Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

JAKARYA BRANCH-MILLS

Fort Washington,USA

Summary

Customer-oriented and strategic-thinking professional with several years of experience in building relationships, cultivating partnerships, retaining top accounts and growing profit channels. Multi-tasking and self-motivated leader with expertise in expanding network connections, implementing pricing models and turnaround management.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Managing Partner / Director of Business Developer

UBroadcast Media
Waldorf, Maryland
02.2025 - Current
  • Spearhead strategic direction, business development, and operational oversight for a growing media company specializing in digital broadcasting, content production, and community engagement.
  • Lead cross-functional teams in the planning, production, and distribution of multimedia content across digital platforms, ensuring alignment with audience engagement goals and brand identity.
  • Forge strategic partnerships with advertisers, public agencies, influencers, and nonprofit organizations to expand market reach and generate diversified revenue streams.
  • Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes, maintaining fiscal accountability, and driving profitability across all business segments.
  • Direct client acquisition and retention strategies, leveraging analytics, and targeted outreach to grow a loyal viewer base and attract new collaborators.
  • Utilize Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management tools to streamline operations, produce performance reports, and enhance internal communications.
  • Collaborate with creative and technical teams to ensure high-quality production standards, compliance with broadcasting regulations, and effective editorial oversight.
  • Guide marketing and public relations initiatives, enhancing brand visibility through social media, event sponsorships, and earned media coverage.
  • Develop and execute strategic media campaigns focused on civic engagement, economic mobility, public affairs, and local storytelling to elevate underserved voices.
  • Lead fundraising and sponsorship initiatives, securing contributions, and grant funding to support mission-driven media projects.
  • Represent UBroadcast Media at industry events, panels, and community forums to promote organizational goals and cultivate thought leadership.

Founder | Principal Consultant

Next Level Business Solutions, LLC
Washington
12.2016 - Current
  • Secured over $7.9 million in federal, state, and local grants and contracts for small businesses and nonprofits, supporting projects in public safety, workforce development, economic justice, and infrastructure.
  • Advised and supported 350+ businesses in registration, licensing certification, and regulatory compliance through SAM.gov, DUNS/UEI, and state/local procurement portals.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and grant compliance protocols, aligning proposals and deliverables with federal procurement and reporting requirements.
  • Managed full grant and contract lifecycle—from research and eligibility review to submission and post-award compliance—using platforms including Grants.gov, FedConnect, GSA eBuy, and GrantSolutions.
  • Conducted advanced research and performance analysis to optimize operational strategy and enhance funding competitiveness for community-based clients.
  • Composed, edited, and submitted high-impact grant proposals and business plans using Microsoft Word, financial models in Excel, and visual presentations in PowerPoint.
  • Implemented systems to monitor employee and contractor performance across projects and departments, ensuring alignment with objectives, and compliance requirements.
  • Streamlined internal HR and admin processes, reducing manual tasks by automating workflows using Excel, shared drives, and cloud-based scheduling tools.
  • Coordinated training and professional development programs for clients and internal teams, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement and skills alignment.
  • Delivered strategic counsel to business owners and executive leadership on regulatory shifts, risk management, and operational restructuring.
  • Cultivated strong partnerships with political, nonprofit, and faith-based leaders, leveraging networks to enhance funding opportunities and collaborative project impact.

Business Development Specialist

Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corp
Washington
01.2015 - 01.2017
  • Managed a $500,000 grant from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and the DC Housing Authority, ensuring compliance, accurate reporting, and strategic fund allocation.
  • Provided business technical assistance to over 100 clients, supporting local entrepreneurs with business formation, licensing, marketing strategies, and operational planning.
  • Oversaw the distribution and compliance monitoring of mini-grants, facilitating equitable access to capital for small business growth and sustainability.
  • Led the facilitation of customized business planning sessions, helping clients develop comprehensive business models, budgets, and go-to-market strategies.
  • Coordinated and hosted numerous entrepreneurship workshops and training events, focused on capacity-building for underserved and underrepresented business owners.
  • Played a key role in planning and executing high-impact city-wide initiatives, including Art All Night, promoting creative entrepreneurship and driving economic engagement in Ward 8.
  • Collaborated with local government agencies, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to align small business programming with broader economic development goals.
  • Created program reports and tracked deliverables using Microsoft Excel and Office Suite, supporting data-driven grant administration and performance measurement.
  • Advised clients on regulatory navigation, helping them meet D.C. compliance requirements and access procurement opportunities.
  • Championed inclusive entrepreneurship by delivering culturally relevant support, helping minority- and women-owned businesses access technical and financial resources.

