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@thabisouser1

Communications and Impact Officer at Institute of Development Studies; led communications for a $15M+ climate research portfolio.

Zimbabwe

Message

At the Institute of Development Studies, I led communications for a climate research portfolio worth over USD 15 million, funded by Wellcome, FCDO and IDRC. I briefed IDRC on communications progress across 12 global research teams.

I also developed three policy briefs and a synthesis report for Clean Energy for Development, and hosted the HeatNexus Communications and Engagement Group to build shared content frameworks for nine heat adaptation projects.

At This Life Cambodia, I ran internal and external communications across education, juvenile justice and care reform. I produced two annual reports, including all 17 stories of change, and built a Salesforce appeals function whose Christmas campaign raised USD 3,500 on a USD 500 spend.

At Nomads Giving Back!, I built a messaging toolkit and editorial guidelines for a network spanning Argentina, Indonesia and Colombia. At Bali Hope, I reshaped fundraising messaging and repositioned the ultramarathon to the endurance community; participant numbers doubled and funds raised grew from AUD 80,000 to AUD 186,000.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Communications and Impact Officer

Institute of Development Studies

Mar 2024 - Jun 2026 (2 years 3 months)

Led communications for a climate research portfolio of over USD 15 million, funded by Wellcome, FCDO, and IDRC. Briefed IDRC on communications progress and hosted the HeatNexus Communications and Engagement Group.

Communications Strategy Stakeholder Engagement Policy Briefs Report Writing Donor Relations Climate Research Project Management

Communications Manager

This Life Cambodia

Apr 2022 - Mar 2024 (1 year 11 months)

Managed all internal and external communications across education, juvenile justice, and care reform programs. Designed and produced annual reports and built the appeals function on Salesforce.

Communications Management Annual Reports Salesforce Fundraising Appeals Donor Relations Content Creation Team Leadership

Freelance Communications Consultant

Wainger Group

Nov 2022 - Sep 2023 (10 months)

Wrote thought leadership articles and video scripts for global audiences, supporting Fortune 500s, nonprofits, start-ups, and government agencies. Transformed real-time crisis events into timely commentary.

Thought Leadership Content Writing Video Scripting Crisis Communications Marketing Materials

Freelance Communications Consultant

Wise Millennial

Jan 2021 - Jun 2022 (1 year 5 months)

Produced press releases, newsletters, and founder-voice content that grew a young professionals' platform by 5,000 organic subscribers. Sourced and engaged podcast guests.

Press Releases Newsletters Content Creation Guest Sourcing Audience Growth

Senior Marketing Manager

Nomads Giving Back!

Jun 2019 - Apr 2022 (2 years 10 months)

Built messaging toolkit, editorial guidelines, and digital asset management, holding one brand across Argentina, Indonesia, and Colombia. Established a partnership model matching skilled volunteers with grassroots organizations.

Brand Management Marketing Strategy Digital Asset Management Partnership Development Content Creation Social Media

Marketing Manager

Bali Hope

Oct 2018 - Jan 2021 (2 years 3 months)

Managed brand and participant recruitment, doubling participant numbers and growing funds raised from AUD 80,000 to AUD 186,000. Reshaped fundraising messaging around human-interest case studies.

Marketing Management Fundraising Brand Strategy Event Marketing Content Creation Audience Engagement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Macquarie University

Master of International Relations, International Relations

2014 - 2015

Completed a Master of International Relations from September 2014 to September 2015 at Macquarie University.

Macquarie University

Master of International Communication, International Communication

2013 - 2015

Completed a Master of International Communication from January 2013 to September 2014 and a Master of International Relations from September 2014 to September 2015 at Macquarie University.