# Alex MacDonald - Communications and Public Affairs Professional Source: https://hello.cv/alexmacdonald Vancouver ## Links - Email - Phone ## About A highly accomplished communications and public affairs professional with over a decade of experience navigating high-stress, high-stakes environments within Canadian governments and top-tier agencies. Expertly advised premiers, ministers, and senior civil servants, leveraging an acute understanding of integrated communications to achieve strategic organizational objectives. Proven leader and team-builder, consistently driving collective success through strategic counsel, impactful outreach, and effective policy implementation. ## Work ### SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR/ASSOCIATE | Hill & Knowlton/Burson Canada Oversaw the BC Public Affairs practice, directing a team and supporting global insights for diverse clients across finance, real estate, industrial development, health care, higher education, and non-profit sectors. - Directed the BC Public Affairs practice for a top global public relations agency, delivering strategic communications and public affairs counsel to a diverse client portfolio. - Led and mentored a team, fostering collaborative environments to achieve client objectives and enhance service delivery. - Provided global insights and strategic guidance to clients across finance, real estate, industrial development, health care, higher education, and non-profit sectors. - Managed high-stakes client engagements, ensuring successful outcomes and strengthening client relationships within competitive markets. ### MINISTERIAL CHIEF OF STAFF | Government of Manitoba Supported the transition of a new government and led the implementation of the first 100 days agenda on health care, including critical communications, outreach, and regional health authority restructuring. - Successfully supported the transition of a new government, ensuring seamless operational continuity during a critical period. - Spearheaded the implementation of the first 100 days agenda on health care for the Province of Manitoba, achieving key policy milestones. - Orchestrated significant communications and outreach initiatives with health care workers, fostering engagement and alignment with new government priorities. - Directed restructuring efforts within regional health authorities, optimizing operational efficiency and service delivery. ### UNION REPRESENTATIVE | United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1518 Represented union members at the BC Labour Board and successfully organized and negotiated collective agreements across health care, cannabis, and retail grocery sectors. - Successfully represented union members at the BC Labour Board, advocating for their rights and interests in complex labor disputes. - Organized and negotiated collective agreements with employers across diverse sectors, including health care, cannabis, and retail grocery. - Achieved favorable outcomes in collective bargaining, securing improved terms and conditions for union members. - Managed stakeholder relations between union members, employers, and regulatory bodies, fostering constructive dialogue and resolution. ### SENIOR ADVISOR & CHIEF OF STAFF | Government of British Columbia Served as Chief of Staff for multiple ministers, overseeing office operations and providing senior political advisory across Mental Health and Addictions, Labour, and Health portfolios. - Oversaw the offices of three distinct Ministers (Mental Health and Addictions, Labour, Health) over four years, ensuring efficient operations and strategic alignment with government objectives. - Provided senior political advisory to Ministers, influencing policy development and strategic decision-making on critical provincial issues. - Managed complex ministerial portfolios, navigating high-stakes political environments and stakeholder demands. - Contributed to the development and execution of key government initiatives, demonstrating adaptability across diverse policy areas. ### DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION | Manitoba New Democratic Party Directed voter contact operations for the Manitoba NDP, overseeing recruitment, training, and deployment of staff that doubled party seats and diversified caucus in the 2019 election. - Directed comprehensive voter contact operations for the Manitoba NDP, including recruitment, hiring, and training of dozens of staff. - Successfully deployed staff in the lead-up to the 2019 Manitoba election, contributing to a significant increase in party seats. - Played a key role in electing a caucus that better represented the diversity of Manitobans, enhancing party representation and inclusivity. - Managed large-scale campaign logistics and personnel, demonstrating strong organizational and leadership capabilities under pressure. ### ISSUES MANAGER | Government of British Columbia Established and led the issues management team for the new BC government, supporting the Premier and multiple Ministers across diverse portfolios including agriculture, health, and Indigenous relations. - Established the foundational issues management team for a new provincial government, developing critical processes and protocols. - Provided strategic issues management support to the Premier and multiple Ministers across diverse portfolios, including