Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additionalinformation
Timeline
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Dana Lowe

Oswego,IL

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Fox Valley Family YMCA, adept in non-profit management and visionary leadership. Excelled in regulatory compliance and team building, driving operational improvements and fostering partnerships. Achieved significant advancements in program quality and financial management, demonstrating exceptional analytical thinking and decision-making skills.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Preschool Consultant/Child Care Specialist

Contracted 1099
Downers Grove, Illinois
06.2024 - Current
  • Designed a new early education program at St. Paul's UCC tailored to demographic shifts in the community.
  • Presented detailed business plan to Congregation for approval.
  • Designed operational forms, developed handbooks, and organized classroom setup.
  • Worked with volunteer Council to formulate action plans for addressing various challenges and goals.
  • Oversaw numerous projects concurrently, ensuring they were completed on time and within budget.
  • Created financial models to enhance budget management.
  • Reviewed operational procedures for alignment with safety guidelines.
  • Evaluated multifaceted data sources to detect trends.
  • Effectively managed time to ensure completion of tasks on schedule.
  • Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
  • Engaged customers through effective interpersonal skills.
  • Streamlined tasks to achieve service objectives efficiently.
  • Showcased strong ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems swiftly.
  • Developed informative and engaging content for blogs and websites.
  • Contributed to the creation of marketing collateral including brochures, flyers, newsletters.
  • Determined strategic priorities for effective resource usage.
  • Scheduled Council meetings regularly to deliver project updates.
  • Defined clear objectives to track project progress.

Director of Early Learning Academy

Fox Valley Family YMCA
Plano, IL
07.2012 - 03.2024
  • Hire, train, supervise, evaluate and support over 70 staff
  • Develop and support on-going professional development to achieve the GOLD Circle of Quality Accreditation
  • Provide high quality family engagement and have strong partnerships with all staff, parents, and children
  • Work closely with marketing director in an effort to drive enrollment and meet community needs
  • Assist Billing Specialist with all CCAP applications, attendance, and updates related to DHS
  • Stay a brief to changing laws and regulations pertaining to DCFS, DHS, IDPH, and INCCRRA
  • Responsible for management and oversight of all Early Learning Academy revenue ($1.2 million) which includes payroll, expenses, and monthly profit/loss
  • Maintain and uphold all DCFS guidelines and regulations as they pertain to the operations of the center
  • Develop, plan and implement new programs based on community needs
  • Attend Cohort Grant Sessions to obtain and improve on the quality of the center
  • Research/Apply/Receive Grant opportunities through Early Childhood State and County Initiatives
  • Maintain food program according to CACFP guidelines for the state of Illinois
  • Active participant in the YMCA Annual Campaign, United Way Initiatives and Grant recipient, and local partnerships
  • Assess each staff member's work performance and mentor and coach using reflective supervision practices
  • Managed crisis situations to minimize impact on operations and reputation.
  • Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
  • Facilitated professional development programs to build a high-performing team.
  • Spearheaded the development and launch of new products or services.
  • Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization.
  • Facilitated collaboration between teams by encouraging open communication channels.
  • Negotiated agreements with external partners such as contractors or consultants.
  • Prepared presentations for board meetings summarizing key developments within the company.
  • Represented the organization at industry events, conferences, and public meetings.
  • Oversaw strategic planning and implementation to ensure organizational goals were met.
  • Directed operations to improve efficiency and increase profit margins.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
  • Led change management efforts to adapt to market shifts and organizational needs.
  • Established performance metrics and evaluated staff to promote continuous improvement.
  • Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with customers by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work and improve collaboration.
  • Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
  • Developed and executed marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and market share.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
  • Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
  • Implemented new technologies to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
  • Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
  • Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Partnered with staff to create professional development plans to support personal and business growth.
  • Coordinated with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with laws and standards.
  • Promoted a culture of innovation and encouraged staff to contribute ideas.
  • Assessed employee performance against established benchmarks or targets.
  • Managed annual budgeting process, including forecasting and financial planning.
  • Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.

Program Education Coordinator

Two Rivers Head Start Agency
Aurora, IL
01.2007 - 01.2012
  • Supported and promoted Head Start Performance Standards, Two Rivers policies and procedures, and all state and local standards under DCFS
  • Oversaw all program operations at 6 locations including Head Start, Early Head Start, and Home Based Early Head Start
  • Set agency program objectives and standards for quality and ensured they were met
  • Supervised, supported and guided Center Supervisors in the day to day operation of the program
  • Supervised up to 60 staff
  • Evaluated Center Supervisors as well as guided them in completing personnel appraisals of center staff and use results to identify training needs
  • Guide staff in curriculum planning, developmentally appropriate practices, parent involvement in the curriculum and observation/documentation of children's goals and progress
  • Screened new applicant resumes as well as interviewed, selected and assigned qualified center staff reflective of racial and ethnic population of children
  • Worked with the appropriate staff to ensure training and orientation of new staff
  • Ensured the purchasing of appropriate center and classroom supplies and equipment
  • Guided Center Supervisors in maintaining appropriate emergency and safety procedures
  • Conducted trainings for center staff on Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment, and Head Start Performance Standards

Child Referral Advisor / Center Supervisor

01.2005 - 01.2007
  • Assisted the Disability Coordinator with the coordination and implementation of all developmental screenings
  • Coordinated observation of children and maintain documentation and follow-up
  • Facilitated referral of children and their families to appropriate agencies
  • Met with parents/guardians teaching teams, family Worker, Disability Coordinator and Consultants in developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans for referred children
  • Responsible for the operation of center and all center supervisor responsibilities in supervisor's absence
  • Provided support and direction to all staff in developmentally appropriate practice
  • Assess each staff member's work performance and address concerns in a timely manner

Education

CPR & First Aid -

01.2023

Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Studies

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL
01.1995

Bachelor’s - Human Development & Family Studies

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL
01.1994

Skills

  • Non-profit management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Analytical thinking
  • Visionary leadership
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Financial analysis
  • Industry knowledge
  • Collaborative Teamwork
  • Hiring and retention
  • Goal Setting and Monitoring
  • Fundraising events
  • Strategies and goals
  • Risk management
  • Relationship building
  • Partnerships and alliances
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Operations management
  • Leadership development

Additionalinformation

Available, Available, Available

Timeline

Preschool Consultant/Child Care Specialist

Contracted 1099
06.2024 - Current

Director of Early Learning Academy

Fox Valley Family YMCA
07.2012 - 03.2024

Program Education Coordinator

Two Rivers Head Start Agency
01.2007 - 01.2012

Child Referral Advisor / Center Supervisor

01.2005 - 01.2007

CPR & First Aid -

Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Studies

Eastern Illinois University

Bachelor’s - Human Development & Family Studies

Eastern Illinois University
Dana Lowe