Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Other Affiliations
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Rob Lutes

Pointe-Claire,Canada

Summary

Experienced researcher and writer with a strong portfolio, including work for the National Film Board of Canada. Expertise in content creation, outreach strategies, and grant writing, leading to successful audience engagement. Demonstrated ability to manage projects effectively and deliver results under pressure while promoting teamwork.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Researcher, Writer, Outreach Consultant

Numerous organizations
Montreal, Québec
01.2003 - Current
  • Researched, wrote, edited, and blogged on diverse topics, including history and sports.
  • Planned outreach campaigns for music recordings and documentaries to connect products with target audiences.
  • Collaborated with creators and distributors to define market strategies for projects.
  • Utilized social media platforms extensively to enhance visibility and engagement.
  • Served as ghostwriter and speechwriter for notable public figures, including former U.S. President George H. W. Bush.
  • Worked with clients such as EyeSteelFilm and ABC TV to deliver tailored content solutions.
  • Produced written materials for various industries, including IT and healthcare.
  • Engaged in writing projects for publishers like John Wiley Publishing and Readers Digest.
  • Created databases for tracking research activities and results.

Workshop Leader/Musical Educator

Numerous organizations
Pointe-claire, QC
01.2000 - Current
  • Conducted workshops for students and community groups since 2000, covering diverse subjects.
  • Developed engaging techniques to inspire and empower participants of all ages.
  • Led singalongs and interactive programs for individuals with diminished mental capacity.
  • Featured artist in Quebec's Répertoire culture-éducation and English Language Arts Network's Artists Inspire Program.
  • Collaborated with major music festivals, including Ottawa BluesFest and Festival Blues-sur-Seine.
  • Delivered workshops for organizations serving older adults, enhancing community engagement.
  • Facilitated programs at Eva Marsden Centre, Cummings Centre, and Virtual Senior Centre (New York).
  • Responded promptly to questions or concerns raised by participants.
  • Monitored participant progress throughout the duration of the workshop.
  • Modified course material as needed depending on the audience's level of knowledge.
  • Encouraged feedback from participants in order to improve future workshops.
  • Explored ways to create an inclusive atmosphere for all individuals attending the workshops.
  • Provided individual instruction and guidance during workshops when needed.
  • Utilized technology such as video conferencing software during virtual workshops.
  • Delivered engaging presentations on topics related to the workshop curriculum.
  • Created lesson plans and objectives to ensure effective learning of workshop content.

Performing Songwriter and Grant Writer

Numerous presenters, artists
Pointe-Claire, QC
01.1992 - Current
  • Released eight full-length albums as Rob Lutes and three with band Sussex.
  • Placed numerous songs with various artists, TV, and film projects.
  • Received nominations and awards in blues, folk, and roots genres.
  • Achieved Canadian Folk Music Awards Contemporary Singer of the Year in 2018 and 2022.
  • Authored dozens of grant applications for Canada Council, CALQ, FACTOR, Heritage Canada, and SOCAN Foundation.
  • Performed live on stage as a singer-songwriter at various venues.
  • Participated in writing sessions involving multiple composers creating one cohesive track.
  • Attended industry events such as showcases and award ceremonies for networking purposes.
  • Composed instrumental pieces for use in film scores and soundtracks.
  • Provided feedback on the work of other songwriters during collaborative projects.
  • Collaborated with other songwriters, musicians, and producers to arrange and record songs.
  • Edited audio recordings of musical performances using digital software programs.
  • Developed music for licensing with television, radio, film and commercial customers.
  • Performed in front of live audiences on television and as part of theater productions.

ESL Teacher

Prolang Language Services
Montreal, Quebec
01.2011 - 11.2011
  • Taught ESL classes to corporate groups, achieving high levels of student success in 2011.
  • Received positive feedback from Prolang, reflecting effective teaching methodologies.
  • Encouraged student participation through interactive activities such as debates and group projects.
  • Designed creative games that facilitate language development while also being fun for students.
  • Assessed student progress through quizzes, tests, and other activities.
  • Incorporated real world applications into lessons whenever possible so that students can apply what they have learned outside the classroom.
  • Created an encouraging learning environment by utilizing positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Created a welcoming atmosphere for all students regardless of cultural background or ability level.
  • Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles.

