Kennedy Ballinger
Waukee
Summary
Demonstrated ability to balance multiple responsibilities, including leadership roles in tutoring and publication management, while maintaining strong academic performance. Developed and implemented diverse recreational programs for various age groups, ensuring engaging and educational experiences. Proficient in organizing events and creating marketing materials to promote community activities.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Recreation Intern
The City of Urbandale
Urbandale
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Assisted as needed in the office developing phone etiquette, filing, record keeping and answering customer inquiries.
- Assisted with public relations and promotions of department programs and activities including press releases, coordinating media coverage, developing customer friendly operating procedures, designing program fliers and elements of program marketing and assisting with developing the seasonal program guide.
- Created and implemented three new programs, for varying age groups, to be offered in the seasonal program guide.
- Assisted with recreation programs (development, coordination, scheduling, supervision, and customer satisfaction). Programming includes preschool, youth and adult social and cultural activities, adult sport leagues, aquatics, senior citizen activities and special events.
- Assisted with park maintenance: turf maintenance, landscaping and beautification, etc.
Recreation Leader
The City of Urbandale
Urbandale
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Assisted the Recreation Coordinator with planning, directing, and organizing a summer youth recreation program in Urbandale.
- Facilitated and led activities, games, crafts, and field trips for children 6-11 years old, enhancing their engagement and enjoyment.
- Led a team of camp counselors to deliver engaging, fun, and educational activities for children, ensuring a positive and safe experience for all participants.
- Coordinated with staff to create a collaborative work environment through regular meetings and constructive feedback.
- Acted as the main point of contact for parents, providing timely updates on camper progress and addressing concerns with professionalism and empathy.
- Fostered a positive and inclusive camp culture, encouraging teamwork, respect, and personal growth among campers and staff.
- Collaborated with a team to ensure a safe environment for children by monitoring activities and enforcing safety guidelines.
- Conducted regular safety assessments and addressed any hazards or concerns to maintain a secure space for all participants.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
IOWA CITY, IA06-2026
Associates of Arts - Liberal Arts
DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ANKENY, IA05-2024
Skills
- Activity coordination
- Multitasking and scheduling
- Project management
- Analytical decision-making
- Team leadership
Leadership Experience
- Des Moines Area Community Student Newspaper, Managing Editor, 08/01/23, 05/31/24
- Des Moines Community College, Tutor and Writing Lab Assistant, 08/01/23, 05/31/24
Professional Highlights
- Balanced part-time job with full-time academic schedule, demonstrating time management skills.
- Balanced leadership roles in tutoring and publication management while maintaining a strong academic record.
- Served as Editor-in-Chief of the campus newspaper, overseeing content creation, editing, and publication schedules.
- Helped coordinate the city's summer program schedule, organizing events and activities across multiple locations.
- Created social media content and scheduled posts using platforms like Canva and Photoshop.
- Created and maintained spreadsheets in Excel and Google Sheets for tracking data, budgets, and schedules.
Timeline
Recreation Intern
The City of Urbandale
05.2025 - 08.2025
Recreation Leader
The City of Urbandale
06.2023 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Associates of Arts - Liberal Arts
DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE