Lee McPhail
Ottawa,ON
Summary
Creative and results-driven communications specialist with a proven track record in social media strategy, media relations, campaign development, and brand storytelling. Experienced across nonprofit, agency, and association settings, with CPRS award-winning work for national product launches and cause-based campaigns. Passionate about bringing energy, originality, and purpose to communications strategies that get brands noticed and connect with audiences. Now seeking an opportunity in a creative industry like beauty, entertainment, food & bev, or events where innovation and bold ideas are welcome.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Specialist
Railway Association of Canada (RAC)
10.2023 - 04.2025
- Oversaw the daily media scan and produced monthly newsletters featuring industry insights, advocacy updates, employee and member profiles, and leadership messages.
- Curated and scheduled social media content across Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
- Led communications efforts for key events, including promoting the 2024 Women in Rail conference, which saw a 25% increase in attendance over the prior year.
- Maintained website content and structure, ensuring timely updates across priority areas.
- Drafted and distributed news releases and managed proactive media outreach.
- Supported and led elements of advocacy campaigns, including stakeholder communications and public messaging.
- Gained hands-on experience with WordPress, Meltwater, Mailchimp, and Borealis.
Director of Communications, Board of Directors
Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton
09.2021 - 01.2025
- Oversaw all communications and fundraising activities for this local nonprofit supporting equine-assisted therapy.
- Launched record-setting Giving Tuesday campaign, raising $14K in one week.
- Secured media coverage for key events including the launch of the sensory trail in partnership with the Ontario Trillium Fund.
- Represented TROtt at 100 Women Who Care (Ottawa Chapter), securing selection as the fundraising recipient for the event.
- Managed website content and developed community-centric messaging to drive donor and volunteer engagement.
- Initially joined as Social Media Fundraiser before being invited to join the board within one year.
Account Coordinator
Energi PR Inc.
05.2022 - 10.2023
- Contributed to multiple client campaigns for major brands and nonprofits, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Bausch + Lomb, BeiGene Canada, and Melitta Coffee.
- Created content calendars, drafted copy, and managed social media strategies for clients including Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OAO) and BeiGene Canada.
- Conducted media monitoring, built media lists, and led outreach to secure coverage across national and regional outlets.
- Played a lead role on two CPRS Award of Excellence-winning campaigns: the Canadian launch of LUMIFY eye drops and World Cancer Day 2023 for CCS.
- Led patient-focused storytelling for BeiGene Canada, featuring Sportsnet’s Jamie Campbell, whose experience with CLL brought a powerful, personal dimension to the launch of BRUKINSA.
- Regularly used Meltwater, MRP, CNW, and Canva to support campaign execution.
Education
Bachelor of Public Relations - Communications
University of Guelph-Humber
Toronto, ON05-2022
Advanced Diploma - Advertising And Marketing Communications
Humber College
Toronto, ON05-2018
Skills
- Campaign Development
- Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Media Relations
- Copywriting & Editing
- Branding
- Event Coordination
- Event Communications
- Internal Communications
- Canva
- WordPress
- Mailchimp
- Hootsuite
- Meltwater
- Google Analytics
- MRP
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Awards & Highlights
- CPRS Award of Excellence in Media Relations — LUMIFY Canada Launch
- CPRS Award of Excellence in Media Relations — World Cancer Day 2023 Campaign
- Top Capstone Pitch, Humber College PR Program — Unsinkable Youth Campaign Concept
Timeline
Communications Specialist
Railway Association of Canada (RAC)
10.2023 - 04.2025
Account Coordinator
Energi PR Inc.
05.2022 - 10.2023
Director of Communications, Board of Directors
Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton
09.2021 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Public Relations - Communications
University of Guelph-Humber
Advanced Diploma - Advertising And Marketing Communications
Humber College
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