Aberdeen, UK The Dr. April Cuffy Portfolio

Highly accomplished PhD political communications graduate with extensive expertise in qualitative research, including interview, focus group, and text-based data collection. Seasoned freelance communications professional with over 25 years of experience in document formatting, writing, proofreading, and editing across corporate, academic, hospitality, and media sectors. Combines strong analytical ability with exceptional attention to detail to deliver high-impact communication strategies and content that make complex research accessible to policymakers, journalists, and the broader public.

Dr. April Cuffy
NameDr. April Cuffy
BasedAberdeen

Political Communications PhD & Freelance Communications Professional based in Aberdeen, UK.

2024-11-01 — Present
Aberdeen

Academic Proofreader

Randstad Solutions

Proofreads student written assessments for spelling, grammar, clarity, and academic integrity.

  • Delivered detailed feedback on grammar, spelling, and style to strengthen student writing quality.
  • Maintained strict adherence to academic standards and submission deadlines.
2024-11-01 — Present
Aberdeen

Specialist SpLD One-to-One Study Skills Tutor

Randstad Solutions

Empowers university students to build essential study skills and independent learning behaviours.

  • Guided students in goal setting and project management strategies to improve coursework completion.
  • Built confidence and independence through personalized coaching and strategic study support.
  • Provided tailored interventions for diverse learners to improve assignment outcomes and self-efficacy.
2024-11-01 — Present
Aberdeen

Academic Proofreader

Proofread student written assessments for spelling, grammar, and clarity.

2002-02-01 — Present
Remote

Writer/Editor

Provide comprehensive freelance communications services, including research, writing, editing, and formatting, for diverse web and print media clients for over 25 years.

  • Research, write, edit, proofread, and format a wide range of web and print communications, delivering high-quality content (portfolio on request).
  • Conduct client consultations and provid training on Microsoft Office software, optimizing client workflow and document management.
  • Collaborate closely with clients to ensure high-quality results and timely delivery of projects, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.
  • Proofread and format PhD student theses, pre- and post-viva exam.
2002-02-01 — Present
Remote

Writer/Editor

Subtext Communications

Provides freelance communications services including research, writing, editing, proofreading, and formatting for web and print clients.

  • Produced high-quality communications content across formats for diverse sectors.
  • Consulted clients and delivered Microsoft Office training to optimize workflows.
  • Proofread and formatted PhD theses pre- and post-viva to ensure academic clarity and rigor.
2019-02-20 — 2021-05-21
Aberdeen

Fixed-term, Part-time Lecturer

Delivered engaging lectures and tutorials, contributing to student success in Media Business, PR Strategy, and Public Relations modules.

  • Prepared and delivered engaging lectures and tutorials, both in-person and online, for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • Evaluated and marked coursework for Media Business, PR Strategy and Specialisms, and Public Relations modules, providing constructive feedback to over 100 students per semester.
  • Conducted one-on-one student feedback sessions, enhancing learning outcomes and addressing individual academic needs.
2019-02-01 — 2021-05-01
Aberdeen

Fixed-term, Part-time Lecturer

Robert Gordon University

Delivered lectures and tutorials in Media Business, PR Strategy, and Public Relations modules.

  • Prepared and taught in-person and online sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • Evaluated coursework and provided constructive feedback to improve communication skills.
  • Led one-to-one feedback sessions to support individual academic progress.
2011-11-14 — 2020-07-17
Nelson

Proofreader

Imprint Creative

Extensive proofreading of internal and external communications, for both web and print.

  • WordPress website back-end updating of text and photo assets, including proofreading and photo resizing.
  • Bespoke Microsoft Excel and Word document creation and formatting, tailored to client's requirements.
  • Identify and fix minor issues and errors in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
2011-11-01 — 2020-07-01
Nelson

Proofreader

Imprint Creative

Provided proofreading and content support for internal and external web and print communications.

  • Managed WordPress back-end text and photo updates, including proofreading and image resizing.
  • Developed bespoke Microsoft Excel and Word documents aligned to client needs.
  • Resolved minor Microsoft Office issues to improve document workflow accuracy.
2012-05-14 — 2012-11-30
Nelson

Communications Assistant

Write, edit, and proofread content, as part of website rebrand.

2012-05-01 — 2012-11-01
Nelson

Communications Assistant

Selkirk College

Wrote, edited, and proofread content for a major website rebrand.

  • Helped deliver clear, consistent messaging and improved user experience across web content.
  • Collaborated with the communications team to produce engaging, informative digital content.
  • Maintained brand voice and editorial standards across digital channels.
2010-01-01 — 2011-12-31
Vancouver

Travel Guide Editor

Managed the end-to-end production of 21 British Columbia travel guides, overseeing schedules, layouts, and content development.

