JAMES DOWNER
Toronto,ON
Summary
Communications leader with a strong background in brand storytelling, marketing, and social media strategy. Achieved a 26% increase in organic web traffic at Fielmann USA through effective SEO content development. Enhanced brand reputation and propelled performance-focused marketing campaigns, employing exceptional verbal and written communication, and conversion-driven copywriting to generate significant ROI.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Fielmann USA
11.2021 - 09.2025
- Increased organic web traffic by 26% through blog publishing and SEO content development.
- Doubled conversions and enhanced referral traffic by 38% within six months through our affiliate program.
- Developed and executed social media calendars, producing over 150 assets a year.
- Boosted email open rates by 23% with compelling subject lines and tailored messaging, while improving click-through rates by 19% through strategic A/B testing initiatives.
FREELANCE SOCIAL MARKETING STRATEGIST
JLD Social
08.2015 - 01.2023
- Developed tailored digital branding and engagement strategies for clients in healthcare, non-profit, real estate, and wellness sectors.
- Increased visibility and engagement by crafting social media content, email campaigns, newsletters, and blogs.
- Supported client growth through targeted storytelling and strategic digital outreach.
SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST / COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT
Virgin Mobile Canada
06.2015 - 09.2020
- Presented data-driven reports and solutions to Managing Directors for proactive digital reputation management initiatives.
- Maintained brand integrity and reduced negative perceptions using strategic crisis-resolution methods during adverse timelines.
- Achieved over a 90% response rate within 24 hours, managing member inquiries on social platforms with a consistent brand tone of voice.
- Decreased escalation times by 28% through strategic monitoring of social trends and resolution planning.
- Increased community size by 20% in two years with focused content strategies.
- Enhanced reach by 25% by using analytics tools to optimize campaign performance.
PROGRAMS & MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Heart 2 Heart, Canadian Red Cross (AP)
03.2011 - 05.2015
- Increased corporate bookings by 34% year-over-year through targeted marketing campaigns in WSIB-regulated industries.
- Created PR opportunities through media appearances on Rogers Daytime, CityTV's CityLine, and Breakfast Television.
- Raised program awareness through various communication channels, including client newsletters, social media, and employee spotlights.
- Boosted recertification rates and ensured ongoing workplace compliance by developing recertification tracking systems.
- Managed a team of 25 staff across 10 locations, coordinating public and private course schedules, and inventory for seamless training delivery.
- Reinforced transparency, organizational policies, and employee engagement by developing communication materials, internal policies, and reports.
Education
Certificate - Fundraising Management
George Brown College
Toronto, ONCertificate - Public Relations Professional
Ryerson University
Toronto, ONBachelor of Arts - Sociology
King's University & University of Western Ontario
London, ONSkills
- Strategic brand storytelling
- Social media strategy and content creation
- Brand governance
- Performance-driven marketing
- Affiliate program management
- SEO and content optimization
- Conversion-oriented copywriting
- Agency and vendor collaboration
- AI prompt engineering
- Customer/patient reviews and reporting
Volunteer Experience
- Support Care, Event Assistant, Training Co-Facilitator, Casey House, Toronto, Toronto, ON
- Board of Directors Member, Development Committee Member, Fife House, Toronto, Toronto, ON
Youtube
youtu.be/lveKgafuC20
Timeline
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Fielmann USA
11.2021 - 09.2025
FREELANCE SOCIAL MARKETING STRATEGIST
JLD Social
08.2015 - 01.2023
SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST / COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT
Virgin Mobile Canada
06.2015 - 09.2020
PROGRAMS & MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Heart 2 Heart, Canadian Red Cross (AP)
03.2011 - 05.2015
Certificate - Fundraising Management
George Brown College
Certificate - Public Relations Professional
Ryerson University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
King's University & University of Western Ontario