Jen Ochej

About

Friendly, creative, and resourceful go-getter offering 10+ years of experience as a highly organised, flexible and enthusiastic Tour Manager in the live music industry and as a Communications Specialist in creative, Public Relations and non-profit settings. Recognised as an energetic relationship-builder who quickly gains the trust and respect of clients, team members, external partners, and key decision-makers to deliver strategies that align with immediate and long-term goals. Proven history of overseeing cross-functional teams in all aspects of project development – from initial consultation and strategic planning through to execution and evaluation. Confident and polished communicator who understands unique needs, authors engaging content, represents clients in public settings, and effectively collaborates with culturally diverse stakeholders on a day-to-day basis. Thrives when working together for a shared purpose. Easily adapts to new environments. Makes people ask, “How did we ever do all of this without you?”

Experience

• Productieassistent Fictie · KRO-NCRV2023-02-01 –

  Sinterklaasfeestcommissie 2023-heden Ondernemingsraad 2024-2025

• Tour Manager & VIP Coordinator · Freelance2015-06-01 –

  Oversaw the strategic development, planning, and execution of musical tours for various award-winning bands and renowned international artists including Lights, Jessie Reyez, Ria Mae, Good Lovelies, and Amanda Rheaume. Coordinated up to 20 crew and band members during the multi-week tours across Europe and North America. Prioritized schedules, allocated resources, tracked expenditures, and administered tour budgets reaching $100,000. Shaped travel arrangements, booked accommodations, organized transportation, and handled all tour logistics. Facilitated fan Meet & Greets with up to 100 guests including tickets, seating plans, photo signings, and gifts. Conversed with the Booking Agent or Artist Managers on a daily basis to report on progress and address issues. Conducted research, prospected potential vendors, negotiated contracts, and purchased and procured materials. Responded to border agents inquiries and controlled all tour documentation including visas and passports. Communicated with the venue to outline event activities, delegate key stakeholders, and preserve site security. Confirmed all contractual agreements are fulfilled within the budget and collected payments and merchandise fees. Key Achievements: Successfully completed over 20 tours up to 10 weeks in length across Canada, US, and 10+ European countries and always finished the tours under budget without sacrificing quality through effective sourcing and negotiations. Spearheaded a successful 10-week tour with over 60 shows across Canada for the artist Lights and successfully overcame the bus breaking down in the Rocky Mountains to arrive on time for a scheduled live performance. Earned a nomination for Road Warrior (Tour Manager) of the Year in 2019 from the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards. Voted Road Warrior (Tour Manager) of the Year in 2023 from the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards.

• Publicist & Social Media Manager · Freelance2013-01-01 – 2018-01-01

  Managed client social media presences for the In the Dead of Winter Music Festival, the indie documentary “Play Your Gender,” the music management company Eggplant Entertainment, and the PR firm Broadview Strategy Group. Created and promoted various content across multiple online platforms to attract and engage target audiences. Led the development and promotion of live media events to secure publicity for artists, festivals, and productions. Monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess follower outreach levels and prepare detailed reports. Answered media requests, generated press releases, advised on public relations, and raised brand profiles. Supported the implementation of lobbying initiatives for public interest groups to influence government policies. Maintained online communities, deployed ad campaigns, interacted with followers, and addressed comments. Key Achievements: Received media coverage from prominent national newspaper and broadcast outlets for the “Play Your Gender” documentary film and designed an infographic on the lack of gender diversity in music awards that went viral. Collected a nomination for the Publicist of the Year recognition in 2014 from the Music Nova Scotia Awards.

• Bakery Associate · BAKKERIJ 1HOOG2021-04-01 – 2021-12-01
• Production Administrative Assistant · International Indigenous Music Summit2019-01-01 – 2019-01-01

  Provided remote administrative support for the international conference featuring 150+ Indigenous musicians and international professionals. Devised press releases, updated the website, and corresponded with delegates to determine hotel and travel plans. Supervised the on-site operations, controlled the event access, and helped guests navigate the summit venue.

• Artist Manager & Assistant · Freelance2013-01-01 – 2016-01-01

  Served as the Artist Manager or Assistant for various artists such as Jim Bryson, Gabrielle Papillon, and Peter Katz. Performed various administrative duties related to grant applications, documentation, and tour and travel plans.

• Writer & Blog Manager · Freelance2012-01-01 – 2014-01-01

  Wrote articles and guest columns on a wide range of topics for various publications including Sea Legs Collective, Mixtape Magazine, Veritas Magazine, eVeritas website, and The Coast, Halifax’s independent weekly newspaper. Founded the popular music blog entitled Sea Legs Collective and managed a 5-member team of writers. Reviewed and edited the writer submissions to ensure all content adhered to brand and editorial standards. Key Achievement: Nominated on 2 occasions for the Media Professional of the Year accolade by the Music Nova Scotia Awards.

• Receptionist · Woodside Health Centre2012-01-01 – 2012-01-01

  Managed the daily operations of a busy medical practice by running simultaneous chronic pain and urgent care walk-in clinics.

• Administrative Assistant · Deep Water Church2010-01-01 – 2012-01-01

  Mandated with driving the administration and communication programs for the church with over 350 members. Guided the digital strategy and authored weekly e-newsletters and content for all printed and online channels. Key Achievement: Revamped the website and pioneered a social media strategy that was so successful it was adopted across North America.

• Receptionist · Springview Family Practice2010-01-01 – 2012-01-01

  Ran the operations of a busy family practice both alone and as part of a larger reception team. Liaised skillfully between doctors, patients, specialists, pharmacists, and pharmaceutical reps.

Education

• Kingswood UniversityBachelor of Arts

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