Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Zuhair Syed

Summary

Public Policy Professional with 5 years of experience in advocacy, education, and strategic operations, leveraging skills in public policy analysis, community engagement, and media writing. Adept at managing educational programs and property operations, with a strong focus on equity and public service. Passionate about driving change through innovative grassroots organizing and education and racial justice advocacy.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Canvassing

GBH (via Donor Development Strategies)
01.2025 - Current
  • Led a team of 30+ canvassers in executing public outreach campaigns for PBS/NPR affiliate GBH, increasing donor engagement and retention.
  • Individually fundraised over $52,000+ in donations, and lead office team to reach national quota for the first time in 12 months.
  • Developed operational processes including training modules, financial deposit tracking, and team scheduling to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Maintained daily fundraising data, created performance reports, and ensured compliance with organizational fundraising protocols.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive training program for canvassers, significantly improving team performance and outreach effectiveness.

Debate Coach & Tutor

Boston Institute of Education
11.2024 - Current
  • Debate Coach
  • Designed and taught BIE debate curriculum.
  • Guided students in debate prep and speech development; one student placed 3rd at the Harvard National Tournament.
  • Led tournament readiness and public speaking practice.
  • Supported research and fact-checking for strong argumentation.
  • Private Tutor
  • Provided personalized tutoring in reading, writing, speech, and communication.
  • Coached students to meet academic goals through targeted support.
  • Strengthened critical thinking, research, and organizational skills.

Substitute Teacher

Lowell Public Schools
10.2024 - 01.2025
  • Adapted curriculum swiftly for seamless learning continuity.
  • Ensured accurate classroom reports and effective communication.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions in instruction with minimal disruption.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of Massachusetts Amherst
02.2023 - 05.2023
  • Grading numerous assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results on a rigid and timed schedule.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
  • Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.

Congressional Intern

U.S. Representative Lori Trahan (MA-03)
09.2022 - 01.2023
  • Created accurate briefs for superiors' review and aided staff in special projects and communications.
  • Drafted articles and letters on public affairs issues, advocating on office issues, while meeting tight deadlines.
  • Engaged with local constituents to process case applications on topics including immigration, student loans, political opinions, and veteran affairs.
  • Managed administrative tasks, including phone calls, written correspondence, emails, and database updates, handling 30-50 calls daily, and reporting status on constituent applications.
  • Supported, planned, and participated in various local events in collaboration with office of Rep. Lori Trahan within community.

Social Media Manager

RentLab
02.2022 - 05.2022
  • Crafted educational content on tenant rights, boosting engagement with visually appealing media.
  • Managed social media platforms, ensuring consistent brand messaging and increased audience interaction.
  • Developed a strategic media calendar, enhancing content organization and delivery.
  • Created compelling posts and graphics, driving measurable growth in social media presence.

Outreach Intern

Sen. Ed Markey Campaign
05.2020 - 11.2020
  • Coordinated phone banking, boosting voter engagement during COVID-19.
  • Organized files, enhancing team efficiency and workflow.
  • Facilitated social media, increasing community interaction.
  • Supported 'Get Out The Vote' events, raising voter participation.
  • Engaged stakeholders, strengthening local partnerships.

Education

M.P.A. - Public Affairs

University of Massachusetts–Amherst, School of Public Policy
Amherst, MA
05.2023

B.A. - Political Science & Sociology

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA
05.2022

Skills

  • Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy (Experienced)
  • Public Policy & Legal Research (Skillful)
  • Program Management & Leadership (Skillful)
  • Strategic Communication & Messaging (Experienced)
  • Public Speaking & Community Education (Experienced)
  • Constituent Services & Casework (Experienced)
  • Curriculum & Training Design (Skillful)
  • Cross-Cultural Engagement (Skillful)
  • Campaign Strategy & Engagement (Skillful)
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) (Skillful)

Timeline

Director of Canvassing

GBH (via Donor Development Strategies)
01.2025 - Current

Debate Coach & Tutor

Boston Institute of Education
11.2024 - Current

Substitute Teacher

Lowell Public Schools
10.2024 - 01.2025

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of Massachusetts Amherst
02.2023 - 05.2023

Congressional Intern

U.S. Representative Lori Trahan (MA-03)
09.2022 - 01.2023

Social Media Manager

RentLab
02.2022 - 05.2022

Outreach Intern

Sen. Ed Markey Campaign
05.2020 - 11.2020

M.P.A. - Public Affairs

University of Massachusetts–Amherst, School of Public Policy

B.A. - Political Science & Sociology

University of Massachusetts Amherst

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