Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Jason Misner

Hamilton,ON

Summary

I am a results-driven senior communications officer experienced in leading corporate communication strategies and directing branding initiatives. With 26 years of communications experience, I am an accomplished and award-winning writer, videographer, editor and speaker with a deep understanding of municipal and regional government structures, and exceptional interpersonal abilities with internal and external audiences. Determined, tireless and enterprising in stressful, fast-paced settings, I look to drive communications through an equity and inclusive lens.

I am enthusiastic, eager to contribute to team success through hard work, and attentive to detail with excellent organizational skills. I have a clear understanding of communications and I'm highly motivated to learn, grow and excel.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Communications Officer

Halton District School Board
02.2010 - Current
  • Prepare event communications for special events, take photographs and videos during event, and promote on the web and social media.
  • Use Adobe Creative Cloud for creation of content, photo and video manipulation and design.
  • Primary role is writing and recording stories (video) that highlight the specific learning taking place in HDSB schools as well as profiling the work and success of staff members. In addition to writing stories, I write, produce and edit videos by expertly using my smartphone. I also work with HDSB's Information Centre (video department) to plan, script and produce/direct system-wide videos.
  • All content I produce highlights and affirms the HDSB's current Multi-Year Strategic Plan. This includes referencing which part of the plan is being executed and why.
  • Assist in the design of print collateral materials and coordinated branding across multiple communications channels.
  • Review staff-written materials and edited for content and brevity.
  • Engaging regularly on social media platforms by uploading content such as stories, videos and photos, in addition to organizing initiatives such as hashtag campaigns.
  • Providing guidance, advice and feedback on media relations and crisis management issues.
  • Speaking to/communicating with media on issues.
  • Website development. I am very familiar with Microsoft SharePoint and upload various forms of content to the HDSB website.
  • Utilizing Schoolmessenger emailing system for various Board-wide and specific school messaging.
  • Built and strengthened relationships with members of media in order to promote positive coverage.
  • Proofreading posters, brochures, pamphlets, postcards and other print materials, as well as proofreading webpages before being published online. This also involves working very closely with the graphic designer which would include providing ideas, suggestions and edits.
  • Leading meetings with staff to coordinate and plan projects.
  • Script and speech writing.
  • Drafting quotes for news releases and scripts on various topics and issues.
  • Providing staffing assistance at Board-sanctioned events.

Staff Reporter

Metroland
03.2003 - 02.2010
  • Researched and produced daily news reports for the Milton Canadian Champion, Burlington Post, Oakville Beaver and Georgetown Independent and Free Press.
  • Covered general assignment, Halton Region and City Hall issues mainly for the Burlington Post. I became very knowledgeable about municipal and regional affairs including understanding the machinations of government structure, Official Plan development, bylaw enforcement, hospital and police funding issues, and much more.
  • Responded to emergencies and breaking news stories with strong sense of urgency, at any hour.
  • Interviewed guests on specific topics.
  • Conducted live and taped interviews to obtain information.
  • Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports.
  • Helped shape narrative on key issues through effective storytelling and knowledge of public opinion.
  • Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Cultivated trust among sources to write stories for public consumption.
  • Held various responsibilities including covering City Hall, education and healthcare.
  • Participated in large scale, cross-over projects with other media entities.

On Call/Freelance Reporter

Hamilton Spectator (Torstar)
03.2002 - 03.2003
  • Worked as a general assignment reporter. This included conducting a ride-along with the Halton Police chief to detail safety issues in local communities.
  • Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results.
  • As on call/freelance reporter, I was ready, willing and able to respond to calls to come to work on short notice when other staff members were not available.
  • Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
  • Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately.
  • Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.

Staff Reporter/photographer

Cambridge Reporter (Torstar)
07.1999 - 02.2002
  • Covered general assignment, Waterloo Region and City Hall issues. I became very knowledgeable about municipal and regional affairs including understanding the machinations of government structure, Official Plan development, bylaw enforcement, hospital and police funding issues, and much more.
  • Interviewed guests on specific topics.
  • Conducted live and taped interviews to obtain information.
  • Researched and produced daily news reports.
  • Partnered with media executives to produce compelling stories.
  • Responded to emergencies and breaking news stories with strong sense of urgency, at any hour.
  • Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports.
  • Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories.
  • Helped shape narrative on key issues through effective storytelling and knowledge of public opinion.
  • Worked mostly late afternoon/evening shift.

