Karen Perl-Pollard

Experience

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  Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Environment Canada, Calgary Vocational Services

  Jan 1992 - Jan 1995

  Marketing Communications Assistant

  Worked as a co-op student - and learned many of the ins and outs of working with government and non-profits.

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  UNICEF Canada

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1997

  Youth Programs and Education for Development Coordinator
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  Grande Prairie Regional College

  Aug 1997 - Jun 1999

  Educational Liaison Coordinator
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  The Kidney Foundation of Canada

  Jul 1999 - Mar 2000

  Campaign Coordinator (Contract Position)
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  Zi Corporation

  Mar 2000 - Oct 2001

  Communications Coordinator
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  The City of Calgary

  Apr 2001 - Mar 2020

  Water Fitness Instructor

  I inspire and am inspired by people who choose to improve their physical and mental health by choosing water fitness.

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  Mount Royal University

  Dec 2001 - Feb 2004

  Marketing Communications Associate
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  Squared Consulting

  Jan 2012 - now

  Principal Consultant

  - Completed a contract with the Highland Primary Care Network to promote their Developmental Screening program delivered through the Parent Link Centres. Developed an overall strategy, key messages and developed communication materials.

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  Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation

  Jan 2012 - Oct 2013

  Special Event - Gala
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  Haskayne School of Business

  Oct 2013 - Oct 2023

  • Project managed the pilot of the Financial Feminism Investing Lab in collaboration with The51.• Project managed Haskayne Hour, an engagement series to feature Haskayne research alongside industry experts. This included the move to an online format during the COVID-19 pandemic.• Team member on the Research Communications Working Group which was recognized with a Dean’s award for advancing research communications at the school.• Developed marketing communication plans in collaboration with the team to support the launch of the Doctor of Business Administration and the Master of Management.• First point of contact for the media when connecting to the Haskayne School of Business, fielding several calls a week to help immediately connect reporters with experts within the school.• Wrote and coordinated news releases for announcements for the school.• Collated and analyzed monthly media metrics to provide a benchmark of activities and inform senior leaders of the coverage influencing the perception of the school.• Developed pitch plans for stories including searching the database of journalists that we have connections with and seeking out new contacts.• Led an initiative to promote the first cohort of the Creative Destruction Lab Rockies including a special issue of UToday that profiled several aspects of the program.• Contributed to the annual Haskayne Community Report.• Managed several video projects.• Wrote several stories for UToday, the University of Calgary news service with a focus to highlight the unparalleled research, teaching, student experience and culture at the school. Show less - As a donor engagement advisor, I completed over an increasing number of stewardship reports each year, starting with 55 in my first year and completing over 75 in my third year in the role. Stewardship increases exponentially and I was an active part of identifying and implementing many strategies to more effectively steward donors including group stewardship reports which also function as marketing pieces.- Provided communications support to the development team including solicitation e-mails and stewardship newsletter.- Drafted a total of 15 major-gift proposals within 12 months ranging from a $100,000 ask to assisting with several proposals over $1,000,000 in the 2015-2016 year.- Drafted the 2015 and 2016 Haskayne Founders' Circle Annual Report.- Organized the annual Hakayne Founders' Circle recognition event in 2014.- Coordinated personal recognition opportunities for key donors on an ongoing basis. Show less • Responsible for data management including updates for Raisers’ Edge, inputting activity reports, working with Data and eSolutions to create custom queries and crystal reports and developing a style guide to manage Haskayne Development’s usage of Raisers’ Edge.• Worked with the Haskayne Development team to begin streaming digital organization.• Began an initial review of new web requirements.• Generated over 20 stewardship reports ensuring that they met best practices and posted all the stewardship reports to Raisers’ Edge.• Drafted proposals and meeting briefs for front-line fundraisers.• Drafted letters of condolence and congratulations for the dean.• Initiated a renewal of the donor acknowledgement critical path so that it would match the weekly process.• Managed invitations and RSVPs for several events. Show less

  • Senior Communications Strategist

    Jan 2018 - Oct 2023

  • Donor Engagement Advisor

    Mar 2014 - Jan 2018

  • Development Administrator, Haskayne School of Business

    Oct 2013 - Mar 2014
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  University of Calgary

  Oct 2023 - now

  Development Strategist