Reed Larsen¶

Professional Summary

Generalist | Full-Stack Developer | Account Management | Political Strategy | Audio/Visual Production

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reed-larsen
Currently seeking opportunities in campaign management, technical consulting, or hybrid roles leveraging political expertise and software development capabilities.

About¶

Results-driven professional with proven expertise in political & advocacy campaigns, technology development, and organizational leadership. Track record of delivering measurable outcomes across government relations, sales, and technical infrastructure.

Personal Profile¶

I am a queer person who dealt with a lot of tough realities growing up in rural Alberta. That experience taught me resilience, shaped my advocacy work, and drives my commitment to building inclusive spaces where everyone can show up authentically.

I can handle chaos. High-pressure campaign situations, last-minute technical emergencies, or juggling multiple stakeholders with competing interests? I can breath through it all. I've learned to stay calm when things fall apart and find creative solutions under tight deadlines.

I am neurodivergent. I think differently about problems and approach challenges from unexpected angles. It's an asset in strategic planning and technical work, though it sometimes means I need to process information in my own way. I am upfront about this because I believe transparency builds better working relationships.

Communication is important to me. I value direct, honest conversations and appreciate when people tell me what they need. I'd rather have a tough conversation early than let something fester. If you're working with me, you'll always know where you stand. Plus, my gif game is second to none.

I believe in showing up for community. Whether that's providing pro-bono tech infrastructure for grassroots organizations, co-founding spaces for marginalized communities, or simply being present when people need support—community isn't abstract to me, it's personal.

I am a open ledger. Want to know how I do anything? Please do ask. I love to chat and I owe everything I have to conversations with like minded people.

Core Competencies:

Political Campaign Experience: Contributed to successful electoral campaigns in 2021 and 2025 for Councillor Michael Janz and several other candidates across municipal and school board levels
Technology Development: Built and deployed Changemaker Lite, an open-source campaign infrastructure platform serving multiple live production sites
Sales Performance: Consistently exceeded targets as Account Manager at Jobber, specializing in payment solutions for SMB market
Government Relations: Secured legislative wins including Bill 19 and $25.9M in funding as President of University of Alberta Students' Union
Full-Stack Development: Frontend (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and backend (Docker, production deployment) capabilities
Digital Infrastructure: Complete web infrastructure setup including email servers, authentication systems, and campaign tools

Technical Stack & Hard Skills:

Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Docker containerization, Git version control
Infrastructure: Email server configuration, domain management, SSL/TLS, DNS
Audio/Visual Production: Live streaming, photography, video editing, content production
Campaign Tools: MkDocs, NocoDB, Listmonk, n8n automation, mapping systems
Construction: Competent with power tools of all kinds, basic networking and electrical, and capable of operating mid-sized equipment such as skidsteers, backhoes, and large trucks

Soft & People Skills:

Organizing: A people organizer for several political campaigns that impact thousands
Communication: A professional communicator with a keen sense of how to fashion impactful statements and imagery that are share worthy
Relationship Building: Established and maintained relationships with hundreds of political actors, stakeholders, and community leaders across municipal, provincial, and federal levels
Team Leadership: Managed 250+ staff, coordinated volunteer teams, and supervised interns across multiple organizations
Stakeholder Management: Balanced competing interests across diverse groups including students, government officials, community organizations, and constituents
Strategic Thinking: Developed long-term strategic plans, identified advocacy opportunities, and executed multi-year campaigns resulting in legislative wins
Adaptability: Successfully transitioned between roles in government relations, sales, political campaigns, and technical development
Problem Solving: Delivered creative solutions across technical, political, and operational challenges in fast-paced environments
Collaboration: Worked effectively with cross-functional teams, community partners, and co-founded multiple organizations
Public Relations: Managed media interactions, public appearances, and served as primary spokesperson for 30,000+ constituents
Conflict Resolution: Navigated complex political landscapes, mediated stakeholder disputes, and built consensus across diverse groups
Mentorship: Provided guidance and training to volunteers, interns, and community members in campaign operations and technical tools

Leadership Experience:

Managed volunteer teams and provided supervision to interns at the Office of Clr. Janz. Helped co-ordinate events with several hundred attendess multiple times over the past 4 years.

Managed $14M budget and 250+ staff as President of University of Alberta Students' Union. Currently co-founder of The Bunker Operations - providing Canadian-sovereign, open-source infrastructure for grassroots organizations.

Experience¶

Executive Assistant¶

City of Edmonton · Contract Full-time
Oct 2021 - Oct 2025 · 4 yrs
Edmonton, Alberta

Executive Assistant to Councillor Michael Janz for ward papastew. Managed comprehensive campaign and constituency operations.