Agriculture, Health, and Indigenous Relations. - Mitigated potential risks and managed public perception by proactively addressing complex issues in high-stakes environments. - Collaborated cross-functionally to ensure coordinated government responses and messaging on sensitive topics. ### DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION | Yukon New Democratic Party Developed and executed the campaign plan for the Yukon NDP in the 2016 election, leading material development, volunteer recruitment, training, and candidate support for voter engagement. - Developed and executed the comprehensive campaign plan for the Yukon NDP in the 2016 Yukon election. - Managed the development and deployment of campaign materials, ensuring consistent messaging and outreach across the territory. - Recruited and trained a significant volunteer base, enhancing grassroots engagement and campaign capacity. - Provided primary support for candidates in their voter engagement efforts, directly contributing to campaign visibility and outreach. ### OUTREACH COORDINATOR | Government of Manitoba Managed stakeholder relations and community outreach in the Premier's Office, coordinating strategic announcements and Cabinet meetings for government caucus members in high-priority communities. - Managed stakeholder relations and community outreach initiatives from the Premier's Office, engaging diverse groups across Manitoba. - Planned and coordinated Cabinet meetings, ensuring efficient flow of information and decision-making for government leadership. - Orchestrated strategic announcements in high-priority communities, maximizing public impact and media coverage. - Supported all government caucus members in their outreach efforts, enhancing public engagement and policy communication. ### CONSTITUENCY ASSISTANT | Government of Canada Managed casework for a Member of Parliament, focusing on pensions and immigration, and planned community outreach events. - Managed a high volume of complex casework for a Member of Parliament, specifically addressing constituent concerns related to pensions and immigration. - Provided direct support and guidance to constituents, resolving issues and facilitating access to government services. - Planned and executed community outreach events, enhancing the MP's presence and engagement within the constituency. - Maintained sensitive constituent information with confidentiality and professionalism, adhering to privacy protocols. ### VICE-PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS | Mount Allison Student's Union Represented students to provincial, federal, and municipal governments, as well as community organizations, and served on the Maritime Provinces' Higher Education Commission. - Represented over 2,500 students to provincial, federal, and municipal governments, advocating for student interests and educational policies. - Engaged with diverse community organizations, including the board of the Co-op and a community economic development organization, fostering partnerships. - Served on the Maritime Provinces' Higher Education Commission, contributing to regional higher education strategy and policy. - Developed and executed communication strategies to inform and mobilize the student body on key external affairs issues. ### ADVOCACY COORDINATOR | Canada Organic Trade Association Managed government relations for the organic agriculture sector, coordinating legislative testimony, trade show participation, and organizing key national events. - Managed government relations for the Canadian organic agriculture sector, including preparing and coordinating legislative testimony in Ottawa. - Coordinated successful participation in trade shows, enhancing visibility and market opportunities for organic businesses. - Organized the inaugural National Organic Week and Hill Day events, significantly raising the profile of the organic sector. - Developed and maintained relationships with key government officials and industry stakeholders to advance policy objectives. ## Education ### Mount Allison University | Political Science, History ## Languages - English ## Skills ### Strategic Communications Proficient ### Public Affairs Proficient ### Government Relations Proficient ### Policy Advocacy Proficient ### Media Relations Proficient ### Issues Management Proficient ### Stakeholder Engagement Proficient ### Crisis Communications Proficient ### Team Leadership Proficient ### Project Management Proficient ### Strategic Planning Proficient ### Campaign Management Proficient ### Operational Oversight Proficient ### Cross-functional Collaboration Proficient ### Mentorship Proficient ### Staff Training & Development Proficient ### Policy Development Proficient ### Legislative Process Proficient ### Political Advisory Proficient ### Government Transitions Proficient ### Electoral Campaigns Proficient ### Constituency Relations Proficient ### Collective Bargaining Proficient ### Regulatory Compliance Proficient ### Strategic Analysis Proficient ### Risk Mitigation Proficient ### Problem Solving Proficient ### Data-driven Decision Making Proficient ### Negotiation Proficient ### Community Engagement Proficient ### Event Management Proficient ### Client Relationship Management Proficient ## Source Read this profile on Hello.cv: https://hello.cv/alexmacdonald Create your free profile at https://hello.cv