Cheryl Melendez
La Habra,CA
Summary
Collaborative leader with over 8 years of experience in administrative, fiscal, and procedural analysis. Successfully oversees financial operations, including budget development and reporting, while ensuring strict compliance with policies and regulations. Possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills, taking a proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing systemic solutions. Has a proven track record of leading and inspiring teams, fostering professional development, and enhancing operational efficiency through the implementation of effective processes and procedures.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
07.2019 - 05.2024
- Managed administration of programs serving over 1,400 small businesses, including program development, delivery and evaluation, to achieve programmatic goals
- Collaborated in developing, preparing, and executing annual $2 million grant funded budget for two community college programs, including annual budget submission through end-of-year close-out processes
- Documented and reviewed department financial reports and operational processes ensuring compliance
- Created scorecards/checklists to enhance efficiency and streamline operations in meeting program KPIs and benchmark goals
- Facilitated team development programs including training, evaluation, and implementation, to collectively meet program goals and strategic initiatives
- Advanced community engagement and outreach efforts to build and maintain supportive relationships with public and private organizations, 50+ chambers of commerce, entrepreneurial leadership organizations, and other key economic development stakeholders
- Developed and delivered innovative promotional webinars, attended outreach events, and produced marketing materials, increasing program participation of women-owned businesses by 24% and under-resourced populations by 43%.
- Led team of 20+ staff, faculty and contractors, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
PROGRAM MANAGER
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
01.2016 - 06.2019
- Managed RFQ/RFP/Scopes of Work process; lead procurement for vendor services; and administered resulting contracts including planning, organization, coordination, monitoring, and supporting oversight for programs, services, internal operations, and grant opportunities
- Supervised purchasing approvals to ensure compliance with fiscal policy, budget availability, and funding agency guidelines
- Supported department accountant with budget inquiries and liaised with accounting and purchasing departments to resolve issues
- Conducted comprehensive analysis to promote cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and issue resolution, leading to recommendations for service delivery improvements
- Analyzed customer feedback, implementing program enhancements that increased applications by 12% and improved customer satisfaction evaluation scores by 5%
- Fostered collaborative working relationships with faculty and staff ensuring full staff retention and minimal faculty turnover.
BUILDING PERMIT TECHNICIAN
City of Seal Beach
09.2015 - 01.2016
- Worked with Public Works and Building and Safety Department staff under the management of the Building Official
- Calculated fees and permit details to issue building permits for construction within the city limits
- Provided frontline customer service, answering broad questions about the permit process, fees, deadlines, and business licenses
- Managed contractual reporting of data and plans, department operations scheduling, and customer experience reporting.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Business Management and Leadership
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CABachelor of Arts - Communications, Public Relations
California State University at Fullerton
Fullerton, CASkills
- Administrative Management
- Budget Administration & Financial Reporting
- Stakeholder Management
- Grant Management
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
- Project Management
- Strategic leadership
- Process Improvement
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- Community Outreach
Timeline
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
07.2019 - 05.2024
PROGRAM MANAGER
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
01.2016 - 06.2019
BUILDING PERMIT TECHNICIAN
City of Seal Beach
09.2015 - 01.2016
Master of Business Administration - Business Management and Leadership
Pepperdine University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Public Relations
California State University at Fullerton
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