Sherry Nickerson

Reported to the Director, Mayor and Council, Operations and Initiatives and was responsible for coordinating the Office of the Mayor/Council community outreach programs and operations. Conducted research to identify opportunities to profile the City and the Office of the Mayor. Represented the Office of the Mayor at public events and fostered strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support Mayor and Council's mandate. As Community Outreach Coordinator, contributed to the development, monitoring and execution of public events, advertising, and promotions.

• Coordinated Office of the Mayor Community outreach programs and operations which included engagement, promotion, and education and communications.
• Coordinated Office of the Mayor news releases, social media, website, online outreach tools, surveys, newsletters, and email.
• Collaborated with Corporate Communications and the Director of Operations and Initiatives on media inquiries.
• Monitored media coverage and coordinated media events.
• Coordinated and supported community needs assessments to identify and better understand the community.
• Identified opportunities to promote initiatives through public relations/outreach events.
• Identified opportunities to coordinate and support city-wide initiatives and public events.
• Represented the Mayor and/or council at specific events and stakeholder meetings.
• Acted as a resource person to community members and provided links to resident-led groups, agencies, and broader public sector resources.
• Oversaw the Mayor’s Office Promotional Program.
• Composed letters of greetings, speeches, and emails while performing supporting research.
• Managed special events for Mayor's Office as directed. This included; drafting letters of invitation to staff, members of the public, and dignitaries, arranging for entertainment, decorations, catering, obtaining liquor licenses, complying with Health and Safety codes, arranging and working with volunteers, securing sponsorship, developing promotional and marketing materials
• Engaged residents to participate in their community and collective actions, while supporting them in this process.
• Responded to residents’ inquiries and develop tools to address concerns, including education and information materials.

Was accountable to and directly reported to the Chief of Staff. Worked as the first contact for written and verbal inquiries from all internal and external contacts, the main function of this position was to provide positive and professional administrative support to ensure good customer service for internal and external customers. Provided strategic support to the Office of Mayor and Council while assisting in creating a supportive and efficient team environment. This role had access to confidential corporate and human resource matters.

• Supported the Office of Mayor and Council’s business schedule and anticipated needs,
• Drafted and edited material such as emails, presentations, spreadsheets, graphics and reports as required. .
• Recognized politically sensitive and/or confidential issues, bringing matters to the attention of the Chief of Staff to determine best course of action.
• Maintained professional discretion at all times, triaging concerns/issues and negotiate/facilitate scheduling, reporting and the necessary follow up.
• Represented the division on committees as directed.
• Participated in the annual divisional budget exercise, working with the department EA and the budget analyst to find explanations for variances throughout the year. Prepared and processed payment requests for the division and its service areas.
• Acted as support on special projects as identified, tracking project schedules, task deadlines, milestones, project reports, coordinate project meetings with project stakeholders and liaise with consultants and service providers as directed by project manager.
• Other duties included; public relations and constituent correspondence; web editor; social media support;

• Achieved a high rate of repeat business through diligent relationship-building efforts with patients and clients alike.
• 22 years experience as a licensed optician, performing all aspects of the job, including quality verification, inventory maintenance, sales, and customer service.
• Proven strong sales skills, directly allowing the practice to win several national awards.
• Stayed current on industry advancements and emerging trends through continuous professional development opportunities, enhancing the overall quality of service provided to clients.
• Implemented effective merchandising strategies that showcased popular frame styles while remaining visually appealing to customers browsing in-store selections.
• Developed strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing and delivery terms on inventory purchases.
• Coordinated store events and promotions, boosting brand visibility and driving sales growth.
• Contributed significantly towards achieving monthly sales targets with proactive management of stock levels, product merchandising and staff training.