Monya Vermaak
Summary
Experienced in building relationships and effectively communicating with diverse audiences across various platforms. Passionate about making complex information clear and engaging. Strong background in student admissions, enrolments, public communications, and stakeholder engagement. Able to juggle multiple priorities under pressure and consistently meet deadlines. Expertise lies in planning and executing major projects, utilizing data to inform and improve processes. Committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and delivering inclusive, student-focused service. Dedicated to providing exceptional support to all individuals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications and Engagement Specialist
Horowhenua District Council
10.2021 - Current
- Deliver a wide range of internal and external communications and engagement projects across Council departments
- Manage digital channels including social media, website, newsletters and email campaigns
- Respond to media, public, and social media enquiries under strict turnaround deadlines
- Use CRM systems to manage customer feedback and improve community relations
- Coordinate events, public meetings and consultation processes, building positive relationships with stakeholders
- Monitor and report using Google Analytics and engagement insights to guide strategy
- Lead media management for projects, including drafting responses and coordinating approvals
- Provided ongoing support to clients throughout their journey, fostering long-lasting partnerships built on trust and mutual understanding.
Communications Advisor
Palmerston North City Council
07.2021 - 10.2021
- Led comms and engagement for major projects including the Representation Review and Resident Satisfaction Surveys
- Developed processes to improve public understanding and engagement with Council initiatives
- Managed project timelines, messaging and delivery across digital and print channels
Senior Communications & Media Advisor
Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA)
08.2020 - 03.2021
- Led business and stakeholder engagement for business surveys and regional initiatives
- Supported the planning and delivery of the regional student exhibition and communications activities
- Managed survey data, communications planning and post-event reporting
Head of Marketing, Communications & Training
Plastics SA
09.2011 - 11.2019
- Managed training programme enrolments and student support from application to certification
- Maintained student records and ensured compliance with national standards
- Led course promotion, stakeholder communications and supported industry outreach
Alumni Relations and Recruitment
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
02.2000 - 09.2007
- Coordinated alumni and student engagement programmes, maintained CRM and survey data
- Supported event planning, reporting and administrative systems
- Manage Alumni database
- Post-graduate recruitment and enrolment
Education
Bachelors Degree Public Relations Management
Technikon Pretoria
Public Information Management (PIM) -
Civil Defence Emergency Management
01-2024
Skills
- Admission and enrolment support
- Relationship building
- Stakeholder engagement
- Analytical thinking
- Community and iwi engagement
- Google analytics and data reporting
- Process improvement
- Communications skills
- Writing - Ability to make complex information simple engaging
- Ability to juggle tasks and meet deadlines
- Ability to plan and execute major projects
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Communications and Engagement Specialist
Horowhenua District Council
10.2021 - Current
Communications Advisor
Palmerston North City Council
07.2021 - 10.2021
Senior Communications & Media Advisor
Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA)
08.2020 - 03.2021
Head of Marketing, Communications & Training
Plastics SA
09.2011 - 11.2019
Alumni Relations and Recruitment
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
02.2000 - 09.2007
Bachelors Degree Public Relations Management
Technikon Pretoria
Public Information Management (PIM) -
Civil Defence Emergency Management
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