MELISSA G. DE SOUZA
Director Of Operations
Potomac,MD
Summary
Experienced Operations Supervisor with 25 years of success in managing Media Production operations with exceptional team supervision, project coordination and analytical problem-solving skills. Optimizes resource use to achieve challenging targets. Diplomatic in resolving disputes and coordinating diverse teams. Experienced in leading a team to its full potential and promoting a forward thinking mentality.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations/Client Services
Interface Media Group
06.2017 - 11.2024
- Managed Operations/Client Services department and team of Project Managers and Facility Assistants
- Ensured multiple projects were completed on time and within budget
- Successfully managed the post production process of multiple federal and state level political campaigns, including editing, audio mix, graphics design, quality control and delivery
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources
- Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals and drive sustainable growth
- Established and monitored quality assurance standards to achieve operational excellence
- Mitigated risks by developing comprehensive contingency plans that ensured business continuity during unforeseen events or challenges
- Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives
- Contributed to talent acquisition efforts by participating in recruitment activities, identifying top candidates and facilitating smooth onboarding processes
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences by implementing strategies focused on meeting evolving needs and expectations
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement
- Negotiated with vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders to acquire mutually beneficial contracts and agreement
- Developed and maintained production calendars and budgets
- Managed accurate schedules for all operators and freelancers throughout a fast paced media production facility
- Promoted from Operations Manager to Director
Project Manager
Wunderman
02.2017 - 06.2017
- Managed multiple tactics from creative kickoff to final delivery
- Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
- Effectively communicated all key dates and milestones to multiple brand partners
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks
- Intelligence & Operations
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results
Supervisor: Post Production Operations
Sirens Media
04.2012 - 02.2017
- Supervised the post production operations of over 350 hours of programming for multiple cable networks including Investigation Discovery, Bravo, A&E, TVOne, BET and MSNBC
- Collaborated with parent company, Leftfield Entertainment, to share resources and streamline processes to increase savings
- Managed a staff of Editors, Audio Mixers, Assistant Editors and freelancers
- Maintained the scheduling of over 40 edit suites, 4 online suites and 2 audio mix suites
- Tracked all final deliverables and ensured adherence to network specification
- Actively recruited and staffed freelance editors for upcoming projects
Senior Post Production Manager
Discovery Studios
03.2010 - 04.2012
- Responsible for the post production of multiple series across multiple Discovery networks
- Primary duties included scheduling of editors and assistant editors, adhering to post schedules and coordinating field production to post work flows
- Provided post support to internal and external producers
- Interim Director of Post Production for six months
Producer/Post Production Supervisor
National Geographic Channel
05.2009 - 03.2010
- Supervised the post production process for the launch of NGC WILD
- Supervised the repackaging of on-air graphics for multiple series
- Responsible for ensuring that all edits work creatively and technically
- Reviewed and approved all final masters
Manager-New Media Logistics
Discovery Communications, LLC
03.2006 - 03.2009
- Managed Post Production and editing of 1000+ hours of programming per year for various New Media platforms including VOD, iTunes, Download to Own, EchoStar and iPremieres
- Head liaison between Media Operations and Digital Media
- Developed workflows to streamline and increase productivity of New Media Logistics
Manager
Discovery Production Group
10.2002 - 03.2006
- Key liaison between client services and operations
- Managed the production and edit schedules of all internal media initiatives
- Maintained communication with clients and technical staff to troubleshoot post production issues
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English/Media Studies
High Point University
High Point, NCSkills
- Strategic planning and execution
- Process improvements
- Schedule oversight
- Problem-solving abilities
- Client account management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Operations management
- Staff training/development
- Budget control
Accomplishments
2021 Recipient of the Interface Media Group Elyse Reader Passion Prize
Timeline
Director of Operations/Client Services
Interface Media Group
06.2017 - 11.2024
Project Manager
Wunderman
02.2017 - 06.2017
Supervisor: Post Production Operations
Sirens Media
04.2012 - 02.2017
Senior Post Production Manager
Discovery Studios
03.2010 - 04.2012
Producer/Post Production Supervisor
National Geographic Channel
05.2009 - 03.2010
Manager-New Media Logistics
Discovery Communications, LLC
03.2006 - 03.2009
Manager
Discovery Production Group
10.2002 - 03.2006
Bachelor of Arts - English/Media Studies
High Point University
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