Staff Reporter/photographer

Kanata Kourier-Standard
02.1998 - 07.1999
  • Interviewed guests on specific topics.
  • Covered general assignment, Ottawa region and City Hall issues. I became very knowledgeable about municipal and regional affairs including understanding the machinations of government structure, Official Plan development, bylaw enforcement, hospital and police funding issues, and much more.
  • Took own photographs and physically developed photos in a red room (photo lab).
  • Conducted live and taped interviews to obtain information.
  • Researched and produced daily news reports.
  • Responded to emergencies and breaking news stories with strong sense of urgency, at any hour.
  • Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports.
  • Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories.
  • Helped shape narrative on key issues through effective storytelling and knowledge of public opinion.
  • Pursued own story ideas and followed leads.
  • Redesigned newspaper using Quark Illustration and incorporating industry newspaper guidelines

Sports Editor

Guelph Tribune
01.1998 - 01.1998
  • Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories.
  • Interviewed guests on specific topics.
  • Developed leads, designed sports pages and constructed headlines.

Intern

CHCH News (formerly ONtv News)
04.1997 - 07.1997
  • Assisted with projects by applying strong analytical skills and studies.
  • Took meeting notes and compiled paperwork to support department.
  • Researched and reviewed information in support of daily objectives.
  • Helped reporters prepare and edit their video clips
  • Provided advice on where reporters should do their stand-up shots
  • Wrote scripts for the 6 p.m. newscast


Education

Credit - Introduction To Film And Video Production

George Brown College
Toronto, ON

Certificate - Leadership Training - Learning To Lead

Halton District School Board
Burlington
02.2023

Certificate - Exploring Your Leadership

Halton District School Board
Burlington, ON
11.2022

Credit - Crucial Conversations For Mastering Dialogue

Crucial Learning
Burlington, ON
05.2022

Journalism Diploma - Journalism

Sheridan College
Oakville, ON
04.1997

Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences (Geography)

McMaster University
Hamilton, ON
04.1996

Skills

  • Video generation
  • Speechwriting and messaging
  • Crisis communication
  • Strategy implementation
  • Collaboration
  • Social media coordination
  • Strategy development
  • Media relations
  • Website management
  • Communication planning
  • Flexible & Adaptable
  • Relationship-Building
  • Responsible

Accomplishments

    Journalism career:


    Nominated several times for North American, Canadian and Ontario Community Newspaper Awards including:


  • Placed 1st (2008) and 2nd (2005) in Best Investigative News Story from Ontario Community Newspaper Association
  • Best Business Writing Award in 2010 from Canadian Community Newspaper Association
  • Placed 3rd for Best Continuing Coverage in 2008 from Suburban Newspapers of America
  • Placed 3rd in 2008 for Best Coverage of Investigative Reporter from Suburban Newspapers of America
  • Placed 2nd (2009) and 3rd (2007) for Reporter of the Year from Ontario Community Newspaper Association


    • Communications career:


  • In 2018, as part of a team, earned Bravo Awards from Canadian Association of Communicators in Education in 2018 in the HDSB. The awards were for communications and branding of the HDSB Human Rights Symposium and the launch of the HDSB Mobile App.
  • In 2022, I, and our department, received three Bravo Awards, including two for video work that I was the primary lead and/or creator profiling the HDSB's 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan and mental health and well-being videos for parents/guardians.
  • In 2023, I, and our department, received three Bravo Awards, for Get the HDSB Director of Education to Do Your Job! - Halton District School Board (COUP DE COEUR); Bringing the HDSB Multi-Year Plan to Life - Halton District School Board (AWARD OF DISTINCTION); and HDSB’s Garth Webb Secondary School Celebrates Iftar - Halton District School Board (COUP DE COEUR)

Additional Information

Cheryl Hayles - Elementary Principal

Nick Frankovich - Superintendent of Education

Michelle Bates - System Principal (Mental Health & Well-Being)

Shelita Walker - System Principal (Equity and Inclusion)

Janet Ricciardelli - Elementary Principal

Timeline

Senior Communications Officer

Halton District School Board
02.2010 - Current

Staff Reporter

Metroland
03.2003 - 02.2010

On Call/Freelance Reporter

Hamilton Spectator (Torstar)
03.2002 - 03.2003

Staff Reporter/photographer

Cambridge Reporter (Torstar)
07.1999 - 02.2002

Staff Reporter/photographer

Kanata Kourier-Standard
02.1998 - 07.1999

Sports Editor

Guelph Tribune
01.1998 - 01.1998

Intern

CHCH News (formerly ONtv News)
04.1997 - 07.1997

Credit - Introduction To Film And Video Production

George Brown College

Certificate - Leadership Training - Learning To Lead

Halton District School Board

Certificate - Exploring Your Leadership

Halton District School Board

Credit - Crucial Conversations For Mastering Dialogue

Crucial Learning

Journalism Diploma - Journalism

Sheridan College

Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences (Geography)

McMaster University

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Jason Misner