Denise Gaitantzis

• Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
• Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
• Conducted thorough employee evaluations, providing feedback and guidance for professional growth.
• Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
• Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 195-employee company.
• Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
• Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.

• Created Employee Handbooks and or enhanced a company's Handbook.
• Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
• Wrote, developed and provided successful presentations on Performance Management, Safety in the Workplace, and others.
• Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.

• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
• Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
• Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
• Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
• Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
• Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.

Project Chimps is the newest chimpanzee sanctuary in the U.S. and provides lifetime exemplary care to former research chimpanzees.

• Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping and participating.
• Aided staff with employee performance review paperwork and documentation.
• Reviewed job descriptions and updated for compliance and consistency.
• Used coaching interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
• Volunteered in the kitchen to prepare healthy meals for the chimpanzees.

• Managed the onboarding process, providing new hires with necessary tools for success from day one.
• Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding.
• Maintained "open door" policy to encourage employee communications and resolution of issues.
• Coordinated and worked with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution, and employee accountability.
• Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
• Developed comprehensive employee training programs, resulting in a more skilled workforce.
• Led HR department restructuring, optimizing team resources for improved productivity and effectiveness.
• Increased employee engagement with open communication channels and regular feedback opportunities.
• Enhanced company culture by promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Fostered strong relationships between human resources staff members, encouraging collaboration on projects.
• Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.
• Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
• Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.