Melanie Rutledge – Editor

• Worked with the Board of Directors to help shape a shared vision for Magazines Canada and adapt the organization’s operations to its members’ needs.
• Conducted member research to test and adapt the value proposition for membership.
• Increased the member retention rate to 95% and convinced lapsed members to rejoin.
• Secured $60 million in additional federal funding for members during the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, bringing the total amount of annual federal government support to the sector to $117 million.
• Improved the organizational culture by cultivating a members¬¬–first outward focus.
• Worked to make Magazines Canada a High–Performance Organization in that each member understands the value proposition of membership and the benefits provided by Magazines Canada’s services.

• Accountable for all integrated communications activities, which include government relations, external and internal communications.
• Led the Integrated Communications team at the association.
• Conceived, strategized and shaped how Magazines Canada engages with stakeholder groups including members, allied professions, government stakeholders (civil service and elected officials) and the general public across all communications platforms.
• Worked closely with the CEO on federal government relations and advocacy, including strategy, stakeholder engagement, policy and program development.

• Worked as a self-employed consultant in order to raise my two children at home during their pre-school years.
• Edited book manuscripts (substantive editing and copy editing) for clients.
• Wrote and edited proposals, submissions, and reports for clients.
• With a focus on the arts and culture sector in Canada, and in particular, the sector’s digital shift, worked with clients on a range of initiatives including government relations and advocacy, policy and program research, development and implementation, communications, and management consulting.
• Clients included Canada’s National Ballet School, Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Museums Association, Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, Experiences Canada, KB Media, Magazines Canada, Rocky Mountain Books, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council.

• Directed a high-performing, engaged team of 13 and a $20 million budget and managed all aspects of the section’s day-to-day operations.
• Informed by the corporate values and directions of the Canada Council for the Arts, established the vision, priorities, and objectives of the section and empowered staff to achieve them while respecting and responding to stakeholder concerns.
• Played a key role in strategic planning and change management, including work in program and policy development, planning and analysis, and high-level communications with internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Directors.
• Secured a 20 percent increase to the section’s budget.
• Initiated and oversaw a targeted communications strategy for the Governor General’s Literary Awards, including securing innovative partnerships, which resulted in increased profile and visibility for Canadian writers, book publishers, the awards, and the Canada Council itself.

• Oversaw all aspects of the branded publishing program, including developing the publication plan, acquiring and managing individual projects, managing freelance editorial staff, and managing program budgets.
• Worked closely and collaboratively with creative services, marketing, and sales departments.
• Exceeded forecasted revenue budgets.

• Managed projects in the branded publishing program to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality books, including managing author relations, manuscript development, and schedule adherence. Acquired individual projects and contributed to the development of publication plan.

• Oversaw all aspects of multiple accounts, including budgets, schedules, and client communication.
• Wrote, edited, and produced sponsorship proposals.
• Researched and analyzed societal trends with a focus on the arts, business, and public/consumer behaviour.