Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

MELISSA DRONBERGER

Hamilton,OH

Summary

Highly organized and self-motivated professional experienced in project management, team development and process improvement. Skilled in developing and implementing strategies to increase efficiency and performance. Passionate about driving business growth and creating positive work environment.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Director, Program Management

Barefoot
07.2021 - Current
    • Responsible for managing and delivering critical, complex initiatives totaling more than $25M in agency revenue.
    • Highly experienced in cross-team collaboration with all skill levels and disciplines.
    • Responsible for reviewing and approving all scopes of work, project budgets, resource allocation and agency forecasting and staffing.
    • Improved overall team efficiency by streamlining project management processes and implementing new collaboration tools.
    • Managed cross-functional teams for multiple large-scale projects, successfully completing each on time and within budget constraints.
    • Enhanced employee performance through targeted training programs and regular feedback sessions, resulting in higher productivity levels.
    • Established strong relationships with key industry partners, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and collaboration.
    • Oversaw annual budget planning processes, ensuring financial goals were met while maintaining optimal resource allocation across departments.
    • Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on professional development opportunities and career progression paths within the company.
    • Maintained compliance with industry regulations while adapting to changes in legislation or best practices as needed.
    • Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
    • Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations.
    • Prioritized tasks and allocated resources appropriately to keep teams focused and productive.
    • Assessed risks associated with team activities and implemented appropriate procedures to mitigate potential problems.

Senior Consultant

TiER1 Performance
07.2019 - 07.2021
    • Responsible for managing and delivering holistic, comprehensive and sustainable performance solutions for clients ranging from small-scale initiatives to large and complex initiatives.
    • Delivered status updates to both internal teams and client teams including information such as project objectives, risks and opportunities, schedules, resource allocation and work effort.
    • Responsible for displaying strong consulting skills around project decisions, assessing project situations with clear solutions and adapting and providing value during ambiguous situations with changing project dynamics.
    • Ensured appropriate resources were allocated to the right projects and with the correct skillset.
    • Managed project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule and agreed upon scope.
    • Closely monitored project financials/data and forecasts and regularly communicated recommendations for optimization to clients and project leadership.
    • Responsible for displaying strong acumen skills at all times including the ability to recognize clients' business decisions and motivators.
    • Ensured that all final deliverables adhered to quality standards and processes.
    • Responsible for consistently demonstrating logic and reasoning to consult with clients in order to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and risks.
    • Provided direct mentorship and leadership to a team of 25+ studio members focused on promoting a high-performing environment dedicated to execution excellence.
    • Consistently demonstrated the ability to lead and grow others in complex project environments by guiding, motivating and inspiring team members.
    • Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored consulting services and effective problem-solving strategies.
    • Delivered high-quality solutions for clients through comprehensive research and analysis of industry trends.
    • Provided expert guidance on change management initiatives, leading to successful organizational transformations.

Program Supervisor

Barefoot
10.2016 - 07.2019
  • Increased program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
  • Enhanced team productivity through effective delegation, task prioritization, and clear communication.
  • Reduced employee turnover rate by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
  • Developed strong relationships with community partners to secure resources and support for various programs.
  • Implemented quality assurance measures to maintain high standards in service delivery across all programs under supervision.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership skills under challenging circumstances, effectively managing team dynamics during periods of transition or high-stress environments.
  • Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.

Sr. Project Manager

Barefoot
07.2014 - 10.2016
    • Streamlined project management processes by implementing agile methodologies, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
    • Led cross-functional teams for successful project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
    • Established effective communication channels with stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment of expectations.
    • Developed comprehensive project plans, identifying risks and mitigation strategies for timely completion.
    • Mentored junior project managers and team members to enhance their skills and career growth.
    • Optimized resource allocation by closely monitoring project progress and adjusting team assignments as needed.
    • Spearheaded process improvement initiatives that resulted in increased productivity and streamlined workflows across departments.
    • Managed budgets exceeding $1 million while effectively controlling costs through diligent financial oversight.
    • Presented regular status reports to executive leadership, providing insights into progress made toward achieving key milestones.
    • Directed changes to project scope and cost and implemented appropriate change management processes to keep project on track.
    • Developed and maintained project budgets to control costs and meet organizational and project goals.
    • Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to meet objectives and boost rapport.
    • Updated customers and senior leaders on progress and roadblocks.
    • Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
    • Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.

Project Manager

Barefoot
01.2013 - 07.2016
  • Responsible for defining/reviewing/approving all statements of work, project scopes, budget and workplans.
  • Translates scopes, budgets and workplans into agency operational/staffing plans.
  • Responsible for leading and approving monthly portfolio forecasting/metrics and making recommendations regarding portfolio forecast risk as it relates to the agency.
  • Responsible for overseeing risk assessment and mitigation as it relates to both project work, financials, forecasting and agency staffing.
  • Responsible for collaborating directly with subject matter experts and business leads in order to ensure that the strategic vision aligns with the clients' end goal(s)/deliverable(s).
  • Reviews/authorizes requirements/specification documents as they relate to client communications.
  • Responsible for overseeing/managing User Acceptance Testing as well as Quality Assurance Testing with business stakeholders, subject matter experts, partners and third-party vendors as needed.
  • Defines and oversees process for governance and document creation within the Project Management discipline in order to ensure efficiency, effective decision-making and alignment on ways of working.
  • Responsible for collaborating on new business and RFP inquiries for the assigned portfolio.
  • Compiles and executes effective project communications while allowing for full transparency.
  • Serves as an internal escalation point for both internal and client issues that arise while leading conflict resolution discussions at all levels on an as-needed basis.
  • Presents information effectively, controls discussions and brings value in both formal and informal settings.
  • Aims to always create a healthy and positive team spirit, driven by passion for unity and common team goals.

Project Manager

Grey Midwest/POSSIBLE
02.2010 - 01.2013
  • Managed interdisciplinary teams of visual designers, writers, UX architects and technologists in order to execute digital marketing campaigns.
  • Evaluated monthly/yearly revenue projections with senior management to achieve profitability targets.
  • Lead internal and external work teams, providing deliverable details, deadlines, resource assignments and overall guidance to team.
  • Facilitated communication and handoffs with clients, third-parties and partner agencies.
  • Responsible for developing and managing statements of work, project budgets, schedules, scope and quality all while ensuring deliverables met legal guidelines and exceeded client expectations.
  • Effectively analyzed profitability, revenue, margins, bill rates and utilization.
  • Effectively managed resource planning across cross-functional team.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
  • Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.

Account Executive

PEP
06.2009 - 02.2010

Editor

Hobsons
05.2006 - 09.2008

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communications – Emphasis in Journalism and Public Relations

University of Wisconsin
05.2005

Skills

  • Scrum Master Certified
  • Resources Allocation
  • Process Improvement
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Relationship Building
  • Risk Management
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Project Planning

Timeline

Associate Director, Program Management

Barefoot
07.2021 - Current

Senior Consultant

TiER1 Performance
07.2019 - 07.2021

Program Supervisor

Barefoot
10.2016 - 07.2019

Sr. Project Manager

Barefoot
07.2014 - 10.2016

Project Manager

Barefoot
01.2013 - 07.2016

Project Manager

Grey Midwest/POSSIBLE
02.2010 - 01.2013

Account Executive

PEP
06.2009 - 02.2010

Editor

Hobsons
05.2006 - 09.2008

Bachelor of Arts - Communications – Emphasis in Journalism and Public Relations

University of Wisconsin
MELISSA DRONBERGER