David Kitching

Experience

• 

  Presentation College, Athenry

  Nov 2006 - Apr 2007

  Teacher

  • Substitute teacher during maternity leave• Teaching History; Civic, Social & Political Education; Learning Support & Special Needs• Extracurricular activities: guitar lessons; logistics at school musical; sports supervision

• 

  European Parliament

  Sept 2008 - Feb 2009

  S&D Group Stagiaire

  • European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs• Functions/interests: Western Balkans, constitutional design; intercultural dialogue• Election analysis; post-conflict constitutional reform; web campaigning; event management

• 

  Foundation for European Progressive Studies

  Mar 2009 - Apr 2015

  Policy Advisor

  • Researcher, writer & speaker on extremism & new political movements• Coordinator for foreign policy and security network of experts• Speechwriter to FEPS President, former Prime Minister of Italy, Massimo D'Alema• Coordination of activities in cooperation with EU institutions and research centres• Proofing and editing, event management, communications & social media

• 

  AudienceNet

  May 2015 - Jan 2017

  Director of Social & Political Research

  • Running newly established social and political department at AudienceNet• Harnessing research tools developed in the music industry for wider application to public policy• Providing services in electoral strategy, advocacy and research-based policy development• Public consultation services to local authorities, governments , heritage foundations and NGOS• Provider of primary research to think tanks, academies & research institutes

• 

  Claremorris Community Radio

  Jan 2017 - Mar 2017

  Development Manager (Interim General Manager)

  • Short-term consulting contract to lead operational restructuring, strategic development, community outreach and financial reorganisation• Working with state agencies and regulatory bodies including Pobal, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the Department of Social Protection to improve station governance• Lobbying government and media for CCR's interests and advocating for the community radio sector more broadly• Managing and collaborating with a team of 35 volunteers and paid staff. Improving internal communications and recruitment• Reforming governance structures to improve transparency and accountability at board level• Building new communications and branding strategy. Facilitating improved stakeholder relations with local businesses, community organisations, advertisers, sponsors and regulators• Renewing revenue model, diversifying fundraising sources and representing the station externally Show less

• 

  Q4 Public Relations

  Apr 2017 - Oct 2017

  Communications & Public Affairs Consultant

  • Public affairs, community consultation, strategic communications & content provision• Providing bespoke media monitoring & political risk analysis to Irish and international clients• Writing op-eds, analysis pieces, press releases, media collateral & communications plans• Devising stakeholder mapping, community consultation & audience engagement strategies• Business development: pitching, tendering & drafting project proposals• Working with wide-ranging client base including government departments, semi-state bodies, NGOs and the private sector Show less

• 

  Wilson Hartnell

  Nov 2017 - May 2020

  Account Director

  Wilson Hartnell is part of the Ogilvy Group in Ireland, drawing on its creative heritage and international network. In my role as Account Director, I focus on: • Providing public affairs and political expertise to a wide range of Irish and international clients• Development and implementation of public affairs strategy to meet clients’ needs in legislative, community relations & planning matters• Managing stakeholder relationships in public policy and regulatory environments to help clients meet their overall objectives• Working across a variety of sectors including culture, technology, healthcare, transport and with semi-state statutory bodies• Representing Wilson Hartnell on group committee to prepare for General Data Protection Regulation Show less

• 

  Bassline Strategy

  Jun 2020 - now

  Managing Director

  Founded campaign strategy, advocacy & research consultancy to guide clients through policymaking and the political landscape in Ireland, the European Union and further afield. Bassline Strategy is dedicated to:• Providing strategic communications, training, research and public affairs services to impactful organisations• Linking innovative research with high end communications, stakeholder engagement and coalition building• Narrative & message testing grounded in hope-based communication strategies• Services include advocacy, campaign strategy, message testing, social research, PR, public affairs, policy analysis, project management, training & workshop facilitation• Clients in sectors including homeless services, health, disability, migration, public policy, youth affairs Show less

• 

  Museum of Childhood Ireland Músaem Óige na hÉireann

  Apr 2023 - May 2024

  Board Member

  A first for Ireland, the Museum of Childhood Ireland puts children and childhood – past and present – at the centre of life. This extraordinary destination gathers together the wonderful, challenging and diverse strands of the ever-evolving story of childhood.Charity number: 20205452Communications & Public Affairs Lead