Maureen Balsillie
Guelph,ON
Summary
Enthusiastic and creative strategic problem solver. Well-versed in grant program development and implementation. Skilled at overseeing and optimizing complex, high-value projects with excellent planning competencies. Personable and skilled in stakeholder and community engagement. Passionate about protecting our planet and building a livable future.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Transition Manager
MPP Aislinn Clancy
12.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed all aspects of the transition from Campaign to MPP Office.
- Managed hiring and on-boarding of 7 MPP Office staff
- Developed office policies and procedures for staff, volunteers, and constituents
- Managed MPP Office Budget (~$450,000) to maximize spending during the transition
- Developed customer service standards for all constituent communication and tracking through the CRM database
Campaign Manager
Aislinn Clancy for Kitchener Centre
05.2023 - 04.2024
- Elected Ontario's second Green MPP with 48% of the vote
- Facilitated the development and implementation of a successful campaign plan that met 100% of primary goals
- Developed and modified systems to maximized productivity and boost internal engagement and leadership of 10+ staff and 400+ volunteers.
- Raised over $200,000 from over 400 individual donors and managed budget and cash flow for a campaign with an undeterminable time frame.
- Implemented procedures, and policies to support a field team to knock on over 100,000 doors and make over 100,000 phone calls to identify and engage voters .
- Lead communication plan development which included digital, print, social and creative communications strategics
- Lead an endorsement strategy that secured endorsements from over 100 endorsers including individuals from all 3 majors parties, business leaders, community leaders and maximized impact through strategic roll-out
Campaign Manager
Matt Richter for Parry Sound - Muskoka
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Mobilize 400+ volunteers to secure 40% of the vote in the 2022 election
- Facilitated the development and implementation a successful campaign plan that met 95% of primary goals
- Raised over $150,000 for the 2022 campaign from over 200 individual donors
- Lead communication and policy plan which included digital, print, social and creative communications strategies
- Managed a field team to run 5 offices across 98,000 sq/km to knock on over 70,000 doors and made over 80,000 phone calls.
Small Grains Program Founder
Ecological Farmer Association of Ontario
05.2020 - 09.2021
- Launched an incentive funding program for farmers to increase uptake of ecological practices.
- Researched and analyzed current ecological practices with stakeholder engagement, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations to develop the most impactful program.
- Published economic analysis of benefits of expanding the ecological practice of growing small grains in cash crop production
- Built and maintained relationships with relevant stakeholders including The Weston Foundation, Pepsi Co, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Soil Network, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, ALUS Canada, and Canadian Organic Growers.
- Developed and delivered program materials including monthly shared learning discussions with up to 130 program participants, monthly newsletters, webinars, and field days
- Designed decision matrix and protocols for the grant selection process
- Leveraged relationships with stakeholders to secure an additional 5 million dollars in industry dollars for long-term funding of the program.
- Identified and developed new and innovative markets for small grains across Ontario
Bilingual Program Coordinator
Agricultural Adaptation Council
06.2014 - 10.2016
- Developed and deliver government funding programs including the Canadian Agriculture Partnership, Growing Forward 2 - Ontario, Growing Forward 2 - Grains and Organic Clusters.
- Review funding applications and performed due diligence on project proposals to ensure they meet program criteria.
- Liaise with industry stakeholders to align strategic and research goals
- Compare and contrast research and project proposals and performed SWOT analysis on potential projects to align with industry trends, innovations and needs
- Manage reporting, budget management, and progress of approved projects (100+ projects)
Political Organizer
Green Party of Ontario
08.2017 - 06.2020
- Support and manage relationships with 60+ Constituency Associations across Ontario
- Developed and delivered training material and programs for volunteers to build stronger constituency association and prepare for the 2018 campaigns.
- Recruited candidates in 60+ ridings
- Engaged stakeholders, volunteers, and industry leaders to develop and implement policy throughout Ontario with a focus on environmental policy, mental health, and housing.
- Lead field volunteers on the successful campaign of Mike for Guelph in the 2018 election, Steve for Guelph and Mike Morrice 2019, 2021.
- Developed and directed quick response action campaigns to ongoing legislation
Communications Lead, Editor, Founding Director
Ag Women's Network
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Developed strategic plan for the organization including securing long-term funding through government advocacy with the provincial and federal governments.
- Developed and implement communications plan for all online content
- Wrote content for blog as necessary and contract writers and volunteers for all online media including profiles
- Managed website and blog as necessary (Wordpress, Wix, basic HTML)
- Managed social media campaigns (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) promotion and activities using various platforms including Hootsuite
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON01.2013
DELF - C French Bilingual Certificate -
Académie Français
Oakville, ON01.2016
Certificate in Environmental Conservation -
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON01.2013
Certificate in Canadian Indigenous History -
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB01.2021
Skills
- Strategic planning and analysis
- Creative program and campaign management
- Community and stakeholder engagement
- Team building
- Grant program development and implementation
- Process development and optimization
- Budget management
- Resourcefulness and creativity
Accomplishments
- Elected Ontario's Second Green MPP
- Raised over $500,000 in grassroots donations for political campaigns
- Secured first every Green Party endorsement from education unions (Matt Richter 2022 - OSSTF, ETFO)
- Secured 2 candidate endorsements from David Suzuki
Career Overview
Strategist, Program and Campaign ManagerExperienced political strategist and winning Campaign Manager with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement. Proficient in planning and execution of strategic, political, and grassroots community campaigns. Demonstrated ability to mobilize and inspire large groups of engaged citizens and stakeholders. An enthusiastic and creative problem solver with a love of teamwork and community engagement.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Transition Manager
MPP Aislinn Clancy
12.2023 - 04.2024
Campaign Manager
Aislinn Clancy for Kitchener Centre
05.2023 - 04.2024
Campaign Manager
Matt Richter for Parry Sound - Muskoka
07.2021 - 07.2022
Small Grains Program Founder
Ecological Farmer Association of Ontario
05.2020 - 09.2021
Political Organizer
Green Party of Ontario
08.2017 - 06.2020
Bilingual Program Coordinator
Agricultural Adaptation Council
06.2014 - 10.2016
Communications Lead, Editor, Founding Director
Ag Women's Network
01.2013 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Guelph
DELF - C French Bilingual Certificate -
Académie Français
Certificate in Environmental Conservation -
University of Guelph
Certificate in Canadian Indigenous History -
University of Alberta
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