Jennifer Matthews
Toronto-based freelance writer and editor, Jennifer Matthews, brings more than 20 years of communications experience to her role as head of Matthews Communications. Known for her writing style, clients also value her exacting standards, responsive service, and ability to adapt quickly to project parameters and team personalities.
Jennifer began her career with professional services firm Coopers and Lybrand, working on a range of employee and client communications. As Senior Writer, she was responsible for the firm’s national magazine, from editorial planning through to print production. She also acted as speech writer for the vice chair of the firm, developing strong skills in change communication when the merger between Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse was announced. As the world of online technology emerged, Jennifer was part of an international team that created the firm’s first international employee intranet.
As Corporate Communications Advisor at RBC, Jennifer provided strategic counsel and communications support for RBC’s fast-growing Wealth Management businesses. She created a communications strategy for the rollout of a new compensation program for all employees; provided communications support for Wealth Management leaders, including speech writing and presentation development for international road shows (as well as on-site support at those shows); and spearheaded newsletter production, media relations and client communications. When RBC celebrated the 100th anniversary of Royal Trust, Jennifer managed the production of a commemorative book chronicling the company’s century in Canada.
Jennifer launched her freelance career only months after she entered the world of corporate communications, and each pursuit has benefited the other. For nearly a decade, she worked on national quarterly magazine Home Business Report, as managing editor and editor-in-chief. Her roles included everything from handling writer queries to developing editorial grids that balanced the interests of both readers and advertisers, to editing and proofing all copy, to writing thoughtful editorials.
In 2001, Jennifer left RBC to focus on her growing client base and pursue a wider range of creative projects. Her portfolio includes work published in the Globe & Mail, FLARE magazine, Hotelier and Maturity magazines, as well as a range of regional publications and on the Web, under her name and as a ghost writer for her clients. She tailors a wide range of both external communications, from brochures and books to Web content to white papers to speeches and presentations; and internal communications, from training materials to conference scripts to change communication.
A self-described “people person,” Jennifer enjoys working with clients from across North America, including the Alzheimer Society of Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Jatheon Technologies, Mixed Company Theatre, the National Ballet of Canada, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Royal Ontario Museum, TD, Trinity College, the University of Houston and YMCA Canada, among others. She holds an Honours Co-op degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo.
