Stephen Watt
8 Geneva Avenue • Toronto, Ontario M5A 2J8 • 416-904-3467 • stephen_watt@hotmail.com
Employment History
University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management, Toronto
Manager, Advancement Communications (March 2006 – Present)
Develops and executes School-wide marketing initiatives that are aligned with Rotman’s growth
and brand-recognition strategy, and the broader aims of the University.
Creates messaging, content and strategy across a range of marketing and communications
vehicles, including web, social media, video, print materials and advertising.
Works with individual programs to meet business goals by shapingand implementing creative,
persuasive, cost-effective marketing and communications projects.
Supports the recruitment efforts of the School’s full- and part-time master’s programs through
innovative advertising that cuts through the noise of a highly-competitive b-school marketplace.
In 2015-16,projects included: three 48-page recruitment brochures, two digital ad campaigns for
the part-time MBA, two LinkedIn advertising campaigns for the MFin program, print ads for the
MFin and MBA programs, gaining 500 more followers to the School’s Facebook page, and 50 new
videos hosted on YouTube and MBA Podcaster to promote the School, its expansion efforts and
its academic programs.
University of Toronto, Department of Public Affairs, Toronto
Communications Officer, Advancement Communications (February 2001 to March 2006)
Implemented wide range of U of T’s marketing and advancement efforts, and outreach to more
than 360,000 alumni around the world.
In 2005,worked closely with U of T`s 52 divisions to relaunch university’s visual identity
In 2004,spearheaded the rebranding of the university’s Annual Fund program, targeting 300,000
prospects. New print and web materials produced more than $12.6 million in annual revenue.
Produced the 2003 and 2004 National Report, published with the Globe and Mail nation-wide; wrote
gift stories for the Campaign Quarterly, U of T Magazine, Bulletin and the U of T Website.
Produced videos, brochures, websites and print ads for the university’s 175th anniversary,
alumni Homecoming, and fundraising campaigns.
Responsible for the Giving, Great Spaces, and two National Report websites, as well as two
Annual Fund e-solicitations.
Managed three advancement fellows and two web programmers.
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Toronto
Layout and Editorial Coordinator (2000 to 2001)
Working with the head of the literacy department and over 500 adult literacy schools, promoted
the government’s efforts to enhance literacy through letters, articles and other print materials.
Emergency Measures Ontario, Ministry of the Solicitor General, Toronto
Website Coordinator (1998 to 2000)
Created web and print materials to implement the government’s emergency response system in
preparation for Y2K.
Xtra West News Magazine, Vancouver
Writer and Editor (1996 to 1997)
Wrote and edited news and advertising copy for Xtra West, a news and entertainment magazine.
Stephen Watt Page2
Education
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
Master’s in English Literature (June 1996)
McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature Major (June 1994)
Awards
Award of Excellence, 2015 Communicator Awards, Brochure: Recruitment (MFin, Morning
Evening MBA and Full-Time MBA brochures)
Award of Excellence, 2015 Communicator Awards, Brochure: Overall Design (MFin, Morning
Evening MBA and Full-Time MBA brochures)
Platinum, 2015 Hermes Awards, Publications: Brochure (MFin, Morning Evening MBA and Full-
Time MBA brochures)
Silver, 2012 Communicator Awards, Campaign Up to 3 Pieces (Rotman Guide and program
brochures)
Silver, 2012 Communicator Awards, Overall Design (MBA Brochure)
Silver, 2010 CASE District II, Visual Design and Print (MBA Brochure)
Award of Excellence 2007 Gold Quill Awards, Publications (Rotman magazine)
Award of Excellence 2007 Gold Quill Awards, Interactive Media Design (Rotman website)
Platinum, 2007 Hermes Awards (MBA Brochure)
Gold, 2006 CASE District II Accolades, video/CD-ROM/DVD features (Annual Fund e-
solicitation)
Gold, 2005 CCAE Prix d’Excellence, best e-innovation (Annual Fund e-solicitation).
Gold, 2004 CASE Circle of Excellence, best video development feature (U of T’s 175th anniversary
video)
Silver, 2003 CASE District II Accolades, best website (U of T National Report website)
Gold, 2003 CASE Circle of Excellence, best individual institutional publication (U of T National
Report)
Silver, 2003 CASE District II Accolades, best institutional annual report (U of T National Report)
Gold, 2002 CCAE Prix d’Excellence, best institutional annual report (U of T National Report)
Published articles
Articles for the Rotman magazine have been republished in The Toronto Star, Report on Business,
Financial Post, The Australian, The Deal (Australia), Harvard Duesto, Forbes of India, The Hindustan
and The Globe and Mail
Additional Skills and Experience
Professional development opportunities include graduating from the Executive
Programs Leadership Development course in 2014
Also participated in the LinkedIn social media conference in Toronto (2014), the
American Marketing Association Conference for Higher Education in New Orleans
(2012), the IABC conference in San Francisco (2009), the IABC Conference in New York
City (2008) and the CASE conferences in New Orleans (2007).
Speak and write French at an intermediate level.
Fully versed in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), trained in Sitecore
(Microsoft web platform) and the CS6 Suite, especially Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Freelance and volunteer writer for the Preloved and One of a Kind Shows, and the Hot
Docs Film Festival
Served as Staff Chair for the Rotman School’s Faculty Staff Campaign for 2010 and 2011
Volunteer Experience
Provide public relations and outreach support to Community Matters, a settlement
agency active in helping Syrian refugees make a new home in St. James Town in Toronto