Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Maria Nicole Smith

Spring Branch,TX

Summary

Dynamic Human Resources Specialist with extensive experience at the US International Development Finance Corporation and US Army, excelling in policy creation and talent recruitment strategies. Proven track record in enhancing workforce relations and implementing performance management systems. Adept at data analytics and stakeholder engagement, driving impactful HR initiatives to foster organizational growth.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Human Resources Specialist (Student Programs)

US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Washington, DC
10.2021 - Current
  • Guided strategic marketing and recruitment initiatives to strengthen DFC talent pipeline.
  • Developed and implemented policies for Agency Pathways Programs, Details, and Unpaid Interns.
  • Advised DFC leadership on pertinent policies and programs.
  • Administered workforce development programs to align with best practices and regulatory standards.
  • Provided career management support, funding estimates, and Individual Development Plan (IDP) guidance.
  • Coordinated all phases of Pathways and Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Programs as a technical expert.
  • Managed program policies and strategies focused on talent recruitment, retention, and participant engagement.
  • Represented DFC at OPM meetings and events to promote Pathways opportunities.

Senior Human Resources Specialist

HQs Army Futures Command (AFC)
Austin, TX
12.2018 - 10.2021
  • Served as Subject Matter Expert in Employee Relations, Workforce Development, and Leadership Development for Four-Star Command.
  • Formulated seventy-five percent of Human Capital policies for new command.
  • Collaborated with Army Civilian Career Management Activity and Army HQs on intern allocations for Army Software Factory.
  • Developed training needs assessments, set goals, and trained supervisors on performance management strategies.
  • Developed training for managers to ensure they had the skills required when supervising.
  • Established Department of Defense Performance Management and Appraisal Program and managed pay pools effectively.
  • Collected performance and training data, prepared HR dashboards, and presented analytical findings to leadership.
  • Advised on recruitment strategies, workforce development initiatives, and career program policies.
  • Mentored colleagues on effective policy writing and regulatory compliance.

Senior Human Resources Specialist (Deputy Division Chief)

Army South Command
San Antonio, TX
02.2015 - 12.2018
  • Provided consultancy on civilian personnel management programs to Commanding General and ASCC officials.
  • Handled complex issues, conducted special projects, and developed HR interventions for improved efficiency.
  • Led initiatives in position management, staffing, recruitment, employee relations, training, and strategic planning.
  • Advised senior leaders on classification issues, prepared position descriptions, and assessed legislative impacts.
  • Assisted with reorganizations and proposed solutions to prevent reduction in force (RIF).
  • Authored policies and coordinated with stakeholders to enhance civilian human resources (CHR) programs.
  • Executed personnel management projects, reviewed command-wide programs, and ensured policy alignment with mission objectives.
  • Trained workforce on new performance management system and developed leadership training programs.

Branch Chief of Pay and Compensation (Compensation Analyst)

Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
Fort Bragg, NC
04.2010 - 02.2015
  • Managed Pay, Compensation, and Classification Branch, overseeing classification systems and compensation studies.
  • Oversaw and ensured that pay was processed, and that there were no pay issues.
  • Collaborated with colleagues in the development of training for supervisors.
  • Developed and implemented personnel policies while coordinating multiple agency projects.
  • Conducted quarterly compliance audits and advised on JSOC-related matters.
  • Regularly briefed senior leaders on actions impacting organizational operations.
  • Analyzed regulations to formulate directives addressing compliance issues.
  • Compiled data for reports on superior qualifications and recruitment strategies for leadership.
  • Interpreted legislation, providing advisory opinions and establishing necessary protocols.
  • Resolved conflicts, developed training programs, and integrated incentive pay into budgets.

Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Staffing)

Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC)
Fort Bragg, United States
10.2007 - 04.2010
  • Streamlined applicant tracking system for accurate documentation of applicants and employees.
  • Ensured employee records complied with federal and state laws, maintaining confidentiality standards.
  • Facilitated new employee onboarding through background checks and orientation sessions.
  • Guided candidates through application procedures, addressing questions and managing paperwork.
  • Produced offer letters and contracts following established company protocols.
  • Evaluated job descriptions, implementing updates based on current requirements.
  • Analyzed HR metrics to enhance effectiveness and improve operational strategies.
  • Provided expert advice on labor laws to ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Education

Master of Science - Organizational Development and Leadership

University of Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX
12.2017

BSBA - Human Resources

Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, CO
06.2010

Skills

  • Workforce relations enhancement
  • Policy creation and implementation
  • Talent sourcing and recruitment strategies
  • Performance assessment and management systems
  • Data analytics expertise
  • Project oversight and strategic initiatives
  • Compliance with regulations in HR practices
  • Development of training initiatives
  • Leadership growth programs and career pathways
  • Engagement with stakeholders to resolve conflicts
  • Proficient in HRIS applications usage
  • Problem-solving capabilities with decision-making skills
  • Supervision of employees for optimal engagement
  • Management of retention strategies in organizations
  • Proficient in remote conferencing tools for communication
  • Recruitment processes including job descriptions and compensation plans
  • Business intelligence analysis with reporting capabilities

Timeline

Human Resources Specialist (Student Programs)

US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
10.2021 - Current

Senior Human Resources Specialist

HQs Army Futures Command (AFC)
12.2018 - 10.2021

Senior Human Resources Specialist (Deputy Division Chief)

Army South Command
02.2015 - 12.2018

Branch Chief of Pay and Compensation (Compensation Analyst)

Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
04.2010 - 02.2015

Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Staffing)

Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC)
10.2007 - 04.2010

Master of Science - Organizational Development and Leadership

University of Incarnate Word

BSBA - Human Resources

Colorado Technical University
Maria Nicole Smith