Melissa Aten
Plano,TX
Summary
Mission-driven event and project manager with 20 years of experience in this field. Motivated by providing strategic vision to executive successful events and projects. Recognized throughout career for creative problem solving and quick thinking, demonstrated strengths planning, scheduling, and managing a complex mix of event- and admin-related responsibilities. Superior attention to detail, team leadership skills, and diligent in overseeing the completion of projects.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Officer for Combatting Kleptocracy
National Endowment for Democracy
01.2019 - Current
- Provided strategic vision and planning in establishing a successful new research program and built a durable community to executive it
- Conceptualized and executed domestic and international events such as innovative workshops, public events, and conferences that focused on the role of corruption in degrading democracy
- Produced creative, forward-leaning reports, including identifying salient topics and leading experts; editing written materials before publication; developing and executing innovative promotion campaign; Applied for grants, oversaw project implementation and budget management
- Developed and executed comprehensive program plans, achieving timely completion of milestones.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration.
- Managed budgets and resources responsibly, ensuring optimal allocation for maximum impact.
- Led cross-functional teams in the successful delivery of complex projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Collaborated with internal departments to ensure alignment of objectives and seamless integration of program initiatives.
- Mentored junior staff members to enhance their professional growth and contribute to overall team success.
- Operationalized strategic plans into actionable steps by breaking down complex concepts into manageable tasks for team execution.
- Coordinated large-scale events or conferences professionally, showcasing organizational capabilities while gaining valuable exposure in target markets.
- Kept programs in line with established mission parameters.
Senior Program Officer, Research and Conferences
National Endowment for Democracy
01.2008 - 01.2019
- Oversaw a busy calendar of 60+ events a year, including international and domestic workshops and conferences, anniversary events, and other convening
- Established strong relationships and co-sponsors to maximize promotion and attendance at events
- Identified and worked with various vendors to ensure a successful event execution.
Puppy Team Lead, Adoption Coordinator, and Contractor
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
01.2018 - Current
- Supported the rescue’s mission of rescuing dogs and cats by overseeing the puppy team, training new puppy adoption coordinators, organizing adoption events, and meticulously conducting spay/neuter follow-up.
Education
MA in International Affairs -
The George Washington University
BA in English Literature -
St. Edward University
Skills
- Event Planning & Management
- Event Marketing & Promotions
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation
- Writing & Editing
- Organizational Skills and Attention to Detail
- Strategic thinking
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Capacity Building
- Proposal Writing
- Partnership Development
- Vendor Selection
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Detail Oriented
- Self Motivation
- Adaptability
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- Multitasking Abilities
- Problem-Solving
- Relationship Building
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Certification
Timeline
Senior Program Officer for Combatting Kleptocracy
National Endowment for Democracy
01.2019 - Current
Puppy Team Lead, Adoption Coordinator, and Contractor
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
01.2018 - Current
Senior Program Officer, Research and Conferences
National Endowment for Democracy
01.2008 - 01.2019
MA in International Affairs -
The George Washington University
BA in English Literature -
St. Edward University
Similar Profiles
Windy Pickett-HerbertWindy Pickett-Herbert
HR Generalist at National Endowment for DemocracyHR Generalist at National Endowment for Democracy
Sophia HamidySophia Hamidy
Grants Finance Specialist at National Endowment for DemocracyGrants Finance Specialist at National Endowment for Democracy
Anwar HanAnwar Han
Senior Accountant at National Endowment for DemocracySenior Accountant at National Endowment for Democracy