Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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AVERY ELIZABETH BALANO

Denver,CO

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Student Success Manager

2U, Inc
Denver, CO
03.2019 - Current
  • Managed successful large-scale rollouts including a new learning management system, migrating from Salesforce to PMX, and SMS texting in Student Success
  • Played integral role in launching the Doctorate of Social Work program at Simmons University including building relationships with stakeholders, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and creating workflows
  • Accurately assess retention threats and implement interventions to mitigate risk
  • Collaborate with finance analyst to project active students and credits for current and future terms
  • Rolled out and secured buy in for the Performance Assessment framework including setting team KPIs and retention goals
  • Created and facilitated quarterly equity seminar for faculty around allyship, diversity, and inclusion
  • Organized and facilitated monthly leadership development workshops for individual contributors across Simmons portfolio
  • Manage enrollment and retention efforts for SocialWork@Simmons and BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons
  • Supervise, coach, and develop a team of nine Student Success Advisors; identify gaps in skills and develop trainings accordingly including de-escalation strategies and soliciting feedback on behalf of Admissions
  • Collaborate closely with Admissions to optimize yield for incoming students
  • Build meaningful relationships and communicate effectively with stakeholders including Placement, Program Management, institutional partners, Admissions, and Faculty Success.

Senior Coordinator for Campus Relations

University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO
01.2017 - 03.2019
  • Was responsible for the strategic vision, leadership, management and financial performance of the Parent and Family Program (PFP)
  • Built strategic relationships and partnerships on and off campus to promote the PFP and create mutually beneficial partnerships and a culture of collaboration
  • Supervised one full-time classified staff member and facilitated professional development opportunities including trainings, conferences, presentations, in-state site visits, and official reviews
  • Maintained excellent professional relationships across campus to make effective referrals and stay current on changing policies, staff structures, and new initiatives
  • Planned and conducted presentations for parents and families of incoming students at New Student Orientation
  • Created the Family Advisory Board to engage parents of current students and solicit feedback to enhance the student experience
  • In coordination with CU Denver Alumni Relations and the Office of Advancement, planned and executed the annual LynxFest: Family and Alumni Weekend for over 300 participants
  • Oversaw all PFP marketing and communications including a monthly newsletter, Facebook, discussion board, and printed materials including calendars
  • Conducted large-scale assessment including surveys and focus groups to analyze communication trends between students and families
  • Was integrally involved in major website overhaul including providing direction on content, layout, and features
  • Worked closely with New Student Orientation to develop and constantly improve the Family and Guest track
  • Managed the Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) program
  • Advised student committee on recruitment strategies, planning and executing events, building tradition, fundraising, stewardship and strengthening connections with alumni
  • Created a sustainable budget model for STAT, which included running the merchandise sales at Commencement ceremonies
  • Increased student philanthropy through the PhilanthroPig fundraising program as well as senior class gift
  • Increased participation in PhilanthroPig by handing out approximately 1800 piggy banks to incoming students
  • Prepared, secured, and oversaw a $10,000 budget for the Parent and Family Program.

Assistant Director – Events and Partnerships

University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO
08.2013 - 12.2016
  • Initiated, planned, implemented, and evaluated over 100 events annually to enhance the CU Denver student experience
  • When necessary, secured additional funding from external partners and sponsorships or internal grants
  • Coordinated corporate sponsors and partnerships, food trucks, campus departments, nonprofit organizations, and student organizations for large-scale events
  • Managed fiscal accountability for an annual student-fee funded budget of over $200,000 and presented annually the usage of these funds to the Student Fee Review Committee
  • Planned and managed consistent marketing and communication efforts including a weekly OrgSync blast, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and banner/poster distribution
  • Hired, trained, and managed 10-14 student employees including CU Denver Live!, a multicultural arts programming committee and the Events Team
  • Presented event planning and student development trainings to student groups, student leaders, and student affairs professionals
  • Served on various committees including Women’s Leadership Conference, Outreach and Education, Latin@s Unidos Across Auraria, Disability Awareness Festival, Tri-Institutional Student Activities, and Block Party
  • Served as advisor for CU Denver’s fundraising dance marathon event, Lynx-A-Thon
  • Coordinated staff and volunteers at various large-scale events including New Student Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, and the Distinguished Lecture Series
  • Increased efficiency by setting up online payment program for corporate sponsors to pay registration fees
  • Assessed various events including New Student Convocation and CU @ The Nuggets to measure impact
  • Compiled data and presented findings to key stakeholders
  • Stayed current with trends and best practices though involvement with local and national conferences and associations including the American College Personnel Association
  • Developed the mission, vision, and strategic plan for the Student Events Team and CU Denver Live!
  • Supported student retention efforts and built tradition by planning and growing New Student Convocation Ceremony
  • Introduced new traditions to CU Denver including the Milo Mile, to promote an engaged student body with excellent school spirit
  • Advised Student Government Association’s Events and Planning committee
  • Planned the Lynx Leadership Conference for over 100 student leaders
  • Served as a site leader on an Alternative Break trip to Guatemala.

Student Services Specialist

University of Denver, University College
Denver, CO
10.2012 - 08.2013
  • Provided quality customer service to all students and prospective students and connected them to resources
  • Facilitated and presented quarterly New Student Orientation sessions for all incoming students
  • Worked closely with faculty to communicate updated policies, deadlines, and registration projections
  • Assisted University College students with the application processes, registering for classes, setting up advising appointments, requesting transcripts, and financial aid inquires via in-person meetings, phone calls, and/or email communication.

