Francesca D.

Experience

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  Boots UK

  Jun 2009 - Sept 2011

  Sales Assistant and Photo Developer

  During the two years years spent studying for my A Levels, I worked as a weekend sales assistant in Boots. I was also trained in printing and running the photo counter. My responsibilities included sales, shop floor management on a Sunday, handling and counting cash at the end of the day and taking home the safe key, photography printing, re-builds on the shop floor, and providing a high level of customer service. I left Boots when I moved away to attend University.

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  Monsoon Accessorize

  Sept 2012 - Jan 2013

  Seasonal Sales Assistant

  During the Christmas period of the second year at University, I worked part-time at Monsoon. My role included manning the fitting rooms and selecting outfits for customers, products sales on the till, checking stock, and greeting customers at the door.

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  Walt Disney World

  Jun 2014 - Aug 2014

  Cast Member

  International College Program (ICP) cast member; I worked in Disney's Animal Kingdom for a 3 month period as an outdoor vendor, working alongside cast members / interacting with guests of all ages and from all over the world. Working long hours in the Florida heat was an intensely challenging but rewarding experience, and I learnt a great deal about different cultures, attitudes, and expectations. I received recognition from the Disney company for my guest care and excellent attitude, in the form of a Walt Disney Company Four Keys Card. Show less

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  De Vere Venues

  Sept 2014 - Jan 2015

  NYE and Special Events Coordinator

  Fixed Term Contract. My role was primarily to organise, market, and direct two different New Years Eve parties at the venue, being the point of contact for guests, suppliers, and the hotel operations team. This role involved all aspects of event coordination, as well as using the OPERA reservations system, building relationships with guests and industry suppliers on all levels, and managing the running of the night.

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  Practicology

  Feb 2015 - Aug 2016

  Marketing Assistant

  My role involved:- Promoting the brand and our consultants- Organising and running events both for clients and the company- Working with our CRM system as a Super User, to ensure strong relationships are maintained- Assisting consultants with the production and research of content for presentations and reports- Copywriting and producing blogs for our website, using SEO techniques and insight drawn from Google Analytics and social media analytics- Maintaining the company social media pages- Mini site reviews- Creating the training workbooks for a large global client- Blogger outreach for client marketing and affiliate opportunities- Research and content creation for three of Practicology's reports, published in June and August 2015 (see link below), and February 2016.- I was also part of the small team who coordinated our 2015 office move. Show less

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  Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth

  Aug 2016 - Feb 2018

  Fundraising Events and Marketing Coordinator

  My role involves:- Complete ownership of the annual fundraising events run by the Hospital to raise funds for St John's Hospice. This includes organising all official event documentation for the council and TfL (e.g. TEN, licences, traffic management, road closure, advertising), assisting with the concept and design of advertising, liaising with local shop owners and residents to ensure support, coordinating up to 70 stall owners and funfair rides, securing character meet and greets for children, and running the event and all its elements both in the lead up and on the day. - Marketing activity for fundraising events, including production of internal and external documents.- Assisting with general marketing and content for the hospital and hospice. - Assisting with the planning and coordination of hospice donor events such as Cirque du St Johns, Benefactor Gala dinners, and memorial events. - Using my initiative and creativity to ensure targets are met both from a marketing and a fundraising point of view. Show less

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  Hemraj Goyal Foundation

  Feb 2018 - Apr 2020

  Charity and Events Manager

  My role at the Hemraj Goyal Foundation is to manage the day to day running of the charity, involving all communication and admin, social media, email marketing, event management, press releases and media coverage, and liaison with our charity partners. I am in charge of managing the annual impact report for the Foundation, monitoring all donations and keeping track on the charities progression in allocating those funds. I also handle new funding enquiries from charities and set up meetings, pitches and discussions. As part of my role I take the lead on events that we run either as a Foundation or in partnership with other charities; so far this has included fashion events, private screenings, conferences, workshops, and gala ball's. In September 2018 I managed the organisation of the Care Sector Fundraising Ball which raised £145,000 for the two beneficiary charities, and have taken on the leading role in managing this event for 2019 - where we successfully raised £200,000. This event management includes all liaison with the venue, event sponsors, suppliers and guests, organisation in the lead up to - and on the day of - the event and also post-event activity on both social media and through press releases to the media. Show less

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  Care Sector Fundraising Ball

  Sept 2018 - Apr 2020

  Event Manager

  Event organiser for the annual Care Sector Fundraising Ball, engaging over 500 guests from the care sector, liaising with suppliers, and overseeing the event design and delivery. This role is undertaken with the support of the Care Sector Ball committee, made up of leading individuals within the industry.

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  Content by Chesca

  Apr 2020 - now

  Freelance Writer

  Creating a wide range of content for individuals and businesses, across a range of different sectors. Including website content, articles, blogs, press releases, letters and emails, non-fiction and fiction book content, research and social media content.Available for new projects: https://www.contentbychesca.co.uk/

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  Self-employed

  Sept 2024 - now

  Freelance Event Manager

  Currently working with Hallmark Foundation, Championing Social Care, The Goyal Foundation. Offering planning, logistics, and on-the-day support for all manner of events, from weddings and private events to workshops and fundraisers. Typically work is remote until the day of the event where work moves onsite, though this is flexible according to the project. Email chescagrace@hotmail.com for enquiries!

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  Winchcombe Players

  Feb 2025 - now

  Chairwoman (Voluntary Role)