Key Achievements:

Successfully managed electoral campaigns in 2021 and 2025, delivering wins in competitive municipal races
Developed and executed multi-channel communication strategies across social media, email, and traditional outreach
Built custom digital infrastructure including website, email systems, and constituent databases
Coordinated 50+ community events annually, managing stakeholder relations and logistics
Created video content, livestreams, and photography for campaign communications

Responsibilities:

Event coordination and community engagement
Content creation and social media management (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X)
Stakeholder relations and government liaison
Office management and operations
Frontline advocacy campaign development and execution
Audio/visual production (livestreaming, video editing, photography)
Technical infrastructure management

Account Manager - Payment Specialist¶

Jobber - Software for Mobile Services · Permanent Full-time
Mar 2020 - Sep 2021 · 1 yr 7 mos
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Account Manager for Jobber's payment solutions division, serving small and medium-sized service businesses.

Key Achievements:

Consistently met and exceeded monthly sales targets across 18-month tenure
Successfully positioned payment processing solutions to diverse SMB clientele
Built and maintained high-value client relationships in competitive market
Contributed to revenue growth through consultative sales approach

Responsibilities:

Strategic account management and client retention
Payment solution consultation and implementation
Sales pipeline management and forecasting
Product demonstrations and technical support

Consultant¶

Crestview Strategy · Full-time
Oct 2019 - Mar 2020 · 6 mos
Edmonton, Canada Area

Crestview Strategy effectively represents the interests of corporations, not-for-profits and industry associations to achieve results with governments around the world. As a consultant with the Edmonton office, I offered clients insight and strategies to working with the local municipal and provincial governments, while offering support on federal engagements.

Advancement Associate (Intern)¶

University of Alberta
May 2019 - Oct 2019 · 6 mos
Edmonton, Canada Area

Gained broad experience and crucial skills in the area of University Advancement, including working on a variety of projects for Faculty Development, Alumni Relations, and Individual Giving. Provided support to the Training and Recruitment Working Group and explored training opportunities.

President¶

University of Alberta Students' Union
May 2018 - May 2019 · 1 yr 1 mo
Edmonton, Canada Area

Primary spokesperson for the 30,000 University of Alberta undergraduates, member of the University of Alberta Board of Governors, and head of the University of Alberta Students Union (UASU).

Key Responsibilities:

Chaired the Executive Committee and managed General Manager
Managed organization with $14 million budget and 250+ staff
Operated multiple student-focused businesses and services
Served on University of Alberta Board of Governors

Major Achievements:

Introduced Bill 19 - An Act to Improve the Affordability and Accessibility of Post-Secondary Education (direct result of three years of advocacy)
Secured $25.9 million in mental health funding for on-campus resources (over $3 million to U of A)
Introduced first policies on equity, inclusion, and diversity
Developed recommendations and strategic plan for reconciliation efforts
Created 5-year strategic plan for the organization
Completed major capital projects
Produced balanced budget 2 years ahead of schedule

Vice President External¶

University of Alberta Students' Union
Mar 2017 - May 2018 · 1 yr 3 mos
Edmonton, Canada Area

The Vice President External is primarily a lobbyist position, with access to government officials at all levels in order to represent student needs and interests.

Achievements:

Built relationships with hundreds of municipal, provincial, and federal political actors
Multiple meetings with provincial and federal ministers
Led advocacy efforts resulting in Bill 19 introduction
Secured investments in mental health funding
Led the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS)

Education¶

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Government¶

University of Alberta
2012 - unfinished · 6 yrs

Certificate - Organizational Leadership¶

University of Alberta Peter Lougheed Leadership College
2016 - 2018

Scholar at the Peter Lougheed Leadership College at the University of Alberta.

Peter Lougheed Leadership College Philosophy

"Leaders today are most effective when integrating best practices in collaboration, consultation, cultural sensitivity and ethics. Students who enroll in the Peter Lougheed Leadership College are taught the skills that will allow them to fulfill a compelling vision, make decisions based on critical thinking and sound evidence, understand diverse perspectives, resolve conflict, take risks, learn from failure, and act on values firmly anchored in ethical and social responsibility."

Volunteer & Community Work¶

Co-Founder & Technology Lead¶

The Bunker Operations (BNKops)
2023 - Present · 2+ years
Focus: Technology Co-operative

Community strategy, tactics, and technology co-operative providing open-source, corporation-free infrastructure for grassroots organizations.

Contributions:

Built and maintain Changemaker Lite platform serving 5+ live production sites
Provide pro-bono technical infrastructure for community organizations
Offer training and support for digital campaign tools
Maintain Canadian-sovereign hosting infrastructure

Technical Infrastructure Support¶

Pride Corner on Whyte
2023 - Present · 2+ years
Focus: 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Space

Co-founded and provide ongoing technical support for Edmonton's heritage-recognized 2SLGBTQIA+ community space.

