Jessica Berno
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Proactive and dedicated individual with over 10 years experience in diverse areas of higher education and extensive knowledge of enrollment management operations, admission and recruitment. Adept at supporting and enhancing operations through project management, team development and process improvement. Skilled in developing and implementing strategies to increase efficiency and performance. Dynamic leader with a passion for student success and advancement of education initiatives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator – Undergraduate Admissions
Barry University
02.2019 - Current
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Undergraduate Admissions to strategize process improvements and updates, analyze enrollment reports, and provide support as the acting team lead
- Evaluate undergraduate credentials (including freshman, transfer, and international applications) to determine eligibility for admission into their intended major and make final admission decisions
- Generate reports to ensure prompt processing of undergraduate credentials and analyze enrollment data effectively
- Utilize systems such as Colleague, Salesforce, TES, and AACRAO to generate domestic and international Transfer Equivalency Reports
- Lead trainer for new hires; responsible for creating and updating training materials (written and video)
- Create and maintain processes and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness
- Actively participate in recruitment and admissions events to promote the institution and engage with prospective students.
Personal Budgeting Associate (part-time)
Richer Than You Think, LLC
07.2016 - Current
- Oversee client accounts, ensuring seamless management and fostering strong client relationships
- Create, update, and meticulously maintain client budgets, aligning them with financial objectives and company goals
- Prepare comprehensive monthly budget reports, providing clients with valuable insights into their financial performance and progress towards goals
- Proactively identify budgetary and operational inefficiencies and propose innovative solutions to optimize processes and enhance client satisfaction
- Uphold strict confidentiality standards, demonstrating discretion and integrity in handling sensitive client data.
Graduate Admissions Counselor (School of Business)
Barry University
06.2017 - 02.2019
- Worked closely with the Assistant Dean for the School of Business to spearhead recruitment efforts and provide personalized advising to new graduate students
- Conducted informative sessions in upper-level undergraduate business classes, effectively promoting the benefits of pursuing advanced education and enrollment in the master’s program
- Acted as the primary liaison for both current and prospective graduate students, fostering positive relationships and offering comprehensive support throughout their academic journey
- Executed targeted recruiting initiatives and provided tailored counseling sessions to prospective students, enhancing enrollment and retention rates
- Orchestrated the planning and execution of fall and spring formal graduate dinners, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students.
Financial Aid Manager
Grand Canyon University
08.2013 - 12.2013
- Managed daily operations of a 12-member financial aid team under the supervision of the Executive Director
- Provided comprehensive training and mentoring to staff on financial aid policies and regulations
- Ensured strict adherence to federal, state, and institutional guidelines in student financial services
- Prepared and presented weekly business development reports and projections to management
- Led reconciliation of complex financial accounts and facilitated timely data transmission to third parties
- Implemented continuous process improvement initiatives based on team feedback and evaluation
- Developed and maintained internal metrics for daily performance tracking
- Devised strategies for enhancing quality assurance and turnaround time for student account review and awarding
- Established and upheld department operating procedures to ensure institutional compliance.
Financial Aid Specialist (Team Lead)
Grand Canyon University
07.2010 - 08.2013
- Reviewed, verified, and analyzed financial aid applications to determine student eligibility and funding amounts
- Managed financial aid funding and scholarship programs, including monitoring, returns, and reconciliation
- Maintained database accuracy while inputting sensitive student information and awards
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance skill sets and attention to detail
- Conducted daily rounds to address team questions, provide training/coaching, and conduct time studies and testing on processes.
Education
Master of Science in Leadership -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ06.2011
Bachelor of Arts in Communication - undefined
University of Pittsburgh (Main)
Pittsburgh, PA04.2009
Skills
- Consulting
- Data Entry
- Financial Management
- Project Management
- Staff Supervision
- Discretion and Confidentiality
- Project Coordination
- MS Office
- Strategic Planning
- Data retrieval systems
- CRM Software
- Process Improvement
Qualifications Summary
13 years of professional experience in higher education, business administration, customer service, personnel, and operations management. Extensive knowledge of enrollment management operations, admissions, and enrollment cycle. Highly skilled and experienced in identifying process inefficiencies, creating solutions, and implementing methods for improving internal processes and the delivery of services. Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to quickly change priorities based on business needs. Detail and numbers oriented with the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy. Excellent communication (verbal/written) and interpersonal skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM lead/prospect management systems. Hiring/Recruitment Employee Development/Training Supervision and Leadership
Timeline
Coordinator – Undergraduate Admissions
Barry University
02.2019 - Current
Graduate Admissions Counselor (School of Business)
Barry University
06.2017 - 02.2019
Personal Budgeting Associate (part-time)
Richer Than You Think, LLC
07.2016 - Current
Financial Aid Manager
Grand Canyon University
08.2013 - 12.2013
Financial Aid Specialist (Team Lead)
Grand Canyon University
07.2010 - 08.2013
Master of Science in Leadership -
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication - undefined
University of Pittsburgh (Main)
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