Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Community Service
Affiliations
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Jessica Ausura

Hampton,VA
Jessica Ausura

Summary

Encouraging manager, accomplished leader and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in independent decision-making skills that positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, mentoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement to boost performance. Hands-on experience defining and driving operations strategies in public, private and non-profit sectors with a proven record managing and delivering major projects, organizational transformations, and innovative solutions for industry-leading organizations. Self-starter who thrives in high-volume, dynamic, diverse environments with ability to navigate ever-changing business needs, improve operations, and continuously drive revenue, profitability and sales. Exceptional communicator and writer. Recognized in industry for expertise across operational leadership, Relationship Management, Training and Development, and Strategic Planning, B2B Partnerships. Adept at establishing partnerships and building trusted relationships, managing effective support with clients and establishing relations with industry-leading organizations.

Overview

22
years of professional experience

Work History

Virginia Living Museum, The

Senior Director, Guest Engagement and Revenue
10.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Hands-on operational executive, creating and implementing strategies to increase guest and community engagement, educational programming, drive sales, boost rentals, tours, events, fundraisers, and generally improve experience for guests, employees and volunteers with revenue increases
  • Implement process improvements to streamline workflows, and reduce operational expenditures while managing team of 40
  • Developed new processes with custodial department to improve guest experience
  • Develop, organize and maintain expansive executive-level portfolio, including numerous business partnerships and public and private engagement, events and outreach
  • Planned and executed flagship large fundraisers with YOY increases of 42% and 40% respectively
  • Supervise success of critical operational departments, including membership sales, admissions, events, retail, tours and private events resulting in 15% increase YOY in generated revenue.
  • Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
  • Cultivated culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
  • Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
  • Created agile working environment, enabling rapid response to changing business needs without sacrificing quality or performance standards.
  • Executed business plans and developed tools to facilitate project initiatives, trainings, and administrative activities.
  • Set strategic plans and revenue goals to strengthen operations and drive growth.
  • Improved customer experiences to increase renewal rates, reduced churn and enhanced support services.
  • Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.

Pearson Signature

Sales Manager and Executive Corporate Training Director
06.2019 - 10.2022

Job overview

  • Led training and on-boarding of new employees and worked on development and implementation of new, more efficient employee training programs
  • Provided support to new personnel, managed documents and records, and supported Resource Managers and Executives
  • Began work as consultant and trainer in June 2019 and came on board to assist with operational improvements by partnering with C-suite executives
  • Exceeded goals by achieving double digit, year-over-year growth generating average of $3 million in gross revenue annually and consistently meeting monthly objectives
  • Led sales team in attaining highest average gross amount per transaction in portfolio despite market challenges during Covid-19 pandemic
  • Generated brand awareness by planning and organizing community outreach events and charitable endeavors while supporting business development initiatives for multiple locations
  • Collaborated closely with marketing to develop impactful and sustainable campaigns.
  • Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
  • Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction.
  • Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
  • Coached employees in successful selling methods and encouraged cross-selling to drive revenue.
  • Maintained ethical and positive working environment to reduce turnover and promote high retention rates.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, ensuring best pricing and terms for company profitability.

Intercontinental Hotel Group

Director of Sales
04.2017 - 11.2019

Job overview

  • Responsible for overall corporate sales successes of hotel including securing new accounts, maintaining current accounts, and positioning hotel to maximize on profitability all while delivering memorable moments to guests and clients.
  • Surpassed corporate goals by increasing revenue by 5% year-over-year by creating highly effective strategic plans with multi-million-dollar budget.
  • Boosted market share by 3% in highly saturated arena by designing campaigns which drove brand awareness and by planning/executing social events for C-suite executives and stakeholders.
  • Customized sales and marketing training programs for regional managers which improved engagement with new, potential, and existing clients.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve sales targets while understanding and proactively adjusting for industry-specific trends.
  • Created and implemented program for communicating sales goals, initiatives and progress to ensure C-level executives were informed and to support strategic decision making.
  • Built and maintained long-lasting, strong partnerships with corporate and government customers while in order to better understand their business objectives and needs.
  • Achieved regional sales targets through effective territory management and relationship building with key clients.
  • Managed complex negotiations with key accounts resulting in long-term contracts that bolstered annual revenue figures significantly.

