it manage significant changes to its events and income streams, and I worked with fellow elected officers to develop alternatives to the existing provision, such as virtual support groups for members. I helped communicate these changes to students with online statements.

Leading and inspiring two teams of weekly current affairs radio show presenters and empowering them to use their passion and creativity to develop compelling content, whilst elevating the brands behind the shows by managing marketing campaigns and ensuring resources were allocated effectively.Having identified opportunities to create new and improved content, I worked with the teams of presenters to plan the structure of the shows and source interviews with guests, such as a local Member of Parliament and parliamentary candidates, which I marketed to our target audiences.I managed the branding of the shows by developing and implementing a marketing strategy to ensure the shows reached target listeners. This ensured the branding was consistent across the multi-channel marketing campaigns. I also developed audience insight by gathering feedback from our target audience, whilst analysing communications statistics to make data-led adjustments to the shows, such as adapting show formats.As a result of the marketing strategy behind the shows, which targeted younger demographics, the politics show won a social media engagement award and engagement within our target audience increased.

Whilst working with a team of politics show presenters by giving them personalised weekly feedback and technical support, I developed and created social media marketing campaigns to increase listener engagement.

Newbury

I adapted to daily store demands by working through stock replenishment, checkout service, stock counts and other tasks, whilst serving customer queries in line with the values of the Partnership.

Thatcham

Maintaining the health and safety of all customers with a breadth of first aid knowledge from my National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), I organised sports bookings and responded to customer queries.

Master Of Arts - Ma, Politics And International Relations, Distinction

Honing my knowledge of geopolitical and foreign policy issues, I examined various approaches to international development.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba (Hons), Global History And Politics, First Class Honours

Dissertation title: Divisions over European integration and the weaknesses of the Conservative Party, 1986-93 Relevant modules: Foreign.

A Level, History (B), Media Studies (B), English Literature (D)

Gcse, 11 Passes Including English Language (A), Mathematics (B)

Activities and Societies: Prefect; Tutor Representative