Collaborative leader with a dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote an engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Hi, I’m
Brian Simmons
Chicago,IL
Summary
Overview
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Chicago Votes
Cultural Organizing Manager
07.2018 - Current
Job overview
- Successfully executed over 50 events civically engaging youth (ages 17-35).
- Built and managed artist artist-creative collective of over 200 youth.
- Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Developed company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Led change management initiatives to drive organizational transformation without compromising employee morale or productivity levels.
- Drove operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics tools for informed strategy development.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within workplace, resulting in inclusive environments that fostered creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Planned and budgeted accurately to provide business with resources needed to operate smoothly.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Dusable Museum Of African American History & Cul.
Docent
06.2013 - 08.2018
Job overview
- Enhanced visitor experience by providing engaging and informative guided tours.
- Developed captivating presentations for diverse audiences, catering to various age groups and interests.
- Collaborated with museum staff to create interactive exhibits and educational materials.
- Conducted thorough research on exhibit content to ensure accurate and up-to-date information was delivered during tours.
Macys Department Store
Sales Manager
10.2017 - 05.2018
Job overview
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Streamlined sales processes for improved efficiency, resulting in higher conversion rates.
Just Salad
Supervisor
03.2017 - 10.2017
Job overview
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency through regular process reviews and implementing necessary changes.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback to staff members.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
Toppers Pizza
Shift Lead/Manager on Duty
06.2016 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Improved team productivity by implementing efficient scheduling and task delegation.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction through regular performance feedback and recognition initiatives.
- Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency and reduced waste.
Education
DePaul UniversityChicago, IL
Master of Science from Political Science
06.2025
University Overview
Harold WashingtonChicago, IL
Associate of Science from Political Science
07.2018
University Overview
Malcolm X Community CollegeChicago, IL
No Degree from Political Science
07.2018
University Overview
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn, IL
No Degree from Political Science
09.2015
University Overview
Skills
- Project Management
- Program Implementation
- Event Curation
- Coalition Building
- Hiring Processes
- Annual Budget Creation
- Training Facilitation
- Business Administration
Additional Information
Additional Information
Facilitated Youth Organizing Trainings in European Parliament for Youth Organizers 2023
C4 Board Member for Cannabis Equity Coalition for Illinois
Founding Board Member of South Side Clean Up 2020
Served on the Mayoral Transition Committee 2019
Created Curriculum/Facilitated Nationwide Artist Training in partnership with the Center for Cultural Power 2020-2022
Timeline
Cultural Organizing Manager
Chicago Votes
07.2018 - Current
Sales Manager
Macys Department Store
10.2017 - 05.2018
Supervisor
Just Salad
03.2017 - 10.2017
Shift Lead/Manager on Duty
Toppers Pizza
06.2016 - 01.2017
Docent
Dusable Museum Of African American History & Cul.
06.2013 - 08.2018
DePaul University
Master of Science from Political Science
Harold Washington
Associate of Science from Political Science
Malcolm X Community College
No Degree from Political Science
College of DuPage
No Degree from Political Science
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