  • Managed production schedules, page layouts, and budgets for 21 distinct British Columbia travel guides, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
  • Developed compelling content through collaboration with community stakeholders, freelance writers, and photographers, enhancing guide quality and appeal.
  • Oversaw the entire editorial process from concept to print, maintaining high standards for accuracy, consistency, and reader engagement.
2010-01-01 — 2011-12-01
Vancouver

Travel Guide Editor

Visitors' Choice Publications

Managed end-to-end production of British Columbia travel guides, including schedules, layouts, and content development.

  • Oversaw production schedules, page layouts, and budgets for 21 travel guides.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders, writers, and photographers to develop compelling content.
  • Maintained editorial standards from concept to print for accuracy and reader engagement.
2008-01-01 — 2010-12-31
Castlegar

Managing Editor

Led editorial operations for a student newspaper, overseeing content creation, staff development, and production timelines.

  • Recruited, mentored, and managed a team of student writers and photographers, enhancing their journalistic skills and output.
  • Created and facilitated student writing workshops on journalism practices, significantly improving content quality and consistency.
  • Effectively set and managed production schedules and deadlines, ensuring timely publication of newspaper editions.
2008-01-01 — 2010-12-01
Castlegar

Managing Editor

Selkirk Sentinel Newspaper

Led editorial operations for a student newspaper, overseeing content, staffing, and production timelines.

  • Recruited, mentored, and managed student writers and photographers.
  • Created and facilitated student journalism workshops to improve content quality.
  • Set and managed production schedules to ensure timely newspaper publication.
2009-06-01 — 2009-08-31
Castlegar

Visitor Information Counsellor

Provided comprehensive visitor support and managed internal documentation for a regional tourism center.

  • Assisted hundreds of visitors with inquiries about local and British Columbia culture, recreation, and travel, enhancing visitor experience and satisfaction.
  • Created and edited essential internal and external documents using Microsoft Word and Excel, improving operational efficiency and communication.
  • Provided expert guidance on local attractions and services, contributing to regional tourism promotion and visitor engagement.
2009-06-01 — 2009-08-01
Castlegar

Visitor Information Counsellor

Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre

Provided visitor support and managed internal documentation for a regional tourism center.

  • Assisted visitors with local and provincial travel, culture, and recreation information.
  • Created and edited internal and external documents using Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Supported tourism promotion by guiding visitors to local attractions and services.
2002-09-30 — 2004-12-31
Castlegar

Freelance Writer

Authored weekly news articles and features for a local print publication, engaging with community members through interviews and research.

  • Conducted in-depth research and interviewed local citizens to write weekly news articles for print publication, contributing to community engagement.
  • Produced a weekly 'Person on the Street' featurette, conducting interviews on selected weekly questions to capture diverse community perspectives.
  • Consistently delivered well-researched and engaging content, meeting weekly publication deadlines for print distribution.
2002-09-01 — 2004-12-01
Castlegar

Freelance Writer

Castlegar Citizen Newspaper

Authored weekly news stories and community features for print publication.

  • Researched and interviewed community members for weekly news articles.
  • Produced a recurring "Person on the Street" feature capturing diverse local perspectives.
  • Delivered engaging, well-researched copy to weekly print deadlines.
2002-09-09 — 2004-04-16
Castlegar

Writing and Editing Student Peer Tutor

Provided academic support to students, enhancing their writing, research, and assignment completion skills.

  • Assisted students with grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and overall presentation of written work, leading to improved academic submissions.
  • Guided students on effective research methodologies, project management, and comprehensive written assignment completion.
  • Provided one-on-one and group tutoring sessions, fostering independent learning and academic success for a diverse student body.
2002-09-01 — 2004-04-01
Castlegar

Writing and Editing Student Peer Tutor

Selkirk College

Provided one-to-one and group academic support to strengthen student writing and research skills.

  • Supported grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and written presentation.
  • Guided students in research methods, project management, and assignment completion.
  • Helped foster independent learning and confidence across a diverse student body.
2001-01-01 — 2002-08-30
Nelson

Administrative Assistant

Provided essential administrative and clerical support, ensuring efficient office operations and client file management.

  • Transcribed handwritten meeting notes into Microsoft Word, ensuring accurate and organized record-keeping for executive meetings.
  • Managed email correspondence and diary appointments, coordinating travel arrangements for senior staff to optimize schedules.
  • Prepared, scanned, and managed client files, maintaining confidentiality and accessibility of critical documents.
2001-01-01 — 2002-08-01
Nelson

Administrative Assistant

Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

Delivered administrative and clerical support to maintain efficient office operations and records.