New Student Orientation Coordinator

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
04.2012 - 10.2012
  • Communicated institutional policies while providing quality customer service to a large volume of incoming and prospective students and their families
  • Assisted with the programming of large-scale orientations and campus events including setting up vendor accounts, paying invoices, working with caterers, room reservations, scheduling, budgeting, inter-office collaboration, and working with external presenters
  • Served as 2013 Homecoming Bonfire planning chair
  • Sought sponsorship opportunities, established relationships with off-campus stakeholders and community members; collaborated with different offices including Alumni Relations, Student Activities, Athletics, Student Media, and Student Government Assembly; and managed operating budget of over $10,000
  • Co-supervised various student leadership positions including training on various leadership topics, database management, and customer service operations
  • Managed day-to-day online orientation reservation system to track enrollment, attendance, and advising grouping for orientation participants using Visualzen Orientation systems.

Intramurals and Club Sports Graduate Intern

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
07.2011 - 04.2012
  • Designed and facilitated leadership development workshops for club sports presidents surrounding collaboration, goal-setting, and officer transition
  • Organized, marketed, and provided support for three seasons of tri-institutional intramural activities for students of the Auraria Campus
  • Advised 19 student-run club sports teams, assisted with required paperwork, marketing strategies, event planning techniques, and sponsorship opportunities
  • Created and facilitated several Campus Recreation presentations at various orientation sessions for staff and students
  • Edited and revised Club Sports Manual to reflect changes to policies and procedures.

Student Activities and Leadership Programs Graduate Intern

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
01.2011 - 07.2011
  • Advised four multi-cultural fraternal organizations; planned accreditation presentations; monitored GPA, community service, and study hall requirements
  • Created a blog to showcase leadership events, student accomplishments, involvement opportunities, and giveaways
  • Advised students in the Urban Leadership Program, assisted with interviews and applications, planned summer retreat which included a presentation from the university’s president, developed marketing campaign to increase applicant pool which resulted in almost doubled program enrollment
  • Served on planning committees including Women’s Leadership Conference Planning Committee, the Student Involvement Leadership Awards Committee, and the Leadership Immersion Conference.

Student Activities Graduate Intern

Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
09.2010 - 05.2011
  • Co-taught an introductory leadership course, developed course curriculum, planned and graded assignments, facilitated in-class activities, and administered course evaluations
  • Advised Greek Life programming, planned an officer transition retreat for fraternal organizations, oversaw officer elections, assisted with planning of fraternal event on Halloween.

Social Marketing Coordinator

Crocs, Inc.
Niwot, CO
01.2009 - 04.2009
  • Coordinated company involvement with local sponsorship events including the Bolder Boulder, Winter X Games, and the Colfax Marathon; conducted sponsorship outreach; provided product donations; conducted contests and giveaways; documented events to present to upper-management
  • Measured social media efforts including Facebook, and Twitter
  • Created, organized, and maintained all company pro deal partnerships with various vendors
  • Conducted trainings on database management and promotional ordering programs and processes.

Marketing and Public Relations Assistant

Crocs, Inc.
Niwot, CO
09.2007 - 01.2009
  • Planned yearly company holiday parties for over 900 guests, worked with caterers, booked bands, reserved venues, worked with venue and catering staffs, marketed event to Crocs employees, organized registration and attendance lists
  • Coordinated sponsorship efforts and product donations for celebrity poker tournament during the Democratic National Convention
  • Monitored and compiled all company-related media hits, organized daily media reports and distributed them to key stakeholders and upper management
  • Organized local media outreach for Crocs Chicago store opening, contacted local media outlets, created press release and press kits, answered questions related to event.

Education

Master of Arts in Higher Education, College Student Development -

University of Denver, Morgridge College of Education
06.2012

Bachelor of Arts in Communication -

Boston College
05.2007

Study Abroad Program -

University of Otago
Dunedin, New Zealadn

Skills

  • Performance Management
  • Staff Development
  • Key Performance Indicators
  • Cross-Functional Teamwork
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Salesforce Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Time Management

Timeline

Senior Student Success Manager

2U, Inc
03.2019 - Current

Senior Coordinator for Campus Relations

University of Colorado Denver
01.2017 - 03.2019

Assistant Director – Events and Partnerships

University of Colorado Denver
08.2013 - 12.2016

Student Services Specialist

University of Denver, University College
10.2012 - 08.2013

New Student Orientation Coordinator

Metropolitan State University of Denver
04.2012 - 10.2012

Intramurals and Club Sports Graduate Intern

Metropolitan State University of Denver
07.2011 - 04.2012

Student Activities and Leadership Programs Graduate Intern

Metropolitan State University of Denver
01.2011 - 07.2011

Student Activities Graduate Intern

Colorado School of Mines
09.2010 - 05.2011

Social Marketing Coordinator

Crocs, Inc.
01.2009 - 04.2009

Marketing and Public Relations Assistant

Crocs, Inc.
09.2007 - 01.2009

Master of Arts in Higher Education, College Student Development -

University of Denver, Morgridge College of Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communication -

Boston College

Study Abroad Program -

University of Otago

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AVERY ELIZABETH BALANO