Promotional Product Coordinator

National Film Board of Canada
Montreal, QC
05.2004 - 08.2008
  • Was responsible for a wide array of film marketing tasks, including writing and editing descriptive texts and coordinating the creation of an array of promotional materials.
  • This involved working closely with numerous filmmakers and producers as well as other NFB staff and staff of co-producers and funding agencies.
  • Key Responsibilities
  • Wrote and edited texts of various lengths for a variety for purposes, including promotional synopses, backgrounders, study guides, ad copy, invitations, posters and web sites.
  • Worked with graphic artists, directors, producers, other Marketing and Communications staff in the conception and creation of a wide array of promotional materials study guides and web sites for NFB films.
  • Hired and managed freelance writers, graphic artists and printers.
  • Engaged and worked with community and business partners to ensure the timely delivery of promotional products and the sharing of information.
  • Contributed to and consulted on marketing plans and reports related to NFB films, with special focus on launch strategies, target market identification, partnerships and prioritizing of films.
  • Developed and assisted in the creation and maintenance of web sites for NFB films.
  • Worked closely with Internet team and outside designers and web specialists to build sites for selected films.

Writer/Editor

St. Remy Media
Montreal, Canada
01.1992 - 12.2002
  • Wrote and edited content for over 20 lifestyle books in sports, travel, and cooking.
  • Reviewed existing content to identify opportunities for improvement or updates.
  • Maintained accurate records of all writing assignments completed.
  • Created original copy for websites, brochures, newsletters, promotional materials, and more.
  • Conducted interviews with subject matter experts to obtain relevant information.
  • Ensured that all written work met quality standards before submission deadlines.
  • Collaborated with editors and designers on various projects.
  • Organized written work according to established style guidelines.
  • Generated ideas for new stories or topics to write about.
  • Monitored current events for potential story ideas or topics relevant to company objectives.
  • Analyzed target audience needs when creating content that meets their expectations.
  • Performed extensive research prior to writing any article or post.
  • Proofread copy to check grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and organization of material.
  • Researched and wrote articles for a variety of publications.
  • Collaborated closely with individuals to ghostwrite articles on various topics.
  • Conducted in-depth research on diverse topics to create accurate and engaging content.
  • Crafted compelling headlines and captions to attract and retain readers' attention.
  • Maintained a consistent voice and tone across all written materials.
  • Collaborated with editors and other writers to brainstorm ideas and refine content.
  • Consulted with clients to assess needs, develop publishing strategies, and present proposals.
  • Collaborated with editorial team and directed Art Department for cohesive project execution.
  • Hired and managed freelance writers to ensure diverse content production.
  • Oversaw project expenditures and assisted with business development initiatives.
  • Maintained strong client relationships in a competitive, quality-focused environment.
  • Advised company leaders on marketing and product placement strategies.
  • Worked under strict deadlines and budget constraints to meet client expectations.

Education

Diploma - Journalism

Holland College
Charlottetown, PEI
05-1991

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Acadia University
Wolfville, NS
05-1989

Skills

  • Data analysis and research methodologies
  • Content creation and grant writing
  • Social media marketing strategies
  • Project management expertise
  • Writing and editing
  • Outreach strategies
  • Audience engagement
  • Songwriting and musical composition
  • Works well under pressure
  • Team building

Other Affiliations

  • Board Member, English Language Arts Network (ELAN), 01/01/12, 12/31/18
  • Board Member, Lakeshore Unitarian Universalists Congregation, 01/01/15, 12/31/21
  • Board Member, Jeanie Johnston Educational Foundation, 01/01/16, 12/31/20
  • Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publisher of Canada, Member
  • American Federation of Musicians, Member
  • International Folk Alliance, Member

Affiliations

Board Member, English Language Arts Network (ELAN), 2012-2018

Board Member, Lakeshore Unitarian Universalists Congregation, 2015-2021

Board Member, Jeanie Johnston Educational Foundation, 2016-2020

Member, Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publisher of Canada

Member, American Federation of Musicians

Member, International Folk Alliance

Accomplishments

  • 2018 and 2022 Canadian Folk Music Awards Contemporary Singer of the Year
  • Kerrville New Folk Songwriting winner
  • Multiple Maple Blues Nominee as Acoustic Act and Songwriter of the Year

Languages

English
Professional
French
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

ESL Teacher

Prolang Language Services
01.2011 - 11.2011

Promotional Product Coordinator

National Film Board of Canada
05.2004 - 08.2008

Researcher, Writer, Outreach Consultant

Numerous organizations
01.2003 - Current

Workshop Leader/Musical Educator

Numerous organizations
01.2000 - Current

Performing Songwriter and Grant Writer

Numerous presenters, artists
01.1992 - Current

Writer/Editor

St. Remy Media
01.1992 - 12.2002

Diploma - Journalism

Holland College

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Acadia University

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