Melissa Blackard

• Managed daily office operations, ensuring organized work spaces to support team productivity.
• Developed and implemented office procedures to enhance efficiency.
• Supervised staff members, organized schedules and delegated tasks.
• Monitored office supplies inventory and placed orders for materials.
• Assisted in onboarding new staff, creating materials for both Anchorage-based and remote positions.
• Reviewed files and records to provide accurate information in response to requests.
• Processed invoices.

• Managed employee relations and resolved workplace conflicts in collaboration with Corporate HR department.
• Collaborated with management to align Corporate HR strategies with business objectives.
• Provided guidance to managers regarding staffing needs and organizational changes.
• Advised management on legal requirements related to human resources practices.
• Handled employee/union discipline and terminations to maintain compliance with organizational policies.
• Aligned HR policies with federal and local regulations.
• Prepared job postings for open positions and coordinated with Corporate Recruiting Department to ensure timely recruitment.
• Assisted in managing employee transfers and referrals to optimize staffing.
• Responded to inquiries from external agencies regarding employment matters.
• Alyeska Alaska Native Program representative and compiled quarterly reports.

Benefits Specialist - Oct. 1997 to 1999

• Assessed employee eligibility for health, retirement, and other benefit plans to ensure appropriate coverage.
• Communicated policy changes to staff and ensured understanding.
• Maintained precise records of employee benefits and transactions for accurate reporting and compliance.
• Assisted employees with enrolling in benefit plans and explained plan options.
• Processed benefit enrollment forms, changes, and terminations.
• Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.
• Provided assistance to plan participants by explaining benefits information to ensure educated selections.
• Processed invoices from vendors providing services related to benefit administration.
• Maintained detailed records of employee benefits enrollments and changes for auditing and reporting purposes.

Recruiting Manager - 1998 to Jan. 2000

• Oversaw a team of three recruiting professionals.
• Monitored open and closed positions while ensuring adherence to hiring policies and procedures.

• Gained insights into business processes through hands-on experience in diverse environments with Petro Star, SKW/Eskimo's, Inc., and Deloitte & Touche.