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Advocacy and Community Relations professional with experience managing non-profit organization, education, communications, stakeholder relationship building, and policy monitoring and analysis. Seeking challenging opportunity with an NGO or corporation focusing on community relations, CSI or policy analysis. Valid three year exceptional work skills visa has been obtained until May 2017. |
 Contact Megan Walters
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Area of Expertise: |
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Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
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Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer
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Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
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Private Sector, Social Enterprise, Corporate Social Responsibility
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Professional Experience: |
Most recently I served as the Director of Governmental Issues at Van Ness Feldman (VNF), a prominent law and public policy firm in Washington, D.C. Over my six years with VNF, I developed and implemented various advocacy plans around emerging issues in the United States Congress and within the Obama Administration. In addition, I serve as the Director of Membership Services and Development for an industry coalition that promotes clean energy technologies, where I regularly consult with clients to discuss comprehensive public policy strategies and develop coherent outreach plans before various members of congress, their staff, and other key policy makers.
A few of my skills that I believe would add immediate value to the South African market include:
• Client Relationship Building: Throughout my career, I have built strong relationships with top executives across the energy industry. I have a keen ability for, and truly enjoy the process of, understanding a client’s problems, developing and implementing a solution, and clearly communicating the value proposition to the client. An extroverted personality strengthens my skills in networking, relationship development and team management.
• Coalition Management and Communications: During my tenure at VNF, I gained excellent experience in managing industry coalitions by supporting the Executive Director of the Coal Utilization Research Council (CURC) in the operation of a functional and productive 50+ member coalition. In my role as CURC’s Director of Membership Development and Services, I attended to the needs of the larger coalition as well as individual members by monitoring, evaluating, and providing analyses of key federal policy initiatives that affect the coalition and individual members. Additionally, I managed the coalition’s communications and outreach efforts, delivering presentations at conferences and preparing advocacy documents and Congressional communications. These competencies add value to my skillset, as does my experience in providing strategic and tactical program development, planning, execution, guidance and support to ensure that coalition objectives are met.
• Event Management: As a part of my coalition work, I structured and managed the execution of several meetings and events for our coalition members. For example, in February 2014 I developed and oversaw the coalition’s second annual “Capitol Hill Day” where I led a team of 55 executives and delegates through an advocacy day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC where our coalition met with 51 Congressional offices, including both Members of Congress and their staff, for education about the importance of clean energy technology and the need for a robust funding program for these technologies. Through this type of event and other leadership experiences, I have learned how to organize and manage large-scale events and education campaigns to meet an organization’s strategic objectives.
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Education: |
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In August 2013, I received my Masters degree from George Washington University’s Political Management program, focusing my studies on issue management, public advocacy and community relations. While studying, I demonstrated an aptitude for time management by balancing my full time role at VNF, participating in extracurricular activities, and completing my program with a stellar academic track record. In January 2013 I was awarded the Kelly J. Purcell Credit Union Memorial Scholarship for academic achievement and demonstrating the qualities of self-discipline, passion, and vitality for Ms. Purcell was known for.
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Affiliations and Achievements: |
- President and Founder of George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) Student-Alum Advisory Board (SAAB)
- GSPM ‘Strategic Planning Committee’ Student Body Representative
- GSPM Global Immersion Program, Engaging the Greater Middle East and Africa - Koç University; Istanbul, Turkey August 2013
VOLUNTEER WORK:
- Obama for America, 2012
- Horton’s Kids
- Junior League of Washington D.C.
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Available for: |
- Consulting assignments
- Job opportunities
- Being headhunted – make me an offer
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