JAIME BRAUN
Cary,IL
Summary
Event Coordinator, Executive Assistant and Director of Operations - An accomplished and dedicated professional with proven experience in managing multiple operations; consistently meet service, efficiency and productivity goals. Offering strong organizational and communication skills, eager to learn and thrive in dynamic environment. Contributes to efficient office operations and effective communication with proficiency in scheduling and document management. Ready to use and develop administrative and coordination skills in Executive Assistant role. Developed strong organizational and communication skills in fast-paced corporate environment. Proficient in managing schedules, coordinating travel, and handling confidential information. Seeking to transition these skills to new field to contribute to different organizational setting. Professional administrative professional with track record in supporting executive leadership. Proven ability to handle confidential information and manage executive schedules effectively. Focused on fostering team collaboration and meeting dynamic business needs through exceptional communication and organizational skills. Personable and organized professional with strong multitasking skills and attention to detail. Well-versed in managing calendars and handling correspondence, proficient in office software and project management tools. Committed to enhancing productivity and streamlining administrative processes to support organizational goals. Executive Assistant skilled at offering high-level administrative support to senior-level staff. Expert in travel management, expense tracking and schedule coordination. Expertly assists executive team using exceptional communication and organizational skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant / Event Coordinator
Battle Bars
09.2021 - Current
- Serve in a multiple role as Event Coordinator, Project Manager, Executive Assistant, HR and Customer Relations
- Build trade shows, including design and specifications from ground zero to final set up; promoted products and performed sampling; scheduled and prioritized project phases; managed payroll, tracked inventory and budget
- Perform extensive calendar management for the CEO; serve as confidant and strategist to the CEO and executives
- Track customer service levels and anticipate customer success; provide insight into business growth opportunities
- Responsible for administering payroll, inventory and budget, booking travel, team building and skills development, employee onboarding, and scheduling and overseeing trade show, fundraising and charity events
- Recognized for ability to establish and maintain exceptional customer relationships resulting in an increase in product exposure and new business growth; traveled moderately to various trade show locations
- Received acknowledgement for ability to managing multiple accounts as a liaison and go-to solution resource
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Provided leadership, guidance and direction to the trade show team as a knowledgeable solution resource
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Managed office inventory, tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within the workplace.
- Provided professional administrative support during board meetings, including agenda preparation and minute-taking duties.
- Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
- Prepared and edited presentations on behalf of executives for both internal meetings and external conferences.
- Enhanced productivity by organizing travel arrangements and coordinating accommodations for executives.
- Collaborated on special projects to improve overall business operations within the organization efficiently.
- Facilitated training and onboarding for incoming office staff.
Event Coordinator
Durty Nellie's
08.2019 - 02.2024
- Coordinate major events including corporate facility buyouts, parties, weddings and other special events
- Plan, schedule and organize events in collaboration with client decision makers as a solution resource
- Create and design menus, direct event set up, and provide consultation on décor and space management
- Lead cross-functional teams and coordinated with staff to ensure proper management of events
- Perform cold calls and followed through on leads in order to establish new business relationships
- Negotiate costs, event requirements and specifications, and generate mutually profitable outcomes
- Consistently increased sales through persistence in meeting clients' needs; brought in $200K+ since 1/2023, with projections toward $500K in revenue; increased year-over-year sales by $150K
- Effectively led client decision making resulting in trust in ability to coordinate end-to-end event management
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
- Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
- Handled crisis management situations promptly, minimizing negative impact on event outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Developed creative marketing materials that generated interest and boosted event attendance.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
- Coordinated with vendors to deliver exceptional catering and audiovisual services during events.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Enhanced attendee experience by meticulously planning and executing event logistics.
- Maintained accurate records of all event expenditures, ensuring budget compliance across multiple projects.
- Managed budgets effectively, negotiating contracts to secure cost savings without compromising quality.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
- Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
Executive Assistant
Parachute Restaurant and Wherewithall Restaurant
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Serve as the Executive/Personal Assistant to Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim, owners and award-winning chefs
- Manage an extremely active calendar, e.g., meeting coordination, travel arrangements, video conference calls, event planning, email communications and correspondence; screen calls; maintain privacy and confidentiality
- Serve as first point of contact and resource for diplomatic issue resolution to internal and external personnel
- Communicate needs, requirements and directives to clients, vendors, and staff at diverse professional levels
- Oversee and maintain financial management/budget; respond to owners' professional and personal needs
- Set up and organized a systematic method to manage email communications, social media and public relations
- Work collaboratively with PR team to manage network show/radio broadcast, social media and promotions
- Entrusted by Mr
- Clark and Ms
- Kim for exceptional judgment, effective communication and decision making
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
- Arranged domestic and international travel plans and itineraries.