  • Transcribed handwritten meeting notes into accurate, organized Word documents.
  • Managed email correspondence, calendars, and travel arrangements for senior staff.
  • Prepared, scanned, and maintained confidential client files with strong data discipline.

The Toolkit

Research & Analysis
Qualitative Research · Interviewing · Focus Group Facilitation · Text-Based Data Collection · Primary Data Collection · Secondary Data Collection · Phenomenological Analysis · Analytical Thinking · Innovative Thinking · Research Skills · Data Analysis
Communication & Content
Freelance Writing · Document Preparation · Editing · Proofreading · Content Development · Web Content · Print Communications · Copywriting · Public Relations (PR) · Journalism · Technical Writing · Academic Writing · Curriculum Development · Public Speaking · Student Feedback
Project & Program Management
Project Management · Goal Setting · Production Scheduling · Deadline Management · Budget Management · Event Planning · Program Development · Workflow Optimization
Leadership & Mentorship
Team Leadership · Mentoring · Training & Development · Student Coaching · Student Advocacy · Cross-functional Collaboration · Stakeholder Engagement · Team Empowerment
Technical & Administrative
Microsoft Office Suite · Microsoft Word · Microsoft Excel · Social Media Management · Keyboarding · Document Formatting · Client Consultation · Email Management · Diary Management · File Management · Data Entry · Touch-typist (~57 wpm)
Communication & Content
Content Development · Editing · Proofreading · Technical Writing · Academic Writing · Public Speaking · Stakeholder Engagement · Report Writing · Case Study Development · Resource Development · Newsletter Production · Social Media Management · Website Content Management · Media Outreach · Podcast Outreach · Copywriting
Project & Program Management
Project Management · Goal Setting · Production Scheduling · Deadline Management · Workflow Optimization · Program Development · Organizational Skills · Logistics Management
Research & Analysis
Qualitative Research · Interviewing · Focus Group Facilitation · Text-Based Data Collection · Data Analysis · Analytical Thinking · Innovative Thinking · AI Research Comprehension
Leadership & Mentorship
Team Leadership · Mentoring · Training & Development · Cross-functional Collaboration · Consensus Building
Technical & Administrative
Microsoft Office Suite · Microsoft Word · Microsoft Excel · Typefully · LinkedIn · Document Formatting · Client Consultation · Email Management · Diary Management · File Management

On Record

Scotland's Saltire Scholarship (SSS) Recipient
Scottish Government · 2016-01-01

Awarded the prestigious Scotland's Saltire Scholarship in recognition of academic excellence and potential, supporting postgraduate studies in Scotland.

Scotland's Saltire Scholarship (SSS) Recipient
Scottish Government · 2016-01-01

Awarded the prestigious Scotland's Saltire Scholarship in recognition of academic excellence and potential, supporting postgraduate studies in Scotland.

Prestige Lakeside Resort Scholarship Recipient
Prestige Lakeside Resort · 2009-01-01

Received scholarship for academic achievement in the Resort and Hotel Management program, demonstrating commitment to the hospitality industry.

Prestige Lakeside Resort Scholarship Recipient
Prestige Lakeside Resort · 2009-01-01

Received scholarship for academic achievement in the Resort and Hotel Management program.

D. Fowler Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship Recipient
Selkirk College · 2003-01-01

Awarded the D. Fowler Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship, recognizing exceptional talent and promise in creative writing.

D. Fowler Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship Recipient
Selkirk College · 2003-01-01

Awarded in recognition of exceptional talent and promise in creative writing.

Robert Gordon University
PhD · Information Management · 2018-09-01—2025-08-31
Robert Gordon University
PhD · Information Management · 2018-09-01—2025-08-01
Robert Gordon University
MSc · Corporate Communications and Public Affairs · 2016-09-01—2017-08-31
Robert Gordon University
MSc · Corporate Communications and Public Affairs · 2016-09-01—2017-08-01
Selkirk College
Diploma · Resort and Hotel Management · 2008-09-01—2010-06-30
Selkirk College
Diploma · Resort and Hotel Management · 2008-09-01—2010-06-01
Selkirk College
Associate of Arts · English Literature and Psychology · 2002-09-09—2004-04-23
Selkirk College
Associate of Arts · English Literature and Psychology · 2002-09-01—2004-04-01
Correspondence
Elsewhere
© 2026 Dr. April Cuffy — Set in serif & printed on warm parchment stock