Margaret Blankenbiller
Olympia,WA
Summary
Dedicated and organized Operations Manager with over 15 years of experience using proven planning and support initiatives to increase retention, streamline operations and support learning outside of the classroom. Decisive and resourceful team builder versed in cultural humility, management and process improvement. Possesses in-depth knowledge of pedagogy and management techniques to offer valuable insights improve student outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Faculty
The Evergreen State College
01.2014 - Current
- Currently teach course Tutoring Math and Science. Course is designed as entry level training in tutoring using principles of Universal Design in Education.
- Delivered college level algebra designed for math averse students in the Evening and Weekend studies program
- Created an inclusive classroom, modified to support ESL students, adult learners, high school direct students and those pursuing STEM degrees
- Summer of 2017, received the best student reviews of all faculty teaching during that quarter.
Operations Manager
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning (QuaSR) Center, The Evergreen State College
Olympia, WA
10.2012 - Current
- Oversee and manage a staff of up to 25 employees in a fast paced, diverse work environment
- Collect, analyze and report statistical data on Center to promote data-driven management practices through statistical reports
- This allows me to: (1) modify and adjust employee schedule to meet client demand and, (2) maximize payroll expenditures resulting in decrease cost per student tutoring hour by while increasing the number of tutors sent to do outreach in classes
- Create academic programming around foundational math and science skills to promote retention of historically underrepresented groups in STEM
- Using an asset based model to encourage student participation and confidence
- As part of this work develop and deliver quantitative reasoning curriculum to encourage use of quantitative reasoning skills in financial literacy with a focus on supporting students from generational poverty
- Collaborate with other offices on campus to create additional programming and outreach to expand services and promote the Center’s mission of equitable outcomes in math and science.
- Developed and implemented operational procedures to ensure quality standards are met.
- Directed operations staff by providing guidance, training, and support in order to meet company objectives.
- Performed cost analysis for various projects to determine budget requirements.
- Coordinated with other departments including student affairs, marketing, finance, human resources. to ensure efficient operations.
Scientific Instructional Technician I
The University of Washington Seattle
- 12.2013
- Work collaboratively with team of researchers to read, evaluate and rank the cognitive difficulty of entry level Biology exam questions
- Maintain and organize spreadsheets of data from multiple institutions and write regular, brief summaries for team
- Compare pre- and post-intervention scores, and use this data to determine if interventions in education are effective, and report this information to lead researcher.
General Manager
Borders Books and Music
06.2007 - 07.2010
- Oversee and manage staff of 40 in a store with 3 million dollars in sales annually while maintaining some of the highest employee and customer satisfaction scores in the company
- Meet profit goals every month of the year
- Regular hiring, training, coaching and development of staff
- Identify and mentor staff with potential into leadership roles
- Provide training in conflict management and opportunities to practice those skills with my oversight
- Monitor and adjust budget as needed to meet corporate expectations while retaining top employees
- Use monthly profit and loss statements to adjust staffing levels and equipment and supply orders to maximize profits while maintaining a superior work environment for all employees
- Promote a culture of excellent customer service by maintaining a diverse staff with a wide knowledge base and good communication and interpersonal skills
- Create multiple opportunities to improve both knowledge and skills for staff in a low pressure environment to foster positive workplace
- Ensure working conditions meet federal and state law through appropriate scheduling and maintaining the physical building
- Train multiple staff members in legal requirement for breaks and rest periods
- Grow business through outreach to community groups, such as schools, libraries, book clubs, social clubs etc
- Emphasis our role in the community as a meeting place and resource of knowledge.
Education
MPA -
The Evergreen State College
03-2020
B.A. -
The Evergreen State College
06-2012
Skills
- Solutions Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Student Engagement
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Workshop Facilitation
- Deescalation and conflict management
- Collaborative learning
- Workflow Optimization
- Customer Service
- Incidents management
- Financial Management
- Operational Efficiency
- Microsoft Office expertise
- Staff Management
- Onboarding and Orientation
- Operations Monitoring
Awards
- Shining Star, Supporting Campus Diversity, 2019
- National Academies of Science Mentor in Life Science Education, 2012-2013
- National Academies of Science Mentor in Life Science Education, 2011-2012
- Top 10 General Managers (of 500+), 2010
- Top 20 General Managers (of 500+), 2008
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty
The Evergreen State College
01.2014 - Current
Operations Manager
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning (QuaSR) Center, The Evergreen State College
10.2012 - Current
General Manager
Borders Books and Music
06.2007 - 07.2010
Scientific Instructional Technician I
The University of Washington Seattle
- 12.2013
MPA -
The Evergreen State College
B.A. -
The Evergreen State College