Profile

Melissa Falle grew up on the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia. After graduating from Mount Saint Vincent University’s Public Relations program, she embarked on a successful and ongoing career as a communications specialist.

Using her communications and design expertise in layout, photography and plain language, Melissa specializes in combining these elements into effective website design for her clients. Clients include those wishing to create a web identity, change their brand, communicate effectively with their audiences and those wishing to generate added value from their sites through the use of social media like RSS and Twitter feeds.

With over a decade of experience and numerous websites under her belt, Melissa keeps her eye on communications trends and missteps and guides her clients to the best possible solutions for user-friendly and successful electronic communications.

For my recent web design projects, please click on Blog.

Contact

Tel. 902-441-1719
missyfalle@gmail.com

Resume

Summary of Skills

• 10 years direct communications, marketing and relationship building experience in not-for-profit and university settings
• Extensive research and written communication experience – annual reports, proposals, communication plans, media kits, advertising strategies, newsletters website content and sponsorship packages
• Experience dealing with media and various stakeholders through promotion of special events and cultivating relationships with volunteers, sponsors and board members to achieve the strategic priorities of organizations, while meeting and exceeding expectations of above mentioned partners
• Proven leadership and strong interpersonal skills – helped recruit over 120 volunteers during a two-day event, taught elders how to use software and technology
• Committed team player with demonstrated leadership through implementing new projects and completing existing programs efficiently

Specialties
Relationship building, writing, graphic design and web development

Communications Specialist
Sisters of Charity – Halifax
2007 – Present (4 years)

• Determine best practices in website development and maintenance for both internal and external audiences
• Build and maintain internal and external websites
• Advise Sisters on new technology and software
• Develop advertisements, internal documents and presentations
• Write copy and take photos to share stories about the international Congregation for publication in newsletters, annual reports and website

Webmaster
Seton Spirituality Centre
August 2007 – Present (4 years)

• Implemented redesign of website using CMS and other marketing materials
• Complete website updates on an ongoing basis
• Maintain social media for programs to establish and maintain connections
• Committee member for Living Charity volunteer program (taking place in May 2012)

Manager of Fund Development
The Lung Association of Nova Scotia
July 2004 – May 2007 (2 years 11 months)

• Responsible for website redesign, content and maintenance
• Promoted special events, wrote public service announcements, and liaised with local media
• Communicated with volunteers (committee members) through various mediums to maintain contact and build stronger relationships for the cause
• Wrote and created content for direct mail appeals and coordinated three fundraising programs – Golf Privilege Club®, Putt A-Round and Laps for Lungs
• Developed budgets, prepared packages and secured sponsorship for special events
• Interviewed, trained and supervised support staff and volunteers for fund development initiatives

Fund Development Intern
HeartWood Centre for Community Youth Development
July 2003 – July 2004 (1 year 1 month)

• Compiled and wrote stories for annual year-end report/newsletter
• Liaised with senior management to ensure efficiency and delivery of materials to key stakeholders
• Participated in the rewrite of the organization’s vision, mission and core values to effectively communicate with donors, sponsors and alumni of programs
• Helped research and write funding proposals

House of Charity New Orleans Volunteer
January 2011 (1 week)

• Participated in a five day service trip with the Sisters of Charity Federation in New Orleans
• Acted as a determined and hardworking team player

Charity in the City New York Volunteer
July 2009 (2 weeks)

• Participated in a two week volunteer service trip in New York City
• Served in soup kitchens
• Participated in Midnight Run to people who are homeless in Central Park
• Worked together to acknowledge and understand our part in helping the people we encountered