Kristi Dawn Culpepper
Summary
EXPERIENCED EDUCATION LEADER QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY Over 20 years of documented success in higher education Nonprofit Fundraising Specialist Proven retention specialist for undergraduate and graduate students Diversity, equity, and inclusion program administrator Student-centered educator, trainer, and mentor Multi-talented Associate Director applies 20 years of experience in higher education operations. Manages diverse business areas with eye for efficiency and quality. Excellent team leader and analytical problem-solver. Motivational leader and organizational problem-solver with advanced supervisory, team building and customer service skills. Experience stepping into roles and quickly making positive changes to drive company success. Focused on using training, monitoring and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director of Annual Giving
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
10.2022 - Current
- Generate revenue for scholarships, capital projects, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming, and Special Dean’s Projects
- Developed department performance goals and methods for achieving milestones.
- Directed special projects and daily operations.
- Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development by attending seminars or conferences.
- Led and drove collaboration with internal teams and partners to meet expected timelines, budget and quality standards.
- Established key performance indicators which were tracked regularly against set targets.
- Facilitated knowledge-share opportunities to advance effectiveness of company model.
- Established and grew relationships with customers and industry partners to shape technical requirements and acquisition strategies.
President
USC Staff Assembly
07.2021 - 07.2023
- University Recognized Staff CEO for over 27,000 employees
- Signed and approved budgets for new funding and program initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws related to nonprofit organizations.
- Developed policies, procedures, and short-term and long-term goals for the organization.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for services such as IT maintenance or event catering.
- Hired, trained and mentored 100 staff members to maximize productivity.
- Provided leadership and guidance on budgeting decisions to maximize resources available.
- Monitored legislative changes that could affect the organization's operations or funding sources.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders such as donors, volunteers, partners, and sponsors.
- Organized and facilitated board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and annual conferences.
- Collaborated with staff members to ensure operational efficiency of the organization.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members by listening attentively and providing constructive feedback.
- Managed personnel issues including recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluation, and termination.
- Represented the organization at community events and public forums to promote its mission.
- Coordinated work across departments to keep teams on track with company goals.
- Researched underlying issues, regulatory compliance status and processes to resolve complex business issues and recommend strategic corrective actions.
- Maintained effective communication channels with all stakeholders involved in the organization's activities.
- Cultivated and maintained positive working relationships with employees, executives and other stakeholders.
- Acted as an ambassador of goodwill for the organization by engaging positively with external parties.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
01.2019 - 10.2022
- Global Undergraduate Recruitment and Outreach with 100% enrollment budget achieved four years straight
- First Marshall Pathways Program Creator and Coordinator: 100% graduation rate; 100% student retention rate
- Business of Cinematic Arts Program Coordinator
- World Bachelor in Business Program Coordinator
- Assigned work and monitored performance of project personnel.
- Conducted meetings to lead discussions as subject matter expert on assigned projects.
- Analyzed data collected from various sources in order to identify trends or areas requiring further investigation or action.
- Developed department performance goals and methods for achieving milestones.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of the organization including personnel management, program development and implementation.
- Reviewed reports generated by subordinate managers in order to assess overall performance of the department.
- Actively participated in external events such as conferences and seminars related to the company's field of activity.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development by attending seminars or conferences.
- Developed training programs for existing staff members as well as new hires.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Evaluated key business metrics and recommended adjustments to policies and procedures.
- Created and managed budgets for travel, training and teambuilding activities.
- Mentored new employees on industry practices and business operations.
- Managed fiscal administration to drive strategic planning.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Maintained positive relationships with stakeholders by responding promptly to inquiries, requests and complaints.
- Managed schedules by completing work accurately and on time.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
- Led and drove collaboration with internal teams and partners to meet expected timelines, budget and quality standards.
- Participated actively in decision making processes at a high level within the organization.
- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure successful completion of projects within established timelines and budgets.
- Established budgets and tracked expenses to drive operational efficiency.
- Managed recruitment process for new employees including conducting interviews, evaluating resumes, making job offers.
- Assisted senior leadership team in developing long-term strategic plans for the organization.
- Managed staff, financials and key performance indicators to facilitate business operations.
- Established key performance indicators which were tracked regularly against set targets.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies related to the organization's operations.
- Monitored budgeting, forecasting, planning and reporting activities of the department.
- Leveraged MS Office Suite skills to input and compile data gathered from various sources.
- Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.
Assistant Director Financial Aid, Outreach
University of Southern California
11.2016 - 01.2019
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Met with stakeholders to address issues and implement solutions.
- Developed protocols for handling confidential information within the organization in compliance with FERPA, HIPPA, and CSAC.
- Coordinated financial activities, budgeting and forecasting for assigned departments.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Student Services Advisor
University of Southern California
01.2015 - 11.2016
- Reviewed transcripts and compiled data for reports related to student performance.
- Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
- Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Maintained accurate and complete student records required by laws, district policies and administrative regulations.
- Directed and participated in recruitment and enrollment activities.
- Answered student, family and visitor questions with friendly and knowledgeable support.
- Prepared students for later educational experiences by encouraging to explore learning opportunities and persevere with challenging tasks.
- Facilitated communication between administrators, faculty members, parents and guardians, and students.
- Counseled students on various topics including stress management, time management, study skills development.
- Assisted with the processing of applications for scholarships or other forms of financial aid.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from current or potential students regarding admission requirements or program availability.
- Provided disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology and assistance accessing facilities.
- Leveraged Salesforce and MS Office Suite skills to input and compile data gathered from various sources.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Director of Minority Affairs
University of Southern California
01.1999 - 05.2000
- Represented historically underrepresented students of color on Vice President of Student Affairs Cabinet
- Assisted USC Undergraduate Affinity Groups (MeCHA, Black Student Union, and Asian Pacific Islander Student Assembly) with recruitment, strategic planning, and budget management
- Facilitated collaboration between teams by encouraging open communication channels.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Drafted mission and vision statements to outline objectives and motivate employees.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
Human Resources Certificate - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Cornell University
06-2021
Doctorate in Education - Higher Education Administration
University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education
Skills
- Enrollment Management
- Title IX Specialist
- Educational Consulting
- Crowdsourcing
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- Budget Management
- Fundraising and Development
- Human Resource Management
- Conflict Resolution Facilitator
- MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Access/Project)
- Slate Technologies
- Zoom
- Streaming Media
- Salesforce
- Mac Operating Systems
- SIS
- Marketing Cloud
- Canva
- Adobe
- Project Management
- Strategic Leadership
- Key Relationship Management
- Resources Allocation
- Proposal Writing
- Crisis Management
- Decision-Making
- Budget Development
- Financial Administration
- Relationship Building
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Professional Networking
- Key Relationship Development
- Analytical Thinking
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- Financial Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Event Planning
- Community Outreach
Affiliations
- National Association of College Admission Counselors
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
Accomplishments
- Presenter and Work Shop Leader at College Board Conference:
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Limited
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Associate Director of Annual Giving
University of Southern California
10.2022 - Current
President
USC Staff Assembly
07.2021 - 07.2023
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach
University of Southern California
01.2019 - 10.2022
Assistant Director Financial Aid, Outreach
University of Southern California
11.2016 - 01.2019
Student Services Advisor
University of Southern California
01.2015 - 11.2016
Director of Minority Affairs
University of Southern California
01.1999 - 05.2000
Human Resources Certificate - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Cornell University
Doctorate in Education - Higher Education Administration
University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education
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