- Supported financial management processes by assisting with budget planning and expense tracking.
- Facilitated effective communication between executives and their direct reports through timely correspondence management.
- Oversaw personal and professional calendars and coordinated appointments for future events.
- Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
- Provided multifaceted services to career professionals by running errands, managing mail, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation.
- Coordinated events and worked on ad hoc projects.
General Manager
Harmony Hospitality
06.2018 - 07.2019
- Oversaw operations with team of 45; accountable for P&L, budget management, training and supervision, customer and vendor relations, scheduling, event planning, inventory and standard operating procedures
- Planned, developed and organized programs and events, e.g., community fundraisers, charities, holidays
- Sourced vendors and successfully negotiated high quality products, best cost and timely service delivery
- Trained and cross-trained employees; implemented standard operating procedures
- Increased staff loyalty through fair management practices, positive work environment and mentoring style
- Launched and opened new location; received stellar reviews through the media community
- Built and developed front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) management teams
- Developed contemporary wine, cocktails and beer menus based on comprehension of customer interests
Ops Director
Trenchers Kitchen & Tap / 500East / Trenchers Catering
11.2013 - 01.2018
- Directed multiple locations with a team of 60; built and developed successful management teams
- Managed P&L, training and supervision, customer/vendor relations, event planning and community outreach
- Planned, developed and managed events for clients and community organizations
- Designed and assisted implementing new contemporary food menus
- Increased food sales over 40%
- Introduced new performance standards and wrote a training manual focusing on building customer relations, improving operational efficiencies, delivering outstanding customer service, and resolving client complaints
- Launched/opened new location on time and within budget; sourced vendors to provide high-quality items
- Identified opportunities for process automation, leading to increased efficiency and reduced manual workload for staff members.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow and optimal resource allocation across departments.
- Enhanced employee performance with focused training programs, coaching, and mentoring initiatives.
- Balanced competing priorities in a dynamic environment, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high standards for quality and safety.
Front of House Manager
Durty Nellie's
03.2003 - 05.2012
- Managed front and back operations of a 15,000 SF high volume neighborhood restaurant seating 1200, with an acoustic stage, electric full band stage, and gastro pub-style menu offering 100+ beers from worldwide
- Set up operations for private parties; managed opening and closing duties; and served as Garde Manger Chef
- Trained and supervised staff of 100; increased food and beverage revenue 30% through aggressive promotions
- Created a craft beer destination atmosphere; drove craft beer sales with deep product knowledge
Education
Certificate in Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL2014
Illinois Liquor License (B.A.S.S.E.T.) -
Washington State Food Handlers / Washington State Liquor License (M.A.S.T) -
Illinois Food Service Sanitation; Manager Certificate, Allergen Certificate -
Skills
- Executive support
- Strong problem solver
- Expense reporting
- Travel arrangements
- Advanced MS office suite
- File organization
- Project management
- Software knowledge
- Spreadsheet tracking
- Conference planning
- Social media management
- Payroll
- AR/AP
- Time management
- Executive schedule management
- Relationship building
Timeline
Executive Assistant / Event Coordinator
Battle Bars
09.2021 - Current
Event Coordinator
Durty Nellie's
08.2019 - 02.2024
Executive Assistant
Parachute Restaurant and Wherewithall Restaurant
07.2019 - 06.2020
General Manager
Harmony Hospitality
06.2018 - 07.2019
Ops Director
Trenchers Kitchen & Tap / 500East / Trenchers Catering
11.2013 - 01.2018
Front of House Manager
Durty Nellie's
03.2003 - 05.2012
Certificate in Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts
William Rainey Harper College
Illinois Food Service Sanitation; Manager Certificate, Allergen Certificate -
Illinois Liquor License (B.A.S.S.E.T.) -
Washington State Food Handlers / Washington State Liquor License (M.A.S.T) -
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