Contributions:

Built and maintain website and digital presence
Manage email systems and communications infrastructure
Provide audio/visual support for community events
Document and preserve community history

Technology Consultant (Pro-Bono)¶

Linda Lindsay for Ward B School Trustee Campaign
2024 - 2025 · 1 year
Focus: Public Education Advocacy

Provided complete technical infrastructure and campaign support for Edmonton Public School Board Trustee candidate.

Contributions:

Built and deployed campaign website (lindalindsay.org)
Set up NocoDB volunteer management and lawn sign request system
Configured email infrastructure and domain management
Created social media presence and content strategy
Managed digital campaign operations

Technology Consultant (Pro-Bono)¶

AB for Abortion Campaign
2024 - Present · 1+ year
Focus: Reproductive Rights Advocacy

Provide technical infrastructure and support for Alberta's first pro-choice billboard campaign.

Contributions:

Built and deployed campaign website
Set up email and communication systems
Manage digital infrastructure and hosting
Create content and visual materials

Technical Support¶

Public Interest Alberta
2024 - Present · 1+ year
Focus: Policy Advocacy & Democratic Engagement

Provide documentation platform and technical infrastructure for policy advocacy organization.

Contributions:

Built and maintain documentation website
Set up knowledge repository systems
Provide technical training to staff
Manage digital infrastructure

Board of Governors¶

University of Alberta
May 2018 - Present · 7+ years
Focus: Education

The highest governing body of the University of Alberta. The conduct, management, and control of the University and all its property, revenue, business, and affairs are vested in the Board.

Roles:

Founding member on the Board of Governors Governance Committee
Member of the Board Finance and Property Committee
Member of the Board Learning and Discovery Committee
Member of the Board Ad-Hoc Group on Governance

General Faculties Council¶

University of Alberta
Mar 2016 - Present · 9+ years
Focus: Education

One of the governing boards for the University of Alberta. Served two single one-year terms.

Committee Memberships:

Executive Committee
Council on Student Affairs
Arts Faculty Council
Academic Planning Committee
Academic Standards Committee

Skills¶

Leadership & Advocacy

Community Development (8 endorsements)
Public Speaking (20 endorsements)
Government Relations
Political Advocacy
Strategic Planning

Communication & Media

Content Creation
Social Media Management
Stakeholder Relations
Public Affairs

Management & Operations

Event Coordination
Office Management
Budget Management
Project Management

Technical & Creative

Intelligent Systems & Automation
Digital Art
Photography
Streaming

Software Development

Frontend Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
Backend Development (Docker, containerization)
Production Deployment & DevOps
Git Version Control
Open Source Contributions

Digital Infrastructure

Email Server Configuration (Listmonk, SMTP)
Web Hosting & Domain Management
SSL/TLS & DNS Configuration
Authentication Systems
Database Management (NocoDB, PostgreSQL)

Audio/Visual Production

Live Streaming (OBS, multi-camera setups)
Video Editing & Post-Production
Photography & Photo Editing
Content Production Pipeline
Broadcast Quality Standards

Sales & Business Development

Account Management
Consultative Sales
Target Achievement
Client Relationship Management
SaaS/Payment Processing Solutions

Key Achievements¶

Legislative Impact

Bill 19 - An Act to Improve the Affordability and Accessibility of Post-Secondary Education
Direct result of three years of advocacy efforts with the UASU and partners

Mental Health Funding

Secured $25.9 million in provincial mental health funding for on-campus resources
Over $3 million allocated directly to the University of Alberta

Organizational Transformation

First policies on equity, inclusion, and diversity
Strategic plan for reconciliation efforts
5-year organizational strategic plan
Balanced budget achieved 2 years ahead of schedule

Community Initiatives

Successful Electoral Campaigns: Supported winning campaigns for Councillor Michael Janz in 2021 and 2025
Technology Platform: Built and deployed Changemaker Lite - serving 5+ live production sites
Pride Corner Edmonton: Co-founded heritage-recognized 2SLGBTQIA+ community space
Sales Performance: Consistently exceeded targets at Jobber across 18-month tenure
Pro-Bono Technology Support: Providing infrastructure for 4+ community organizations
AB for Abortion: Technical lead for Alberta's first pro-choice billboard campaign
Public Interest Alberta: Built documentation platform for policy advocacy organization

Technical Achievements

Full-Stack Development: Deployed production infrastructure using Docker, HTML/CSS/JS
Email Infrastructure: Configured and managed email servers for multiple campaigns
Live Streaming: Produced 50+ livestreams with professional audio/visual quality
Open Source Contributions: Active contributor to political tech open source community

Media & Recognition¶

If you google me, you'll find I have been in the news on a number of occasions for a wide range of activities and advocacy work, representing student interests at the highest levels of government and community organizing.

Last Updated: November 2025