Kelly Ambrose
Seattle,WA
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with a proven track record of optimizing processes and delivering impactful results across diverse environments. Expertise in team leadership and strategic initiative implementation, combined with a strong ability to adapt to evolving challenges. Proficient in project management, process improvement, and resource allocation, consistently driving efficiency and effectiveness. Recognized for fostering collaboration and achieving reliable outcomes aligned with organizational goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Manager, Center Business Operations (CBO)
Seattle Children's Research Institute
09.2024 - Current
- Lead and supervise the business operations team supporting 200+ principal investigators (PIs) and research staff across the Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development (CHBD).
- Oversee financial management and research compliance, including pre-award budgeting, proposal development, post-award forecasting, and bi-monthly financial reviews.
- Partner with CBO and CHBD Directors to manage administrative functions, including faculty meetings, seminar series coordination, space allocation, capital equipment purchasing, personnel management, and core service operations.
- Collaborate with grant administrators to advise PIs and research teams on institutional processes, budget development, and grant compliance, while resolving operational challenges and ensuring adequate resource allocation for research activities.
- Review and approve grant proposals, travel, purchased services, service agreements, and contract expenditures.
- Work with CBO leadership and management teams to implement and integrate center-wide and Seattle Children’s Research Institute (SCRI) initiatives, fostering cross-functional collaboration.
- Partner with University of Washington (UW) and Children’s University Medical Group (CUMG) administrators to ensure accurate tracking and allocation of PI effort across institutional appointments.
Administrative Officer
FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER OF WESTERN WASHINGTON
11.2023 - 08.2024
- Served as principal advisor to the Federal Defender on all aspects of office administration, operations, and management.
- Ensured compliance with national and local policies by interpreting and implementing directives from the Administrative Office (AO) of the U.S. Courts, Defender Services Office (DSO), and U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
- Led and supervised administrative, operations, finance, human resources, and IT teams supporting 55+ attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and interns.
- Oversaw a $13M annual budget, managing financial operations, spending plans, staffing analyses, and procurement and accounting functions.
- Developed and maintained internal controls to ensure separation of duties across financial, procurement, property management, and HR processes.
- Served on hiring committees and advised on recruitment, classification, compensation, performance management, and onboarding/offboarding procedures.
- Participated in and led DEI, employee wellness, and organizational development committees and initiatives.
- Partnered with the U.S. Courts for the Ninth Circuit, Office of Workplace Relations, to develop and deliver customized supervisor and employee dispute resolution trainings.
- Led the planning and implementation of a major office renovation project in partnership with GSA project managers, lessors, architects, and designers.
Program Operations Director
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
08.2015 - 11.2023
- Led and supervised the program administration team supporting 200+ faculty and research staff, overseeing pre- and post-award grant management, communications, training, onboarding, and daily operations.
- Partnered with the Program Head on strategic planning, faculty recruitment and promotions, performance reviews, and program initiatives.
- Managed all program financial operations, including forecasting, budgeting, reconciliation, procurement, and vendor contract administration across sponsored and non-sponsored funds.
- Advised faculty and managers on team development, recruitment, grant administration, and financial planning.
- Fostered collaboration across research, administrative, and central divisions to ensure seamless implementation of institutional initiatives.
- Represented the division on high-profile projects such as the Clinical Trials Management System (CTMS) integration, DEI faculty cluster hire, and Large Research Projects Initiative.
- Selected as a participant in the enterprise-wide EDGE DEI Leadership Program (2-year pilot).
- Initiated and led bi-weekly project leads and administration meetings to strengthen communication and engagement during COVID and beyond.
- Co-led the Space Working Group, managing office and facilities planning, space allocations, and major consolidation projects in partnership with Facilities and Engineering teams.
- Collaborated with the Communications Team to maintain the program’s website and content strategy.
Project Manager
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
11.2012 - 07.2015
- Managed day-to-day operations of multi-site observational and interventional studies, overseeing client engagement, software integration, and financial and contract management.
- Administered and maintained digital platforms including SharePoint, SurveyGizmo, Survivorship Informatics Management System, Facebook, and WordPress.
- Designed and implemented a SharePoint site to streamline communication and enable real-time data sharing and document collaboration among multi-site teams.
- Launched and managed program social media platforms, including the Facebook page, research blog, and participant-focused private Facebook group.
- Managed project budgets ranging from $200K to $1.4M, overseeing subcontracts, consultant agreements, and financial reporting to funders.
- Directed grant and contract application and renewal processes; authored portions of proposals, progress reports, and funding documentation.
- Supervised an internal project coordinator and external study site staff, leading monthly conference calls, database trainings, and recruitment meetings.
- Oversaw data tracking, reporting, and preparation for analysis to ensure research integrity and data accuracy.
- Developed detailed project timelines, managed resource allocation, and monitored progress against milestones to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables.
Program Director
WASHINGTON DECA
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Executed large-scale conferences and events for 1,500–3,400+ attendees, collaborating with corporate sponsors, securing speakers and volunteers, and coordinating with media partners, hotels, convention centers, and vendors.
- Partnered with the Executive Director to develop a $1.6M annual operating budget and managed individual conference budgets of $300K–$500K, consistently exceeding financial goals.
- Negotiated multi-year contracts with venues and vendors, implementing cost-saving strategies that reduced expenses by over $40K annually.
- Oversaw creation and production of all event collateral and website content, ensuring alignment with organizational mission, brand standards, and strategic messaging.
- Administered the conference data management system, overseeing competition setup, data entry monitoring, and accuracy verification.
- Collaborated with Taproot Foundation volunteers to design and implement a customized Salesforce database to enhance client engagement, tracking, and reporting capabilities.
- Directed professional development events in partnership with professional sports organizations including the Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, and Portland Trailblazers.
- Served as Western Region Board President for DECA Inc., overseeing the Leadership Conference budget, scholarship program, and annual regional meetings.
Education
Master of Public Administration -
Seattle University
SeattleMaster of Arts - History And Communications
Western Washington University
BellinghamSkills
- Skilled communicator
- Cross-functional team management
- Financial management
- Project execution management
- Analytical problem solving
- Strategic technology integration
- Process analysis and optimization
- Collaborative leadership skills
- Human resources management
- Staff training/development
Timeline
Business Manager, Center Business Operations (CBO)
Seattle Children's Research Institute
09.2024 - Current
Administrative Officer
FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER OF WESTERN WASHINGTON
11.2023 - 08.2024
Program Operations Director
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
08.2015 - 11.2023
Project Manager
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
11.2012 - 07.2015
Program Director
WASHINGTON DECA
01.2007 - 01.2013
Master of Public Administration -
Seattle University
Master of Arts - History And Communications
Western Washington University