JAMESCOOPER.CA

SPECIAL SKILLS

Web site search engine optimization, social media optimization, web community facilitation, science and research communications, wine and beverage alcohol, branding and identity, relationship management, public and media relations, human resources and employment skills. Experience with Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.

EXPERIENCE

Relationship Manager at Co-op Programs, Brock University
Since November 2008
•Developing new relationships and managing existing relationships with employers of students in co-op programs in the arts and sciences at Brock University.
•Increasing the employability of co-op students by giving them job application, interview and workplace advice.
•Made a two-fold increase in the number of job opportunities in 2009, as compared to previous years, available for co-op students in the arts and sciences.
•Initiated Co-op’s communications strategy within social web apps: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Club Ambassador and feature writer at iYellow Wine Club
Since April 2008
•Writing for the wine club’s monthly newsletter at iyellowwineclub.com
•Providing professional advice to the founders at strategic planning meetings for the club.
•Attending the club’s events, engaging new club members and teaching them about wine.

Communications Officer at Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), Brock University
October 2007 to October 2008
•Managed all marketing and communications for CCOVI, including internal and external relations and dealing with the media.
•Planned, wrote and designed traditional communications pieces, such as media releases, newsletters, and web content, banners and advertisements.
•Attended industry specific conferences, trade shows and events, engaging stakeholders and communicating important institutional messages while gathering relevant and strategic information.
•Expanded communications strategy to include social media optimization, and social web marketing and networking.
•Generated social and experiential communications: online streaming video, Facebook groups and social media news releases.

Oenologist/Enologist at Stratus Vineyards
September 2006 to September 2007
•Managed wine treatments, like yeast and bacterial pitching, micro-oxygenation, and reverse osmosis.
•Conducted laboratory analyses and monitored fermentation progression and quality.
•Ensured cellar sanitation, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety procedures.

Science News Writer (Practicum) at Discovery Channel
January 2006 to June 2006
•Researched breaking science stories and pitched them to senior producers on a daily basis.
•Wrote and produced scripts for the science news briefs on the daily science news show, Daily Planet.
•Sourced and edited video footage to accompany the scripts of the science news briefs.

Business Development Representative at Just Junk
September 2003 to August 2005
•Presented and promoted services to decision makers at prospective accounts.
•Generated continuous sales growth within the defined Niagara territory.
•Gathered market intelligence, based on customer feedback, for use to ensure service quality control.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade Sales Representative (seasonal) at Mark Anthony Group
March 2003to  August 2003

•Developed relationships with managers and staff at LCBO stores in the Niagara/Hamilton territory.
•Worked with the Account Manager to achieve prime product placement and presentation at all points of sale within the territory.
•Co-ordinated promotional events at key accounts throughout the territory to drive product sales.

Guest Services Associate at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery
June 2002 to November 2002
•Led tours and tastings with VIP guests, communicating details of viticulture & winemaking.
•Promoted on-site sales of premium wines delivered engaging experiences to winery guests.
•Trained associates and worked on developing guest services training programs and materials.

Vintage Oenologist (contract) at Giesen Wine Estate, New Zealand
March to June 2002
•Managed grape receiving, initial juice treatments, crushing/destemming and pressing.
•Monitored fermentations for proper aroma and flavour development.
•Ensured cellar sanitation, equipment maintenance, and the adherence to safety procedures.

Harvest Analyst & Grower Relations Representative (contract) at Cave Spring Cellars
August 2001 to January 2002
•Gathered and analyzed grape samples to facilitate the Winemaker in harvest timing decisions.
•Facilitated the cellar crew in the handling and treatment of grapes, juice and wine.

EDUCATION

G.Dip., Science Communication, Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne
2005 to 2006
•Completed practicum as Science News Writer with TV show Daily Planet on Discovery Channel Canada
•Research project: Depicting Nanotechnology in the Canadian Newspaper Press
•Awarded the F. Jean MacLeod Entrance Scholarship and a Graduate Teaching Fellowship
•Worked on communications strategy for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory

Activities and Societies: Graduate Teaching Fellowship, Graduate Teaching Assistant, organizer of Science Communication program’s wine appreciation club

Hons. B.Sc., Oenology and Viticulture, Brock University
1997 to 2001
•Awarded the Dante Marinelli graduating student book prize
•Member of the Dean’s Honours list and received in-course scholarships in 1999, 2000 & 2001
•Completed an honours thesis, developing an assay used for monitoring yeast enzyme activity during wine fermentations
•Co-op completed in winemaking at Niagara winery

Activities and Societies: Dante Marinelli award recipient, Brock rowing team, Dean’s Honours list, Oenology and Viticulture student representative, Teaching Assistant for Wine Appreciation course, Applicant Caller