Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Websites
Timeline
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Kelli Backman

Lincoln,NE

Summary

Driven and decisive professional with 15+ years of experience in strategic planning, workforce transformation, and leadership development. Passionate about optimizing talent strategies, enhancing team performance, and implementing data-driven organizational change to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Proven track record of leading high-impact initiatives that increase engagement, retention, and operational efficiency. Expertise in change management, learning & development (L&D), and process improvement to drive sustainable growth.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Recruitment

Doane University
Lincoln, NE
10.2021 - Current
  • Redesigned workforce operations, implementing a strategic framework that optimized talent pipelines and increased engagement.
  • Led process improvements and change initiatives, enhancing team effectiveness by 35% and streamlining workflows.
  • Developed a scalable employee training program, reducing onboarding time by 40% and improving workforce readiness.
  • Optimized Salesforce CRM, enhancing data-driven decision-making, communication, and operational efficiency.
  • Advise Deans and Program Directors on program strategy, development, and market positioning to drive growth and engagement.

Talent Acquisition Specialist

ReSource Pro
Lincoln, NE
02.2020 - 09.2021
  • Designed and implemented a global workforce strategy, optimizing talent acquisition and leadership pipeline development across all levels.
  • Developed a structured onboarding framework for new managers, enhancing engagement, retention, and leadership readiness.
  • Consulted on employer branding and talent attraction, creating data-driven strategies to enhance visibility and workforce engagement.

Director of Talent Network

Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Designed and launched the Talent Network Program, increasing workforce engagement and retention by 25% through targeted development initiatives.
  • Led organizational development strategies, advising independent agencies on succession planning, leadership development, and workforce optimization.
  • Developed and executed talent acquisition strategies, expanding applicant pools and improving hiring outcomes for agency partners.
  • Facilitated workforce assessments and strategic planning sessions with agency leadership, aligning talent strategies with business objectives.
  • Consulted on recruitment and retention strategies, implementing data-driven solutions to enhance workforce stability and long-term engagement.

Director of Admissions

Bryan College of Health Sciences
Lincoln, NE
03.2012 - 10.2016
  • Designed and implemented a data-driven workforce development strategy, optimizing talent pipelines and increasing applicant conversion by 70%.
  • Developed competency-based evaluation frameworks, enhancing selection processes and improving candidate quality.
  • Created faculty development programs, strengthening cross-departmental engagement and alignment with institutional goals.
  • Led strategic workforce planning initiatives, driving sustained organizational growth and talent acquisition improvements.
  • Facilitated cross-functional leadership committees, overseeing strategic selection and development processes for 200+ candidates annually.
  • Designed and launched leadership development initiatives, including immersive career programs that tripled participation and engagement.
  • Directed large-scale organizational events, fostering workforce engagement and professional development for over 500 participants.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

Chadron State College
Chadron, NE

Master of Arts - Leadership

Doane University
Lincoln, NE

Skills

  • Strategic Planning & Process Optimization
  • Leadership Development & Coaching
  • Talent Management & Workforce Planning
  • Employee Engagement & Culture Transformation
  • Succession Planning & Performance Management
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making & CRM Optimization
  • Learning & Development (L&D) Program Design
  • Organizational Development & Change Management

Affiliations

  • Gallup StrengthsFinder: Strategic | Restorative | Relator | Arranger | Ideation
  • Lincoln Chamber of Commerce | Member
  • Nebraska Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers | Member and past Presenter
  • Great Plains Association for College Admission Counseling | Member and past Presenter
  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers | Member
  • P.E.O | Member

Timeline

Director of Recruitment

Doane University
10.2021 - Current

Talent Acquisition Specialist

ReSource Pro
02.2020 - 09.2021

Director of Talent Network

Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska
01.2017 - 01.2019

Director of Admissions

Bryan College of Health Sciences
03.2012 - 10.2016

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

Chadron State College

Master of Arts - Leadership

Doane University

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Kelli Backman