Fran O’Neill Sergent
Native English / Working proficiency French (B2) | BA/Hons in Broadcast Journalism | More than 12 years of experience
A senior communications specialist, focused on strategy, writing, design and multimedia, I help researchers, NGOs, non-profits, think-tanks and international organisations turn complex ideas into clear, engaging materials for wide-reaching impact on policy, industry and public stakeholder groups.
Professional Experience
September 2013 – March 2025 | University of Cambridge | Senior Communications Officer
Led communications and digital engagement for a high-profile climate and engineering research programme:-
• Creating and implementing communications strategies and branding for programme, aligning branding, communications, websites, social channels and events to stakeholder engagement objectives;
• Defining the narrative, writing articles, blogs and newsletters for publication translating complex science and engineering research into accessible, compelling narratives without compromising accuracy
• Working closely with mid and senior researchers, as well as advising the Principal Investigators and Centre Director on maximizing impact through meaningful communications
• Leading press and media outreach, including building connections with journalists to ensure research was communicated in a meaningful and timely fashion, mitigating controversy;
• Supporting numerous grant proposals, including writing research content, communications strategy, EDI and education outreach proposals, as well as managing relationships with industry partners;
• Editing and designing multiple high-impact reports and briefings aimed at government and stakeholder audiences (https://franoneillsergent.myportfolio.com/university-of-cambridge-report-series);
• Managing teams of internal and external administrators and creatives to oversee communications output for large projects;
• Building websites and creating digital and social content (Drupal, WordPress) (ww.tickzero.com, www.uselessgroup.org), and monitored analytics to refine campaign content across digital channels;
• Graphic design of digital and print material; infographics and data visualizations, presentation decks, brochures, flyers, reports, event materials, policy briefs, producing impact videos, and digital content.
July 2018 - present | Self-employed | Communications, Design and Digital Content Consultant
Working across languages and time zones with a range of clients including UN agencies (UNDP, UNODC, UN IOM), technology innovation companies, universities and non-profit organisations
• Producing print, online and multimedia material for research and humanitarian projects, including digital assets, printed publications and high-quality video content
• Content and campaign development, creating full scheduled packages, overseeing messaging and multimedia output, and acting as brand guardian, writing and editing text content in line with aims
• Designing presentation decks, flyers, UX/UI, infographics, brochures, billboards, advertising, and social media assets, in addition to producing videos
Earlier Experience
Communications Manager | Fever Media | 2010-2011
Production Coordinator | Pozzitive Television | 2009-2010
Comedy Department Coordinator | BBC | 2009
Production Secretary | RDF Television | 2007-2009
Junior Video Journalist | Press Association | 2007
Key Skills and Proficiencies
Design & Creative Tools:
Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects)
Microsoft Office Suite
Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects)
Microsoft Office Suite
Web Design & Development:
Content Management Systems (CMS): Drupal, WordPress
HTML/CSS (basic knowledge)
Content Management Systems (CMS): Drupal, WordPress
HTML/CSS (basic knowledge)
Narrative skills:
Copywriting and Editing
Graphic design
Data Visualization
Video Production (filming, editing, and post-production)
Grant proposal support
Stakeholder engagement
Copywriting and Editing
Graphic design
Data Visualization
Video Production (filming, editing, and post-production)
Grant proposal support
Stakeholder engagement
Project Management:
Briefing and Leading Creative Teams
Asset Creation and Management
Brand Creation and Management
Briefing and Leading Creative Teams
Asset Creation and Management
Brand Creation and Management
Languages:
English (Native)
French (Fluent - B2)
English (Native)
French (Fluent - B2)