Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

MELONIE PLOTKOWSKI

Director Of Discipleship
Gainesville,VA

Summary

Creative, experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving objectives. Excited about building relationships, working on a collaborative team, developing innovative processes while aligning efforts with organizational goals.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Discipleship

Gainesville United Methodist Church
07.2022 - Current

Director of Outreach & Connections 2022-2024

  • Maintained a multi-layered role of office manager, communications director, discipleship and volunteer connections director simultaneously.
  • Developed a multi-tiered targeted communications strategy for information to be conveyed efficiently & effectively.
  • Developed effective marketing materials, weekly e-newsletter, church logo, branding and messaging.
  • Developed new church website and social media channels, driving user engagement and conversions.
  • Managed church graphic design needs, through multi-media sources including printed and digital materials
  • Conducted general office management including weekly vendor payments, ordering of supplies, budgeting and managing accounts payable.
  • Recruited and managed volunteer teams to facilitate church activities.
  • Promoted and encouraged discipleship through growing and maintaining small groups ministry
  • Launched new ministries to grow the church: including men's and women's ministry, retreats, discipleship classes, and community events.
  • Enhanced sermon series impact by incorporating innovative graphic design components and written content to increase understanding of Biblical topics.
  • Delivered t-shirts, brochures, booklets, and church swag as needed.
  • Implemented large scale graphic campaigns across multiple communication platforms for giving campaigns, church-wide projects and community initiatives.

Director of Discipleship 2024-Current

  • Maintained leading a multi-layered role including: small groups ministry, adult volunteer coordination, adult ministries, church discipleship growth, and assimilation.
  • Managed ministry budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources.
  • Developed and wrote new Biblical curriculum based on church discipleship goals for children and adult ministries.
  • Launched a successful new small groups ministry & adult ministry that resulted in increased participation and attendance at the church.
  • Engaged in ministry coaching and professional networks to strengthen knowledge and formulate new ideas in discipleship ministry.

Communications Director & Facilities Manager

Grace Community Church
01.2016 - 07.2022
  • Developed a multi-tier communication strategy to covey ideas and communicate church activities effectively across multiple communication platforms.
  • Graphic Design using Adobe CS for all church needs: including web design, digital, logo design, print and social media accounts.
  • Engaged in photography and video content media creation.
  • Re-designed church website to improve user experience, content and increase web traffic.
  • Developed key messaging for all external-facing materials to ensure consistency across channels and touchpoints, as well as, increase church growth.
  • Collaborated with publishers and external agencies to comply with copywrite laws when needed.
  • Enhanced sermon series impact by incorporating innovative graphic design components, video content, and written content to increase attendance and understanding of Biblical topics.
  • Designed and delivered t-shirts, brochures, booklets, church swag and other physical printed graphic design projects as needed.
  • Optimized email marketing campaigns for improved open rates, click-throughs, and conversions.
  • Improved social media presence with tailored content strategies for each platform, resulting in higher audience engagement.
  • Implemented large scale graphic campaigns across multiple communication platforms for giving campaigns, church-wide projects and community initiatives.
  • Researched, collaborated and implemented a new church database software to make our communication processes more efficient through volunteer coordination, event registration, facilities calendar, children's "check-in", email and text messaging communication software.
  • Engaged in continuing education through church conferences, communication courses, and graphic design technology training to stay current with our strategies and design techniques.
  • Managed a large church campus with an ongoing cleaning, inspection, maintenance and repair schedule.
  • Managed a team of 3 part-time facilities team assistants with annual performance reviews, hiring, on-boarding, continuing education, and improvement plans as needed.
  • Coordinated multiple large commercial construction projects on the church campus involving multiple sub-contractors, budget requirements and timelines.
  • Provided designs, architectural drawings and finish selections for new construction projects.
  • Maintained facility budgets & timelines for current and future projected projects.
  • Maintained the historic integrity of an 100 year old building on the Historic Registry while creating new spaces for church use.
  • Conducted regular inspections of physical assets, identifying areas for repair or replacement before issues escalated into costly problems.
  • Improved facility efficiency by implementing preventive maintenance plans and streamlining work order processes.
  • Achieved cost savings through negotiating service contracts, leveraging long-term relationships with trusted suppliers.
  • Maintained HVAC, temperature control, electrical and building automation systems.
  • Coordinated events setup and teardown effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to regular facility operations.
  • Managed our volunteer teams for Sunday Mornings including welcome desk, hospitality team, greeters, and audio visual team.
  • Purchased equipment and coordinated installation of new sound system, live stream camera system and audio visual needs during COVID to move to a new online implementation of worship services

