Hi, I’m
JEFFONNE L. OWENS
Champaign,IL
Summary
A seasoned Human Resources business professional with extensive leadership specializing in evaluating employee performances. Successful at developing and improving training programs for employees at all levels. Good communicator, planner and conflict manager with advanced understanding of Human Resources best practices.
Overview
17
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Champaign Unit 4 Schools
Training and Development Administrator- H.R
09.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Human Resources Business Partner -Trained all new Administrator Hires.
- Director of Kids Plus, Director of Food Service, Director of Custodial and Maintenance, Assistant Director of Transportation,
- Led the creation of a mentorship program, pairing seasoned professionals with less experienced colleagues for career growth opportunities.
- Enhanced employee skill sets by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
- Strengthened relationships between departments by facilitating cross-functional team-building exercises.
Champaign Unit 4 Schools
Assistant Director of Human Resources
05.2021 - 04.2023
Job overview
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, resulting in increased job satisfaction and productivity.
- Coordinated employee wellness programs that promoted a healthy work-life balance for all team members.
- Implemented succession planning strategies, identifying high-potential employees for leadership roles within the organization.
- Organized employee relations activities to enhance employee morale and foster supportive work environment.
- Represented human resource at personnel-related hearings, investigations and meetings and provided information to assist legal defense for EEOC, employment claims and lawsuits.
- Evaluated termination data to review and report on existing or potential trends.
- Enhanced company culture through the creation of various employee engagement initiatives and events.
- Improved employee retention by implementing effective recruitment strategies and onboarding processes.
Decatur Public Schools
Senior Recruitment and Retention Specialist
02.2015 - 01.2021
Job overview
- Actively engage with District Administration and HR team members to identify staffing needs; monitor health of applicant flow and take proactive measures to increase pipelines
- Collaborates with stakeholders across the organization to maintain proper flow of communication and execution of planned initiatives, projects and events
- Supervises over 300 employees onboarding and orientation.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Built and managed relationships with key clients and partners to drive growth.
Von Maur
Executive Sales Manager
11.2011 - 02.2015
Job overview
- Supervised a staff of 60 employees and 10 department managers
- Conducted weekly staff meetings to motivate staff members, address concerns and questions, plan improvements, and evaluate progress toward goals
- Assessed and aligned compensation packages to market to attract highly qualified applicants for organizational vacancies
- Generated annual budget forecasting information for executive and corporate reports.
- Chaired weekly meetings with executive leadership to identify opportunities for improvement, establish milestones, and tailor products to individual markets.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the sales department by encouraging open feedback channels and implementing new ideas for process optimization.
Familia Dental
Coordinator, Public Relations and Marketing
07.2008 - 09.2010
Job overview
- Supervised all Communication methods and social media platforms used
- Served as the voice of the company by utilizing strong interpersonal and written skills with the ability to effectively communicate in a fast-paced environment
- Coordinated special events, achieving high levels of attendee satisfaction and generating publicity opportunities.
- Developed strategic partnerships with influencers, boosting brand credibility and reach.
Bergners
Business Manager Director
06.2007 - 12.2009
Job overview
- Worked with sales representatives to develop strong customer connections with company teams and promote long-lasting relationships
- Created, managed and executed business plan and communicated company vision and objectives to motivate teams.
- Mentored junior staff members in best practices for delivering outstanding service experiences to guests from diverse backgrounds.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by implementing personalized service initiatives for VIP clients.
Education
Millikin University, Decatur, IL
Master of Business Administration
University Overview
- Dean's List (2Xs)
WHU – Otto Beisheim School Of Management, Germany, EU
MBA from International Business Ethics
University Overview
- Study Abroad
Millikin University, Decatur, IL
Bachelor of Arts from Public Relations And Mass Communication
Richland Community College, Decatur, IL
Associate of Arts from Public Relations And Organizational Communication
Skills
Client Management
Customer Relations
Strategic thinker
Coaching and Mentoring
Customized training
Public Speaking
Brand representation
Human Resources
Employment law knowledge
Certification
SHRM-SCP In Progress
Accomplishments
- Educators Rising National Conference, Pitch Contest Judge 2021-23
- Millikin University Tabor School of Business Mentor 2019-Current
- National Recognition for Recruitment and Retention efforts 2020, American Institute for Research.
- Illinois Association of School Personnel Conference Speaker 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Power in Pumps, Conferences Speaker 2021. "Building your brand and capturing the correct audience"
- Richland Community College Adjunct Professor, Creating the Customer Experience, 2024
- Millikin University Tabor School of Business, Start-up Week; Judge 2022
- Illinois Association of School Personnel Conference Speaker 2017, Chicago, IL.
Affiliations
- Society of Human Resource Managers
- Illinois Association of School Personnel
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
- Junior Welfare Association
- Toastmasters International
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Training and Development Administrator- H.R
Champaign Unit 4 Schools
09.2023 - Current
Assistant Director of Human Resources
Champaign Unit 4 Schools
05.2021 - 04.2023
Senior Recruitment and Retention Specialist
Decatur Public Schools
02.2015 - 01.2021
Executive Sales Manager
Von Maur
11.2011 - 02.2015
Coordinator, Public Relations and Marketing
Familia Dental
07.2008 - 09.2010
Business Manager Director
Bergners
06.2007 - 12.2009
Millikin University
Master of Business Administration
WHU – Otto Beisheim School Of Management
MBA from International Business Ethics
Millikin University
Bachelor of Arts from Public Relations And Mass Communication
Richland Community College
Associate of Arts from Public Relations And Organizational Communication
SHRM-SCP In Progress
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