Joe O'Donnell

Experience

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  Eversheds Sutherland

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2007

  Paralegal

  I carried out detailed legal research for clients, updated 'Know-how' files with news, legal developments etc, ghost wrote articles for industry press, drafted company documents, carried out due diligence work for complex mergers etc.

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  Thomson Reuters

  Nov 2007 - Aug 2013

  Information Officer/ Writer IDS Employment Law Brief

  I monitored policy and case law changes, quickly analysing complex information to made editorial decisions on whether to write clear, concise and easily digestible news emailed to thousands – often in advance of mainstream media. I wrote more detailed reports of complex legal cases for the different audience in the hard copy legal journal.I negotiated Vice President and US approval to create a corporate Twitter account and blog. I used XML, HTML and content management systems such as Drupal and WordPress to run websites. I worked to scope and project manage the development and testing of new websites. I was promoted above the role’s normal grade due to the quality of my writing. I successfully absorbed a redundant role into my own while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of internal databases etc. Show less

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  The Victorian Society

  Aug 2014 - Oct 2016

  Media Officer

  I ran a major annual national campaign to find England’s Top Ten Endangered Buildings. I dramatically increased press and TV coverage, and persuaded Griff Rhys Jones to do his first press for the society. I wrote press releases, managed the Society’s website, developed press relationships and arranged interviews. I transformed the Society’s social media presence – created a Facebook account and increased Twitter followers. I reformed the monthly e-newsletter which was called ‘the best in the industry’. I created a guide to campaigning for communities and worked to support stakeholders and local campaigning groups to achieve their aims and goals.Key achievements• Appearing live twice on Saturday morning BBC Breakfast, as well as the One Show and numerous interviews.• Blanket national media coverage of the Top Ten Endangered Buildings campaign, including a Guardian centre page spread, and Griff Rhys Jones appearing on the Today programme etc.• Moving the Society to embrace different forms of campaigning e.g. creating its first e-petition, lobbying MPs and Government and organising a ‘drink in’ at a threatened pub. Show less

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  The Heritage Alliance

  Oct 2016 - Mar 2019

  Head of Policy and Communications

  I honed my leadership skills at the Heritage Alliance, the heritage sector umbrella body. I often deputised for a part time CEO as the only full-time employee. I directly recruited, interviewed and managed all our volunteers and their work. I built stakeholder engagement - developing relationships with CEOs and key contacts across the sector and outside. I worked closely with Government and represented the Alliance at round tables, Parliamentary receptions etc. For example, my initiative led to the Shadow Minister for Arts and Heritage holding a special Q&A for our members. I analysed and monitored policy developments and focused the advocacy asks of 130 members. I led policy advocacy groups and drafted consultation responses on topics from arson or offensive weapons to permitted development rights or skills policy. I wrote and edited Heritage Update - a sector newsletter read by 14,000. I worked closely with the CEO and updated trustees at each board. I provided the secretariat for the Historic Environment Forum, helped set the agenda for the Heritage Council, and co-ordinated submission of projects to DCMS. I ran the Alliance’s social media and websites and received board approval for replacing these and creating a CRM system. Key achievements• Convincing minister Therese Coffey of the ivory ban’s impact on heritage resulting in an exemption for ivory portrait miniatures.• Organising three Heritage Days, the heritage sector’s key annual event and personally securing speakers such as the Director-General of the National Trust.• Speaking at an AHRC Panel Discussion at the British Council on Research, Policy and Practice.• Organising funding for paid internships for the first time.• Securing the Alliance’s first commercial partnership - with a major law firm. Show less

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  Rail Freight Group

  Jan 2020 - Sept 2020

  Head of Policy

  Leading on de-carbonisation and sustainability issues and responding to policy changes. Attending sector events and building relationships with the Department for Transport and member organisations.

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  PRESERVATION MATTERS LTD

  Jan 2020 - Apr 2020

  Consultant
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  The Victorian Society

  Sept 2020 - Feb 2024

  Director

  Took over during the pandemic when financial reserves were dangerously low. Responsible for the management of up to 10 staff - successfully managed redundancy and recruitment. Oversaw the introduction of online events (creating a significant new revenue stream and increasing public impact) and worked to dramatically improve the online joining process. Led considerable amounts of internal transformation - from a new CRM, bookkeeping system and Direct Debit provider to introducing online holiday and sickness reporting. Maximised use of Covid funding securing business interruption grants and four fully funded Kickstarter placements.Key achievements• Increased member numbers for first time in a decade.• 68% reduction in recurring deficit in 2021 vs 2020.• Launched the Young Victorians to attract and retain younger members to ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability.• Introduced new membership rates for those willing to give much more in a single year.• Secured a significant new income stream for the society through office rental. Show less

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  Holst Victorian House

  Jul 2024 - now

  Member Board of Trustees
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  The Brockley Society

  Dec 2024 - now

  Brockley Society Planning committee member

  Reviewing Planning applications within Brockley