Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Melinda Jennings

Jefferson City,MO

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in program development and management within the non-profit sector, specializing in product program initiatives such as the Girl Scout Cookie Program and Fall Product Program. Demonstrates exceptional leadership in developing and implementing incentive plans, forecasting and budgeting, and cultivating partnerships to enhance program participation and satisfaction. Adept at using data and research to drive decision-making and program improvements. Committed to fostering community engagement, volunteer support, and fundraising efforts to advance organizational mission.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Cookies+ Engagement Manager

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland
Jefferson City, MO
07.2022 - Current


- Spearheaded the development and execution of flagship product programs, leading to measurable increases in troop participation and revenue generation.
- Independently provided leadership and expertise, utilizing data to evaluate and implement effective troop and service unit participation incentive plans.
- Forecasted and managed budgets for program-related expenses, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
- Developed and maintained relationships with vendors, ensuring timely delivery of incentive items, and collaborated closely with customer service and volunteer support teams to enhance program support structures.
- Initiated and led the development of training materials and sessions for volunteers, significantly improving engagement and program knowledge.
- Managed key community partnerships for Cookie Booth operations, enhancing program visibility and accessibility.
- Played a pivotal role in the Fund Development Committee, contributing to the creation of impactful fundraising campaigns, and successful grant applications.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with donors, utilizing personalized communication strategies to strengthen donor engagement and support.
- Leveraged expertise in Digital Cookie and M2 systems to provide comprehensive training and support to volunteers and families.
- Acted as a brand ambassador, ensuring consistent and positive representation of the Girl Scout brand across all programmatic efforts.

Business Owner

The Patriot's Bunker
Corning, IA
11.2017 - Current

- Created, developed, and implemented a comprehensive business plan, setting the foundation for a successful enterprise.
- Facilitated the construction of the business location by coordinating with various contractors, ensuring timely and budget-compliant completion.
- Collaborated with graphic designers to establish a distinctive brand identity, enhancing market recognition and appeal.
- Conducted thorough assessments of all business operations to establish a realistic annual budget, utilizing detailed profit margins and sales forecasts.
- Ensured full compliance with state regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legal requirements to keep business processes in line and buildings up to code.
- Scheduled and managed inspections and safety compliance checks, achieving a 100% pass rate for all on-site inspections.
- Managed the submission of licensing, taxes, and permits in strict adherence to state and federal laws.
- Established and maintained a debt-free cash flow for the business from inception, demonstrating exceptional financial management and planning skills.
- Accurately managed cash stock and inventory levels, ensuring efficient operations and cost control.
- Directed strategic marketing initiatives aligned with brand values to enhance presentation and maximize sales, significantly increasing market footprint.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, setting the business apart from competitors and fostering brand loyalty.
- Fostered cross-marketing relationships with other local businesses, expanding marketing reach and collaborative opportunities.
- Created engaging content and managed social media pages, driving digital presence and customer engagement.

Secretary/Communications

Immaculate Conception School
Jefferson City, MO
08.2020 - 09.2021

Maintained school social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) by taking photographs, recording videos, creating content, and preparing regular posts.
- Operated live stream events and designed flyers to advertise school events effectively.
- Promoted the goals and fundraisers of the organization, ensuring projects aligned with the IC mission and Catholic values.
- Redesigned and managed the school website, enhancing user engagement and information accessibility.
- Created and distributed two weekly newsletters, along with a monthly parent newsletter, to keep the community informed and engaged.
- Facilitated parent alerts through Textcaster and developed Sign-Up Geniuses for faculty coordination.
- Compiled and tracked all Virtus Training, social media/photo permission slips, and sports participation agreements, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Outreach Account Lead

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Shawnee Mission, KS
01.2020 - 05.2020

- Led efforts to identify, recruit, and network with schools and coordinators across assigned counties, significantly raising awareness and participation in the Pennies for Patients Campaign.
- Managed and coached over 100 schools, guiding them to surpass fundraising goals through strategic planning, exemplary customer service, and effective stewardship.
- Organized and facilitated planning meetings with school administrations and student groups, enhancing engagement and commitment to fundraising efforts.
- Ensured achievement of key metrics, including commitments to the Pennies for Patients program and the scheduling of strategy meetings and assemblies.
- Crafted concise, impactful communications for volunteers, participants, and donors, fostering a strong community of support.
- Provided comprehensive administrative assistance through proficient handling of email, phone, and website account management, coupled with meticulous database upkeep.
- Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills by managing a high level of detail across multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all objectives were met or exceeded.
- Exhibited remarkable flexibility and adaptability to changes, maintaining high productivity and effectiveness even under pressure.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new members of the student series team, enhancing team capabilities and performance.

CEO/Trainer

Lularoe Melinda Jo
11.2015 - 01.2018

- Established an online and mobile small business, navigating the complexities of the digital and physical marketplace.
- Collaborated with cross-functional resources to implement direct marketing programs, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Collected, tracked, and organized data to evaluate current business and market trends, informing strategic decisions.
- Led cross-functional teams to analyze the operational impacts and opportunities of technology changes, ensuring agile adaptation to market demands.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for mobile sales operations, optimizing team efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully planned and executed special events, team meetings, and training sessions, fostering a cohesive and motivated team environment.
- Recruited, managed, mentored, and developed a team of 60 small business owners, creating a strong network of entrepreneurial talent.
- Crafted a distinctive brand identity, including a unique graphic style and tone, for all company communications, setting the business apart in a competitive market.
- Maintained sales of $12,000 individually per month and led the team to achieve sales of $250,000 a month, demonstrating exceptional sales leadership and business acumen.

Education

Associates of Applied Science -

Iowa Western Community College

Skills

- Program Development and Management
- Budgeting and Financial Forecasting
- Data Analysis and Strategic Planning
- Volunteer Training and Engagement
- Fundraising and Donor Relations
- Community Partnership Management
- Brand Management and Marketing Communication

Affiliations

  • United States Field Artillery Association Molly Pitcher Award
  • Thirty-One Girls National Conference Presenter
  • Member of Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce
  • Member of Young Professionals

Timeline

Cookies+ Engagement Manager

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland
07.2022 - Current

Secretary/Communications

Immaculate Conception School
08.2020 - 09.2021

Outreach Account Lead

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
01.2020 - 05.2020

Business Owner

The Patriot's Bunker
11.2017 - Current

CEO/Trainer

Lularoe Melinda Jo
11.2015 - 01.2018

Associates of Applied Science -

Iowa Western Community College
Melinda Jennings