KIRSTEN HENDERSON
Summary
Experienced in events and project management, with a track record of successful leadership and exceptional organizational skills. Seeking an opportunity to apply abilities in coordinating and scheduling events. Strong background in managing diverse projects, adept at overseeing all aspects of event planning from initial concept development to execution. Attention to detail, effective communication, and ability to multitask ensure seamless coordination and successful outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Campus Events
Illinois College
05.2021 - Current
- Budgeted, planned, and executed the campus's major events (including but not limited to Homecomings, Commencements, Illinois College Society Galas, Board of Trustee meetings, and Inspiring Achievement Campaign Celebrations) as well as a variety of other high visibility events in partnership with other departments across campus.
- Provided leadership and support to ensure the high quality of all events consistent with goals to enhance and leverage the College's brand in collaboration with the Office of Marketing and Communications.
- Coordinated facility usages, décor, food service, audio/visual, parking, lodging, and security for on campus events collaborating with various departments to meet institutional goals
- Provided quality customer service and formed positive working relationships with internal and external groups.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Led volunteer recruitment efforts for large-scale community events successfully managing teams of 50+ individuals.
- Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations during event planning and execution stages.
- Reduced overall event costs with careful budget management, vendor negotiation, and resource allocation strategies.
- Implemented innovative solutions to address common challenges faced during the event planning process, such as last-minute changes or unexpected obstacles.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless coordination between various departments for successful event execution.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
Event and Project Coordinator
POWERplex
07.2020 - 03.2021
- Scheduled and organized club practices for adult and youth sports (including but not limited to) softball, baseball, soccer, football, volleyball, and recreation.
- Facilitated and scheduled concession stand purchases, sales, and staffing for events.
- Collaborated with team members to brainstorm a variety of uses for the space including (but not limited to) POWER Academy, Drive-In St. Louis, and THRILLSEEKER POWER Runs.
- Maintain good relationships with clients and customers.
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular meetings, fostering a positive work environment for increased productivity.
- Created job files for each project and maintained current data in each file.
- Played an active role in brainstorming sessions held for the purpose of generating innovative ideas/solutions which could potentially be incorporated into existing/new projects being undertaken by the company.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring resource allocation was optimized for maximum project success.
- Maintained database and spreadsheets with accurate inventory and status.
Event and Project Manager
Illinois College
06.2018 - 07.2020
- Planned and executed on-campus events for majority of staff, faculty, and student groups at the College including (but not limited to) homecoming, admission events, and commencement.
- Managed the internal event scheduling system (EMS) and the Master Calendar to ensure cross-campus alignment and appropriate promotion of events.
- Served as lead coordinator for all College marketing projects, materials, calendars, and campaigns ensuring projects are delivered on time, on brand, and on budget using the project management system Mfactor.
- Assisted office directors with generating and distributing invoices, paying bills, managing rental contracts, making deposits, and building project estimates/budgets.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by ensuring timely completion of assigned tasks and maintaining clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
- Oversaw the successful execution of various events, from conception to completion, while ensuring all client objectives were met or exceeded.
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management tools and techniques.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
- Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
Campus Events Assistant
Illinois College
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Acted as primary contact with Facilities Management and other campus stakeholders to ensure exceptional event support.
- Worked with Director of Campus Events to ensure outside groups receive comprehensive support and enlightened hospital inquiry to on-site management of events.
- Developed and maintained relationships with outside service providers including caterers and rental agencies.
- Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
- Safeguarded sensitive information through proper documentation handling, data entry, and record maintenance procedures.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly mastering new software applications for various tasks.
Athletic Events & Facilities Intern
Illinois College
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Interacted with students, faculty, staff, fellow interns, and families to ensure the events were executed successfully.
- Assisted varsity coaching staff and student worker crews in running game day operations and management.
- Reported building issues to building management to reduce safety concerns.
- Contributed to the development of facility emergency response plans, ensuring a comprehensive approach to incident management.
Campus Events Student Worker
Illinois College
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Organized and executed 20+ administrative events on campus for internal and external groups in a professional manner.
- Coordinated and executed Illinois College's Homecoming Parade including 80+ community and academic organizations with accuracy and on the ground problem-solving.
- Received and followed detailed directions from others.
- Worked in team environment to maintain high levels of productivity.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication & Rhetorical Studies
Illinois College
Jacksonville, IL05.2018
Associate of Arts - Communications
St. Charles Community College
Cottleville, MO05.2016
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- People Management
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Team Management
- Creativity and Innovation
- Budget Management
- Contract and Vendor Management
- Customer Service
- Schedule Management
- Logistics Management
References
- References available upon request
Timeline
Director of Campus Events
Illinois College
05.2021 - Current
Event and Project Coordinator
POWERplex
07.2020 - 03.2021
Event and Project Manager
Illinois College
06.2018 - 07.2020
Campus Events Assistant
Illinois College
01.2018 - 05.2018
Athletic Events & Facilities Intern
Illinois College
09.2017 - 12.2017
Campus Events Student Worker
Illinois College
01.2017 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Communication & Rhetorical Studies
Illinois College
Associate of Arts - Communications
St. Charles Community College
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