Priority Automotive Group

Executive Director of Training
06.2015 - 04.2017

Job overview

  • Designed, planned and implemented corporate training program aligned with objectives and long-term strategy of organization while collaborating with functional management teams to understand and align for future training needs.
  • Planned and implemented corporate intranet to facilitate corporate communication and helped to provide consistent messaging across 26 dealerships.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive sales and operations training program for over 800 employees which improved sales by 33% year over year.
  • Provided engaging communications related to training program to encourage participation, to highlight value and benefits of training by designing websites, and utilizing other media channels and social media to educate.
  • Created strategies and specific objectives while developing budget, policies and procedures to support training and sales infrastructure.
  • Collaborated with Executive Management to align needs and create successful marketing plans.
  • Built and maintained strong company teams by hiring and training qualified staff to create positive and productive work environments.
  • Conducted over 72 training seminars and additional specialized educational sessions along with one-on-one specialized training.
  • Conducted top-tier media interviews, highlighting key messages of major developments and enhancing company reputation.

Retail Alliance

Director of Membership Development
01.2014 - 06.2015

Job overview

  • Responsible for supporting mission of Retail Alliance to support greater Hampton Roads business community through networking, collaboration and mutual support of business community.
  • Increased retention rates by 43% and grew new memberships by 20% by effectively communicating benefits and offering hands-on support across all available channels.
  • Created and organized compelling networking and training events to expand professional relationships and leveraged knowledge and experience to proactively support members.
  • Responsible for customer facing marketing materials: membership newsletters, press releases, and other communications material to promote upcoming events, including learning seminars and lobbying efforts.
  • Monitored metrics related to membership growth identifying areas needing improvement and implementing required changes.
  • Developed and executed annual membership development plan that aligned with overall organizational goals and objectives.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to address member inquiries or concerns promptly and effectively, maintaining high levels of satisfaction among existing members.

Wild Birds Unlimited

Community Outreach Coordinator
06.2013 - 04.2014

Job overview

  • Served as liaison between organization and community stakeholders fostering trust through open communication and transparent decision-making processes.
  • Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services and products and was responsible for $750,000 in sales in one year.
  • Strengthened relationships with community partners through regular communication and collaboration on joint initiatives.
  • Enhanced community engagement by developing and implementing targeted outreach programs.
  • Facilitated workshops and training sessions for staff members, increasing their knowledge of community issues and best practices in outreach coordination.

City of Lynchburg

Volunteer Coordinator/Educator
08.2002 - 07.2013

Job overview

  • Developed classes and interactive programs with city Nature Center.
  • Developed and taught courses and programs for children and adults based on educational standards of learning.
  • Collaborated closely with director of center to develop marketing strategies and outreach.
  • Coordinated large-scale events involving 3 teams of volunteers, resulting in successful fundraisers and community outreach initiatives that brought in $300,000 in revenue.
  • Made numerous appearances to promote programs on Living in the Heart of Virginia, regional television program on ABC affiliate.

Education

University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ

Master of Arts of Education
05.2005

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater
06.1995

Skills

  • Training Design and Implementation
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Business Process Reengineering
  • Communication Planning
  • Process Improvement and Problem Resolution
  • Business Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Adaptability and Self-Motivation
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Program Design and Execution
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • Employee Coaching and Mentoring

Websites

Community Service

  • Meals on Wheels Volunteer
  • Educator, Hampton Clean Water Commission
  • Integrity, Community & Stewardship Award

Affiliations

  • Rotary International
  • Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory Board Member
  • Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Professional Fellow
  • Board Member Hampton Roads Bird Club
  • Member Artist, Blue Skies Gallery

Timeline

Senior Director, Guest Engagement and Revenue

Virginia Living Museum, The
10.2022 - Current

Sales Manager and Executive Corporate Training Director

Pearson Signature
06.2019 - 10.2022

Director of Sales

Intercontinental Hotel Group
04.2017 - 11.2019

Executive Director of Training

Priority Automotive Group
06.2015 - 04.2017

Director of Membership Development

Retail Alliance
01.2014 - 06.2015

Community Outreach Coordinator

Wild Birds Unlimited
06.2013 - 04.2014

Volunteer Coordinator/Educator

City of Lynchburg
08.2002 - 07.2013

University of Phoenix

Master of Arts of Education

Virginia Commonwealth University

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater

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Jessica Ausura