David McLavin

Background

About David McLavin

I am a strategic communications specialist with over 30 years experience in media management, public relations, crisis management, stakeholder engagement and marketing. I have extensive experience in multi-media communications and have frequently taken campaigns from concept stage to delivery. These campaigns have included: social media and online elements, radio and television advertising, print and outdoor advertising, media relations and events, supporting press features and hard copy collateral including leaflets, posters and newsletters. Over the last 30 years every job I have had has involved being the first point of contact for journalists. A key part of every post was to respond to media enquiries, shape the news agenda and provide proactive media releases and features to create a positive understanding of my employer and its corporate aims. In terms of social media my role has been identical – to provide information in a clear, accessible and interesting format to tackle negative perceptions and help shape positive ones. I am a skilled public speaker and I have been a guest speaker at the Alarm Scotland annual conference and child and adult protection conferences. I was also regularly required to give both live and pre-recorded media interviews about sensitive topics in a number of my previous positions. I am a skilled and innovative self-starter who is capable of working with colleagues at all levels, from janitors to government ministers. I am credible and my professional judgement is sound and widely trusted. This trust is based on my ability to create effective working relationships and my ability to influence and manage a range of partners and stakeholders, including colleagues and managers. I use the Vuelio media management package daily along with Hootsuite. I am also very familiar with Helm, the Bridge Web Labs content management system.