Derek Dias
Boca Raton,FL
Summary
Accomplished leader with expertise in strategic planning and community engagement, scaling organizations in multiple states. Proven track record in program management, budgeting, and advocacy. Adept at fostering strategic partnerships and driving initiatives that secure funding and enhance organizational objectives. Skilled in common workplace technological systems and team collaboration tools.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Office Manager
SEM Law Group
Boca Raton, Florida
2022 - Current
- Manage daily office operations, including scheduling, maintaining client files, and coordinating attorney calendars to ensure efficiency and organization
- Prepare, review, and file legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, motions, and court filings, ensuring accuracy and compliance with court rules and deadlines
- Compose and prepare Guardian Ad Litem reports to be used in impartial child custody determinations by the court
- Utilize legal case management software to manage case files, deadlines, and client records efficiently
- Maintain office budget, track expenses, and manage client relations to ensure cost-effective resource allocation
- Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and confidentiality standards, safeguarding sensitive client information and adhering to document retention policies
Advocacy & Community Engagement Manager
WA State Charter Schools Association
Seattle, WA
2017 - 2021
- Grew WA Charters from eight operational schools designed to serve systemically underserved students in 2017 to 19 authorized and operating schools currently
- Redesigned and relaunched the Aspiring Leaders program, a seven-month cohort-based program designed to develop the capacity of leaders of color with a budget of $100,000
- Helmed outreach efforts to state legislators including leading visits at schools statewide, organized yearly parent and student meetings with legislators at the State Capitol
- Managed statewide rally for educational rights coordinating logistics for 1,500+ people with vendors, schools, parents, and partner organizations
- Contributed to five-year strategic plan and grant writing that resulted in $13 million in awards
- Led trainings focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally
- Created and delivered trainings and workshops focusing on authentic community engagement practices and educational rights for parents, school leaders, fellows, and community leaders
- Managed community events and outreach statewide through development of a Charters 101 program
Trip Leader
Global Visionaries
Antigua, Guatemala
2018 - 2018
- Co-led over 40 Seattle-area youth on a Spanish-intensive cultural immersion trip focused on environmental and social justice issues
- Was directly responsible for eight students, their itineraries, health, learning objectives, and transportation logistics for the duration of their half-month trip
Site Coordinator
Communities In Schools Of Seattle
Seattle, Washington
2015 - 2017
- Coordinated services for vulnerable students and families through one-on-one support, connection to in school services and community partners, and maintained a caseload
- Led in several action teams focusing on DEI issues, family engagement, levy funding, school leadership, attendance, student civic engagement, and a playground redesign committee
- Expanded and managed network of partnerships with community-based organizations
- Connected families with resources to help them overcome homelessness, addiction, and health issues
- Created community surveys, needs assessments, site plans, monthly reports, and maintained data-driven database
- Secured school performance pay from public levy funding through various initiatives
Various
Rwanda Projects
Kigali, Rwanda
2014 - 2015
- Helped empower vulnerable women at Aspire Rwanda in Kigali through English and communication classes and created an income generating community-based tourism program
- Founded The Woven Project to create sustainable income for local artisans that also benefits local homeless youth and orphans through the sale of fair-trade products and handicrafts
- Daily freelance contributor for Africa-focused travel site AFK Travel
Program Manager
Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources – Conservation Jobs Corps
Baltimore, Maryland
2008 - 2014
- Oversaw multiple projects contributing to the $2.5 million of completed work in the 2014 fiscal year
- Managing supervisor for more than 100 systemically underserved youths and 22 staff members
- Met program goals and expanded the program every year despite annual budget contractions
- Managed all logistics, administrative functions, emergency situations, and disciplinary procedures
- Composed reports on program goals, budget, and future program plans
Visiting English Language Teacher
Sudan Volunteer Program
Gedaref, Sudan
2010 - 2010
- Prepared and delivered English lessons focusing on all aspects of communication on behalf of the Ministry of Higher Education and Gedaref University
- Taught conversational development and intermediate English to Eritrean refugees through private English language center in Khartoum
Education
BS - Global Affairs/International Development
George Mason University
Fairfax, VASkills
- Strategic planning
- Program management
- Budgeting
- Advocacy and lobbying
- Community engagement
- Cultural fluency
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Cloud storage solutions
- WordPress management
- Team collaboration tools
- AI tool proficiency
Languages
Spanish
Professional
German
Limited
French
Elementary
Timeline
Office Manager
SEM Law Group
2022 - Current
Advocacy & Community Engagement Manager
WA State Charter Schools Association
2017 - 2021
Trip Leader
Global Visionaries
2018 - 2018
Site Coordinator
Communities In Schools Of Seattle
2015 - 2017
Various
Rwanda Projects
2014 - 2015
Program Manager
Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources – Conservation Jobs Corps
2008 - 2014
Visiting English Language Teacher
Sudan Volunteer Program
2010 - 2010
BS - Global Affairs/International Development
George Mason University