Assistant Treasurer

LaRuby May for Ward 8 Council
Washington, District of Columbia
01.2016 - 08.2016
  • Managed day-to-day financial operations for a high-profile political campaign, ensuring compliance with the DC Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) requirements and reporting regulations.
  • Processed, recorded, and tracked campaign contributions and expenditures, maintaining accurate and auditable records throughout the election cycle.
  • Prepared and submitted required financial disclosure reports, ensuring 100% on-time compliance with local campaign finance deadlines.
  • Monitored campaign budget allocations, and advised the campaign manager on spending decisions to maintain financial accountability.
  • Assisted with donor management, including tracking individual and PAC contributions, issuing receipts, and coordinating donor acknowledgments.
  • Collaborated with the campaign’s legal and finance teams to ensure ethical handling of funds, and proper classification of all financial activities.
  • Supported planning and logistics for fundraising events, including managing donation intake, tracking pledge fulfillment, and producing financial summaries.
  • Coordinated with volunteers and field staff to ensure proper documentation of in-kind contributions and grassroots fundraising activities.
  • Utilized Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets for detailed financial tracking, reconciliation, and reporting to campaign leadership.
  • Played a key role in supporting community engagement efforts, and ensuring that the campaign operated transparently and in alignment with Ward 8 community values.

General Manager, Retail Store

Visual Eyes
Upper Marlboro, MD
01.2011 - 07.2014
  • Managed daily operations and a team of 9+ staff in a busy optical retail setting.
  • Drove year-over-year revenue growth through strategic planning and staff development.
  • Oversaw payroll, scheduling, hiring, and performance reviews to ensure team efficiency.
  • Handled insurance claims, billing, and customer account inquiries with accuracy.
  • Ensured facility safety, inventory control, and compliance with health standards.
  • Maintained financial records, processed payments, and reconciled accounts.
  • Delivered high-quality customer service, resolving issues and increasing retention.
  • Built strong vendor and client relationships to support long-term business success.

Third Key Manager

Visionworks
Silver Spring, Maryland
02.2008 - 07.2010
  • Supported store management in daily operations, opening/closing procedures, and team oversight.
    Delivered exceptional customer service by assisting with frame selections, prescriptions, and insurance verifications.
    Handled point-of-sale transactions, returns, and financial reconciliation to ensure register accuracy.
    Trained and guided new associates on sales techniques, product knowledge, and company policies.
    Assisted in maintaining visual merchandising standards, and organized inventory to maximize sales.
    Resolved customer concerns and escalated issues as needed to maintain satisfaction and store reputation.
    Promoted vision care plans and upsold products, contributing to overall sales targets. Let me know if you'd like these bullets tailored further (e.g., more leadership-heavy or sales-focused), or integrated into a retail/optical resume.

Optician

Americas Best Contacts And Eyeglasses
Oxon Hill, Maryland
06.2007 - 05.2010
  • Assisted customers in selecting eyeglass frames and lenses based on prescriptions and preferences.
  • Measured and fitted customers for eyeglasses and contact lenses to ensure comfort and proper vision correction.
  • Explained product features, warranties, and care instructions to customers.
  • Processed sales transactions and maintained accurate records using point-of-sale systems.
  • Helped maintain inventory levels, and organized displays to optimize the customer experience.
  • Collaborated with optometrists to ensure accurate fulfillment of prescriptions.
  • Delivered excellent customer service by addressing inquiries, and resolving issues promptly.
  • Consistently met or exceeded upscale sales goals, contributing to overall store revenue growth.

Education

BBA -

University of Maryland - University College
Hyattsville, MD
12.2026

Business Management -

Prince George's Community College
Largo, MD
05.2018

Computer Science -

Tesst College of Technology
Beltsville, MD
07.2011

High School Diploma - General Studies

Surrattsville High School
Clinton, MD
05.2007

Skills

  • Leadership Team Building
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Operational Excellence
  • Operations Management
  • Business Development
  • Contract Negotiation

Affiliations

  • Alabama Avenue Community Development Corporation - Vice President
  • Charlottes Web Enrichment Center - Advisory Board
  • New Beginning Foundation, Inc - Member
  • Fresh Start, Inc - Advisory Board
  • Rodney Red Grant for Mayor of DC - Campaign Advisor ( Volunteer)

Timeline

Managing Partner / Director of Business Developer

UBroadcast Media
02.2025 - Current

Founder | Principal Consultant

Next Level Business Solutions, LLC
12.2016 - Current

Assistant Treasurer

LaRuby May for Ward 8 Council
01.2016 - 08.2016

Business Development Specialist

Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corp
01.2015 - 01.2017

General Manager, Retail Store

Visual Eyes
01.2011 - 07.2014

Third Key Manager

Visionworks
02.2008 - 07.2010

Optician

Americas Best Contacts And Eyeglasses
06.2007 - 05.2010

BBA -

University of Maryland - University College

Business Management -

Prince George's Community College

Computer Science -

Tesst College of Technology

High School Diploma - General Studies

Surrattsville High School

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