Ella Thompson, Ph.D.
Corona,CA
Summary
Versatile Executive Director focused on promoting the mission and increasing the effectiveness of key programs. Passionate about managing and overseeing the implementation of the company's daily operations. Quick and firm decision-maker possessing first-rate communication and organizational skills. Recognized for successfully collaborating with management to develop work plans, financials, and strategies.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director/Program Director, Undergraduate Studies/Associate Professor
Virginia Christian College
02.2020 - Current
- Increased student retention by 30%; increased strategic partnerships by 25%, and increased tuition revenue by 12-18% annually.
- Liaise with staff to advance institutional initiatives
- Collaborate with executive leadership and faculty on academic and operational projects
- Conduct strategic planning
- Implement strategic initiatives regarding marketing, development, community engagement, continuing and professional education, and budgeting
- Establish strategic alliances with external constituencies
- Provide online and classroom instruction
- Teach courses in leadership studies, spiritual formation, and theology
- Serve on the faculty council
- Present at academic conferences and community events
- Oversee the Department of Undergraduate Studies
- Formulate policies to expand the international studies program
- Direct all activities relating to graduate admissions, student life, curriculum development, compliance, and reporting
- Chair, coaching and leadership programs
- Serve on administrative and academic committees
- Administer student conduct and disciplinary procedures
- Oversee agency and staff relating to branding, multi-media, and website development
Nonprofit Consultant
Independent Contractor
02.2015 - 01.2022
- Maintained 98% client satisfaction rate, achieved 80% client retention rate, and developed and coached more than 3,200 total leaders globally.
- Develop high-performance teams and leaders
- Analyzed financial reports, streamlining expenses and allocating resources more effectively towards mission-critical activities.
- Developed strategic plans for nonprofit organizations, resulting in increased community engagement and support
- Developed strategic plans for nonprofit organizations, resulting in increased community engagement and support.
- Facilitate customized workshops and seminars on leadership development and skills training in executive education
- Provide executive, career, life, and mindset coaching
- Conduct proposal writing and research
- Deliver speeches as keynote, lecturer, and moderator for governmental, public, private, and faith-based organizations
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement
- Designed comprehensive marketing plans for nonprofits, raising awareness of their cause among target audiences
- Facilitated workshops and training for staff development, enhancing their ability to serve constituents better
Director, Enrollment Management and Marketing
Regent University
02.2008 - 02.2015
- Directed cross-functional teams
- Oversaw graduate enrollment management
- Led recruiting, student advising, career services, financial aid, and alumni relations
- Performed strategic planning and implementation
- Formulated policy and procedures
- Conceptualized and implemented marketing initiatives
- Steered University rebranding and advanced brand awareness
- Trained and developed staff
- Spearheaded continuing education and professional development center for executive education
- Managed technology implementation for admissions and alumni population
- Exceeded enrollment goals by 2%-8% annually, generated $1.8 million from strategic initiatives, developed DEI programs that generated a 25% increase in employee satisfaction, ideated and launched three global educational outreach centers, and launched seven new degree programs netting $3.2 million in tuition revenue
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth
- Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas
Education
Ph.D. - Theology and Religious Studies
King's College London
London, England, United KingdomM.A. - Organizational Leadership
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VAM.A. - Practical Theology
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VAB.S. - Business Administration and Management
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VASkills
- Strategic Planning
- Marketing
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Relationship Building
- Project Management
- Community Engagement
- Compliance and Regulations
Accomplishments
- Recipient, Women in Higher Education Leadership Grant, Association of Theological Schools, Pittsburgh, PA
- Excellence Award, Regent University
Timeline
Executive Director/Program Director, Undergraduate Studies/Associate Professor
Virginia Christian College
02.2020 - Current
Nonprofit Consultant
Independent Contractor
02.2015 - 01.2022
Director, Enrollment Management and Marketing
Regent University
02.2008 - 02.2015
Ph.D. - Theology and Religious Studies
King's College London
M.A. - Organizational Leadership
Regent University
M.A. - Practical Theology
Regent University
B.S. - Business Administration and Management
Virginia Commonwealth University
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
Steve Jobs
Training
Certified Leadership Coach, Lifeforming Coaching International, Virginia Beach, VA
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