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James D Thomas Jr
Leader
Schenectady,NY
Summary
Developed leadership and strategic planning skills within environment, looking to transition into new field. Excel in managing diverse teams and driving sustained success, with focus on inclusivity, innovation and efficiency. Seeking opportunities to apply these transferable skills in dynamic and challenging new role.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Diversity, Recruitment, & Retention Director
Schenectady County Civil Service
03.2023 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Career Service Coordinator/Contract Specialist
Social Enterprise & Training Youth Build
01.2021 - Current
- Established partnerships with local employers to increase internship and job opportunities for students, expanding the institution''s professional network.
- Developed targeted workshops for students to improve their job search skills, resulting in increased employment rates after graduation.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends by attending professional conferences, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the department.
- Organized alumni panels that connected current students with successful graduates in various fields, facilitating networking opportunities and valuable insights into potential careers paths.
- Coordinated guest speaker presentations featuring professionals from diverse industries who shared their experiences working in specific roles or sectors.
Supervisor Capital District Secure Detention
Berkshire Farm Center And Services For Youth
04.2021 - 03.2023
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
Assistant Principal
Albany Leadership Charter School
06.2020 - 03.2021
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Established intervention programs for struggling students, improving overall academic achievement levels at the school.
Juvenile Supervision Officer
Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Enhanced safety by conducting regular security checks and monitoring youth interactions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices in juvenile justice settings.
- Conducted intake assessments on new residents, gathering pertinent information for proper placement within the facility.
- Maintained a secure environment by enforcing rules, policies, and procedures consistently across all residents.
- Managed caseloads effectively by maintaining current knowledge on each resident''s status, treatment plan, and overall progress towards goals.
Residential Aide
Altamont Program
02.2016 - 02.2018
- Developed positive rapport with residents by demonstrating genuine empathy, respect, and understanding; created a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged open communication.
- Assisted with the coordination of transportation services for residents attending off-site appointments or activities, ensuring timely pickup and drop-off arrangements.
- Assisted with medication administration under the supervision of a licensed professional, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to schedules.
- Improved residents'' quality of life by providing compassionate care and assistance with daily activities.
- Enhanced the residential environment by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized living space for all residents.
- Provided emotional support to residents during times of distress or difficult transition periods, fostering a sense of trust and security within the community.
Professional Athlete
NBA/Europe
05.2000 - 08.2015
- Promoted the importance of sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork both on and off the court to uphold the reputation of the organization.
- Served as a mentor to younger players, providing guidance on skill development, technique refinement, and overall improvement.
- Supported teammates during challenging moments or setbacks in competition play by offering encouragement and constructive feedback.
- Improved team performance by consistently demonstrating leadership and strong work ethic during practices and games.
- Consistently demonstrated exceptional work ethic both individually and within a team setting, motivating others toward collective success.
Education
Doctor of Education EdD - Doctor of Education Organizational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12-2025
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Sociology Youth & Community Studies
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX05-2004
Skills
- Inclusive leadership
- Goal oriented
- Team leadership
- Patient care
- Strategic thinking
- Self-discipline
- Recruitment strategies
- Employee recruitment and hiring
- Positive youth development
- Mental toughness
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Employee motivation
Affiliations
- President of Children of Our Community Open to Achievement (C.O.C.O.A) Non-Profit Organization
- Co-Founder of The Fresh Perspective After School Program
Timeline
Diversity, Recruitment, & Retention Director
Schenectady County Civil Service
03.2023 - Current
Supervisor Capital District Secure Detention
Berkshire Farm Center And Services For Youth
04.2021 - 03.2023
Career Service Coordinator/Contract Specialist
Social Enterprise & Training Youth Build
01.2021 - Current
Assistant Principal
Albany Leadership Charter School
06.2020 - 03.2021
Juvenile Supervision Officer
Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center
08.2018 - 05.2020
Residential Aide
Altamont Program
02.2016 - 02.2018
Professional Athlete
NBA/Europe
05.2000 - 08.2015
Doctor of Education EdD - Doctor of Education Organizational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology Youth & Community Studies
University of Texas At Austin
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
On-SiteImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureHealthcare benefits401k matchPaid sick leavePaid time offPersonal development programsTeam Building / Company RetreatsCertification
- CPR/AED Certification
- DEI Certified
Quote
"No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive"
Mahatma Gandi
Software
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