Atu Darko - Communications Director, Amgen

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Work Background

The World BankCommunications Consultant

Jan. 2019Washington, DCThrough my company Darko Communications, I consulted at the World Bank Reimbursable Advisory Services unit or RAS as a writer and editor working on a broad range of deliverables, many in the science communications area. RAS are programs offered by the World Bank to its clients in middle and high-income countries. Under RAS programs, the World Bank works with countries at their request, providing advisory services, analytical services, and implementation support. In my role, I drafted dozens of project concept notes, brochures, presentations, copy for internal & external websites, and other ad hoc projects. I worked closely with World Bank officials to conceptualize complex project ideas and articulate brainstorming discussions into draft documents. This role gave me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team on a wide range of development topics and build a strong network in the World Bank system. My primary client in this role was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who needed communications support for a major biotechnology initiative.

AmgenDirector Corporate Affairs

Jan. 2019Thousand Oaks, CACorporate Affairs Specialist for Operations organization which includes a global network of manufacturing sites owned and operated by Amgen. Focus on Driving positive reputation based on Amgen’s superior science, manufacturing innovation and reliability for both biologic and synthetic medicines. Proactively works with senior executives as spokespeople to garner favorable press coverage with business, health, trade and consumer press. Prepares company and third-party spokespeople for issues and events, including media training. Strategist and implementer of internal and external communications campaigns in areas such as diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, occupational health, and quality. Provides critical communications counsel to leadership to identify needs, objectives, and strategies. I manage a team of both full-time employees and several consultants in communications and business development. Achievements include Internal and External Launched Amgen’s 2027 Environmental Sustainability Goals, Internal and External Communications for new manufacturing site announcements, groundbreaking and ribbon cutting events for State-of-the-Art manufacturing plants in North Carolina and Ohio. Established external media strategy for Amgen Operations Executive Communications for several senior executives on various topics of interest and including media exposure to top tier outlets

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)Senior Communications Specialist | HarvestPlus

Jan. 2017 - Dec. 2018Washington, DCVia Darko Communications I was hired to develop and implement innovative global communications strategies/plans to increase knowledge and impact of HarvestPlus crop development focused on reducing micronutrient deficiencies and promoting Biofortification globally. Led and orchestrated the organization’s successful presentation for a $100M MacArthur prize where communications played a vital role in the strategy and presentation. Drove state-of-the art multimedia campaign, preparing speakers to present to large audiences including coordination stage and lighting design and collaboration with the communications staff at the MacArthur Foundation. My work for this organization was primarily in Brazil, Uganda, Kenya, and Ghana where Harvest plus has major research.

March for ScienceCommunications Advisor

Jan. 2016 - Dec. 2018Washington, DC and WorldwideInitially seconded by Cornell’s to the ‘March of Science’ initiative, playing a key role each year since it’s inception. Collaborated with the central communications team to engage the global press and Key Speakers to promote a support por-science policies and drive awareness on climate change. Coordinated with hundreds of ‘Marches for Science’ taking place around the world. Leveraged grassroots organizations skills to empower the powerless, build stronger communities and be a catalyst for change. Led worldwide coverage of the 2017 and 2018 Marches for Science, in all media including television, print, radio and the internet including development of key metrics and tools to understand media and communications impact. Mobilized communications efforts across the 600+ worldwide Marches leading to a well-coordinated communications strategy and synchronization of messaging.

Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life SciencesAssociate Director | Communications | Cornell Alliance for Science | International Programs

Jan. 2015 - Dec. 2017Ithaca, NYRecruited to develop communications and marketing strategies for Cornell’s biotechnology research including science, regulatory frameworks, and commercialization of genetically modified organisms for new and emerging technologies. Provided leadership in identifying, planning, implementing and evaluating communications-based programs for a complex multilateral global initiative surrounding the topic of biotechnology, GMOs and genetic engineering. Led international meetings and courses for scientists, policy makers, farmers and students to provide communication tools to effectively address controversial topics. Led classes on the elements of effective grassroots organizing, and basic communications tools such as public speaking, video making, blogging, social media, editorial writing and press relations. Taught courses in Africa, Latin America and the US, building strong relationships in the scientific and policy-making arena in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Mexico Peru and Colombia.

NATOEngagements Officer | Corporate Communications Officer | Division of Public Diplomacy

Jan. 2009 - Dec. 2015Brussels, BelgiumI held 3 posts over my tenure on NATO’s International Staff. Initially recruited into the selective NATO internship program, I began as a Corporate Communications Officer assigned to help NATO launch its first advertising campaign. After a successful internship, I was offered the role of Public Relations Officer for the Chairman of the Military Committee for two years. As Engagements Officer, led the design and execution of multimedia communications projects targeting specialized and general audiences. Portfolios included ballistic missile defense, cyber security and relations with Turkey. Developed and fostered relationships with civil society in different countries such as, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and the US. Represented NATO to the Media in Bulgaria, Estonia and Romania. Organized key events including the NATO Public Diplomacy Forum and the NATO Ballistic Missile Defense Exhibition which was displayed in Bulgaria, Romania and at the NATO Summit in Wales.

Univision Communications Inc.Manager | New Business Marketing & Research | Marketing & Research Manager | WUVP Philadelphia

Jan. 2001 - Dec. 2007Los Angeles, CA & Philadelphia, PAManager, New Business Marketing and Research; Marketing and Research Manager WUVP Philadelphia Recruited as the corporate marketing specialist at the largest Spanish-language television group in the US. Created compelling stories to help pitch the value of the Hispanic market to hundreds of actual and potential advertising clients, and especially to blue-chip marketers like Mercedes-Benz, Armani and BMW to garner further advertising on the Univision network. In this role I became fluent in Spanish and developed a deep bond with the Hispanic community.

Comedy CentralMarketing Assistant | Advertising Marketing Team

Jan. 2000 - Dec. 2001New York, NYAssisted in the planning, buying and execution of 50+ TV and radio campaigns for this TV network. Worked with advertising agencies, internal creative teams, and reported to the Vice President of Marketing for all Comedy Central content including popular programs such as South Park and the Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

United NationsStagiaire in Media Relations & Translation | UN Information Center for Greece, Turkey & Cyprus

Jan. 1999 - Dec. 2000Athens, GreeceServed as the primary translator of Greek media regarding the UN into English as a UN-Intern in Greece. Worked to maintain relationships with the Greek press, to encourage promotional stories about major UN initiatives. Supported the Model UN Program in Greece.