Олена

OLENA KONOPLIA
Strategic Communications Director | Anti-Crisis & Public Policy Expert
Highly accomplished leader with 15+ years of experience leading complex, nationwide, and international communication projects within governmental bodies, state enterprises, and political advisory roles. Proven expertise in anti-crisis management, developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies, building high-performing teams (up to 12 people), and effectively engaging international stakeholders. Seeking a Director-level role, especially within large-scale projects focused on Ukraine's development and international partnerships.
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Languages: Ukrainian (Fluent), English (B2)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Head of Communications, Open Ukraine Foundation (Kyiv Security Forum)
09.2025 – Present
• Strategic Reboot: Led the reboot of the foundation's communication policy and its projects, creating a strategy to position and achieve synergy across three major brands.
• Crisis Management: Established a robust reputational risk map and implemented a system for proactive crisis communication and response.
• Team & Media: Updated and relaunched the work of the communication team and external contractors, establishing cooperation with Ukrainian media.
Head of Communications, The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) of Ukraine
10.2022 – 08.2025
• Leadership & Team Building: Built and managed a high-performing 10-12 person communication team from scratch.
• Nationwide Strategy: Developed and executed a nationwide anti-corruption communication strategy, ensuring a "one voice" policy across various government anti-corruption authorities9.
• International Engagement: Implemented a system for providing information on the status of anti-corruption efforts to key international donors and stakeholders (USAID, JICA, OSCE, UNDP, EUACI, Basel Institute on Governance).
• Public Affairs: Coordinated communication specialists across various government authorities and presented Ukraine's experience in behavioral change communication abroad.
• Reputation & Training: Managed anti-crisis communication, tracked disinformation narratives, and prepared NACP speakers for high-profile public speeches and interviews (trainings, briefings).
Head of External Communications, NJSC «Naftogaz of Ukraine»
05.2020 – 10.2022
• Strategic Planning: Directed external communications, overseeing strategic planning, major project coordination, and information campaigns for the national energy company.
• Team & Operations: Organized and coordinated a 5-8 person communication team, managing staff selection, social network coordination, and media relations with experts.
• Crisis Management: Successfully managed anti-crisis communication campaigns during sensitive geopolitical periods.
Communication Advisor, Head of Communications of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine
05.2017 – 03.2020
• Policy & Strategy: Served as Communication Advisor, leading a 5-9 member team and spearheading strategic planning for European and Euro-Atlantic integration communication efforts.
• Stakeholder Relations: Maintained relations with ministries, government departments, international partners, and media.
• Digital Platforms: Launched and maintained key information portals, including the European integration portal and the "Pulse of the Agreement" monitoring tool for the Association Agreement.
• Executive Support: Provided direct communication support to the DPM, including preparing texts, announcements, and supporting high-level meetings.
Manager of the Information Policy Department, DTEK
09.2014 – 05.2017
• Analysis & Strategy: Managed the Information Policy Department, responsible for detailed media analysis, optimizing media monitoring systems, and preparing thematic analytical reports (policy, power, energy).
• Crisis PR: Developed communication strategies, roadmaps, and selected appropriate crisis PR tools to manage reputational risks.

📚 EARLY CAREER & MEDIA FOUNDATION
• Director & Chief Editor Roles (2003–2014): Held leadership positions as Director/Chief Editor of the Status Quo Information Agency (15-20 staff), Radio Slobozhanshchyna, and Newspaper New Day, gaining extensive experience in editorial policy, business management, and staff coordination (Kharkiv).
• Public Relations Specialist (2013–2014): Managed PR and media for the Local Organizing Committee "Eurobasket 2015", focusing on event PR, government relations, and media organization.
🎓 EDUCATION & TRAINING
• Kyiv Mohyla Business School (KMBS): “The Art of Managerial Decision-making” (9-month program) (2023).
• Ukrainian School of Political Studies (USPS): (Council of Europe Project, 9-month program) (2023).
• Kharkiv National University: System Analyst, "Intelligent Systems for Information Processing and Decision Making" (1996 – 2002).
🛠️ CORE COMPETENCIES
• Strategic Communications: Strategy Development & Execution, Information Campaigns, Public Affairs & Policy Communication.
• Leadership & Management: Team Building (up to 12 staff), Staff Selection, Project Coordination.
• Crisis & Reputation Management: Anti-Crisis Campaigns, Reputational Risk Mapping, Disinformation Tracking.
• Media & Stakeholder Relations: Government Relations, Donor Engagement, Media Monitoring & Analytics, Media Training.
🏆 AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Acknowledgment of the President of Ukraine, Diplomas of the Cabinet of Ministers (2024), Security Service of Ukraine, Ministries, Prosecutor's Office.
• Laureate of the "Kharkiv Citizen of the Year" Award (2009).