Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Colleen Gandara

Program Manager
Phoenix,AZ

Summary

Experienced Program Manager well-known for creating positive workplace culture and high-performing teams. Attentive to detail with experience in coordinating projects, programs and improvements.


Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced setting.


Focused on deepening grant and foundation relationships by finding mission alignment and opportunities to collaborate.




Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Language

Work History

Preschool Office Coordinator

Desert Springs Christian Preschool
5 2019 - 06.2020
  • Supported the Director and Assistant Director to oversee day-to-day operations and maintain Preschool guidelines, licensing requirements, health regulations, and fire codes, as well as keep all permits and licenses current
  • Served as point of contact for prospective families, provided exceptional customer service with resulted in new family enrollment
  • Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
  • Established strong positive working relationships and communicate effectively with the Director, Assistant Director, teachers, parents, children, state licensing authorities, vendors and other members of the community
  • Facilitated staff meetings, workshops and seminars, and school events
  • Research a variety of topics required to manage projects and assignments.

Preschool Teacher

Desert Springs Christian Preschool
08.2012 - 05.2019
  • Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration, games and activities
  • Educated students in foundational concepts such as colors, shapes, numbers and letters
  • Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities
  • Applied play-based strategies, including crafts, games, and music and movement to provide diverse approaches to learning
  • Maintained a well-controlled classroom by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors
  • Identified signs of emotional and developmental problems and worked with parents to get extra support needed
  • Taught Spanish during Enrichment Hour.

Administrative Assistant to the Executive Vice President

American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation
09.2001 - 01.2005
  • Provided administrative support to the Executive Vice President
  • Scheduled meetings with multiple high level professionals and prepared agenda books for Board meetings
  • Managed the Executive Vice President’s calendar, appointments and travel arrangements
  • Assisted with various projects, edited and drafted correspondence.

Executive Secretary to Senior Pastors

Victory Christian Fellowship
09.1999 - 06.2001
  • Assisted the Senior Pastors with all administrative functions of the 4,000 member church and non-profit organization
  • Coordinated schedules, appointments and international and national travel arrangements
  • Organized special projects and followed-up assignments with upper management.

Executive Secretary

Wallace, Roberts & Todd (WRT)
10.1996 - 05.1999
  • Assisted Partners of architectural and design firm with administrative functions
  • Coordinated travel arrangements and scheduled meetings
  • Prepared qualifications for the submission of international and national proposals and contributed to the development of key reports and presentations.

Assistant Director

Hogar Infantil March A.C. (Marsh Children’s Home)
08.1989 - 04.1994
  • Assisted the Directors in caring for 45 orphan children
  • Planned daily activities for children, worked with teachers and coordinated homework assignments
  • Taught English
  • Responsible for fundraising in the United States and correspondence with donors.

Foundation Partnerships Manager

Alliance Defending Freedom
07.2020 - Current
  • Managed a portfolio of key accounts, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of services and products.
  • Streamlined communication channels to facilitate efficient collaboration among team members and stakeholders.
  • Leveraged technology tools for enhanced project tracking, reporting, and information sharing among team members.
  • Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
  • Led change management efforts, supporting staff through transitions and promoting buy-in for new initiatives.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams for seamless management of high-profile accounts, resulting in improved customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated efforts between various departments such as sales, credit assessment, operations teams for smooth delivery of services to clients.
  • Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving internal processes, leading to greater efficiency in relationship management tasks.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Delivered high-quality results by setting performance metrics and monitoring progress against targets.
  • Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Championed best practices in project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
  • Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.

Education

Bachelor in Christian Ministry -

Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary
Greenboro, MD

32 Credits - Early Childhood Education

Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, AZ

Skills

Excellent organizational and administrative skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Solution and detail oriented

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office)

  • Relationship Building
  • Portfolio Growth
  • Relationship Management
  • Fluent in [Language]
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Deadline Management
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Quality Assurance
  • Systems Optimization
  • Team Development
  • Partnership Development
  • Grant Research
  • Fundraising
  • Written Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Self Motivation
  • Organizational Skills
  • Effective Communication
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Team Leadership

References

Available upon request

Timeline

Foundation Partnerships Manager

Alliance Defending Freedom
07.2020 - Current

Preschool Teacher

Desert Springs Christian Preschool
08.2012 - 05.2019

Administrative Assistant to the Executive Vice President

American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation
09.2001 - 01.2005

Executive Secretary to Senior Pastors

Victory Christian Fellowship
09.1999 - 06.2001

Executive Secretary

Wallace, Roberts & Todd (WRT)
10.1996 - 05.1999

Assistant Director

Hogar Infantil March A.C. (Marsh Children’s Home)
08.1989 - 04.1994

Preschool Office Coordinator

Desert Springs Christian Preschool
5 2019 - 06.2020

Bachelor in Christian Ministry -

Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary

32 Credits - Early Childhood Education

Paradise Valley Community College

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Colleen GandaraProgram Manager