Oliver Benson
Curriculum Vitae
- Significant experience in developing and maintaining major online media projects with a proven background in journalism
- Demonstrated passion for working with young people and promoting their issues and well-being
Employment
Do-it Programme Manager, YouthNet (July 2009 - present)
- Managing a £1.6m partnership project supporting the volunteering legacy from London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, working with key agencies involved in the 2012 Games
- Leading the creation of a strategy for improving user experience of this popular website
Editorial Manager, YouthNet (April 2008 - July 2009, Maternity Cover)
- Responsible for the organisation's major websites (TheSite.org and Do-it)
- Successfully project managed a significant redesign of TheSite.org, increased audio/video on the websites and initiated development of a new website, Lifetracks.com
- Line-managed editorial staff, commissioned freelancers and liaised with partner organisations
- Operational and strategic management, working closely with marketing, fundraising, partnership and technical teams
Freelancer, Election 2010 and US Election New York OB, BBC (May 2010 and November 2008)
- Part of the in studio production team for the BBC's Election 2010 coverage
- Assistant producer covering the US Election from Times Square in New York
Head of Editorial, Headliners (September 2006 - April 2008)
- Developed and supported the editorial elements of the informal education programmes
- Liaised with media partners, including the BBC, Sky and several national newspapers
- Project managed the rollout and maintenance of a multimedia website, including choosing a CMS, implementing multimedia, and integrating with news-feed services and social networking sites
- As part of the charity's senior management team, responsible implementing the strategic plan, recruitment and management of staff
Producer, BBC English Regions HQ New Services Team (August 2003 - September 2006)
- Part of team rolling out a content management system across all of the BBC Local websites
- Provided first-line editorial and technical support, and trained producers and editors in topics including generating user participation, best practice and integrating online and radio activity
- Specific projects included organising the Blast Reporter Scheme (a work placement scheme for young people aged 16-19) and producing website for pilot of The ONE Show
Previous roles
Education
BSc(Hons) Electronic Imaging and Media Communication, Class 2:1 University of Bradford (1996-2000)
Biddenham Upper School, Bedford (1990-1995)
- A Levels in Geography (B), Sociology (C) and Economics (D)
- 9 GCSEs grade A-C including English Literature and Language, Double Science and Maths
Voluntary activities
St. John Ambulance
- A volunteer for 20 years, primarily around delivering youth work and youth participation
- Member of the National Youth Training Team, including redeveloping youth leadership training within the organisation
- On County Youth Team in West Midlands (2003-06) and Hertfordshire (2006-08), supporting and running weekly youth units, and delivering weekend training courses to young people and youth leaders
Community radio
Other voluntary activities
- I am currently a trustee of the Citizenship Foundation
- I was a steward for two years at TVYP, the educational arm of the Edinburgh International TV Festival
Other skills and qualifications
- In November 2007 I was chosen as one of the top ten rising stars in the Public Life category of the Courvoisier/Observer's Future 500 award
- I am a relatively confident PHP and MySQL programmer, as well as having a good knowledge of HTML and CSS; and competent at computer packages including Avid, Premiere, Audition, Photoshop, Quark and Microsoft Office applications
- I have a full UK driving licence and hold a First Aid at Work certificate
- As well as trips to the USA and Europe, I have travelled in Ethiopia and South Africa
Contact details