Sales Associate & Interior Designer

Marsh Kitchens & Bath
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Residential & Commercial Construction Design & Sales
  • Design & sales of cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, lighting, appliances, furniture, window treatments, paint, and flooring for kitchen and bath remodels, new construction and insurance claims.
  • Presented projects to customers and builders including design selections, architectural renderings, cost of materials and labor, and projected project timeline.
  • Provided architectural drawings and 3D renderings to review with customers and collaborate detailed instruction for subcontractors and installation crews.
  • Coordinated remodel projects by hiring, negotiating and scheduling sub-contractors, city inspectors, and delivery crews.
  • Knowledge and implementation of local residential and commercial building codes.
  • Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies, long term client base and maintaining a high level of product & design knowledge.
  • Built long term relationships with customers and builders to encourage repeat business.
  • Maintained membership of multiple builder networking groups to expand company reach and potential client base.
  • Conducted on site measurements and assessments to accurately order materials and produce budget and cost analysis.
  • Met with vendors to solidify new relationships and achieve competitive pricing for materials and products in the showroom.
  • Aided in design & finish selections for local builders and remodelers at the Parade of Homes that consistently won Gold awards.
  • Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and benefits, influencing purchase decisions.
  • Resolved customer complaints with patience and understanding, restoring customer confidence.

Sales Associate & Interior Designer

Distinctive Designs
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Residential & Commercial Construction Design & Sales
  • Design & sales of demolition, cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, lighting, HVAC & electrical changes, appliances, furniture, window treatments, paint, and flooring for full scale home remodels and additions, new construction and insurance claims.
  • Presented full scope construction projects with design selections, architectural drawings, cost of materials and labor, construction project timeline and expectations for the construction process to residential and commercial customers.
  • Coordinated remodel projects by hiring, negotiating pricing and scheduling with multiple sub-contractors, city inspectors, and crews.
  • Knowledge and implementation of local residential and commercial building codes and specifications to coordinate and pass local building inspections.
  • Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
  • Built long term relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Member of multiple networking groups and builders associations to grow company reach and client base.
  • Conducted on site measurements and assessments to accurately order materials and produce budget and cost analysis.
  • Consistently managed multiple construction projects simultaneously over a multi-county territory in NC.

Sales Marketing Manager & Interior Designer

Carpet One By Henry
01.2006 - 01.2013

Sales Associate & Designer 2006-2011

  • Design & Sales of flooring, finishes, rugs and furniture to homeowners, insurance adjusters, general contractors, remodelers and commercial clients
  • Provided full project proposals including design finish selections, architectural rendering of spaces, cost of materials and labor, construction timeline and providing accurate expectations of the process to the customer
  • Member of multiple industry networking groups to increase client relationships and sales opportunities
  • Participated in vendor trade shows to make design selections for yearly product purchases.
  • Participated in continuing education courses for innovative product and design trends in the marketplace.
  • Participated in yearly sales training courses to increase sales knowledge and strategies.

Sales & Marketing Manager 2011-2013

  • Conducted research on competitors offerings to maintain an informed perspective on market trends.
  • Managed two showroom locations, and a team of 12 Sales Associates.
  • Vendor and manufacturer negation to ensure advantageous pricing and purchasing terms.
  • Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategy and growth.
  • Implemented a new CRM system to streamline our online lead process and drive company growth.
  • Optimized sales processes, streamlining procedures for increased efficiency and better customer service.
  • Improved brand visibility with well-executed promotional campaigns and engaging social media content.
  • Interviewed, hired and on-boarded new Sales Associates.
  • Assessed and conducted bi-annual, and annual performance reviews for Sales Associates.
  • Encouraged personal performance and growth through goal setting and personal improvement plans for Sales Associates as needed.
  • Coordinated trade show participation, showcasing products and building our network with potential partners or clients.
  • Led customer relations management team to provide quick turnaround solutions and de-escalation to any potential concerns.
  • Consistently exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.

Sales Associate & Interior Designer

Deca Interiors
01.2004 - 01.2006
  • Interior Design & Sales of flooring, cabinets, window treatments & furniture to homeowners, remodelers, builders and commercial clients
  • On-site measuring & assessment of spaces
  • Prepared project proposals including design options and renderings; cost of materials, labor, and delivery.
  • Hired and managed installation teams, subcontractors and vendor deliveries to job sites.
  • Prepared accurate and clearly communicated drawings and design instructions for installation crews and subcontractors
  • Collaborated with architects, engineers, end users and contractors to complete projects on time and within budget.
  • Conducted research on competitors offerings to maintain an informed perspective on market trends.
  • Built long term relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
  • Maintained showroom visual appeal to engage customers and promote specific merchandise.
  • Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and benefits, influencing purchase decisions.
  • Attended trade shows and industry events for professional development opportunities.
  • Attended multiple business networking groups to expand company brand presence, build relationships, and increase sales opportunities.

Interior Designer

Interior Solutions
01.2002 - 01.2004
  • Commercial Interior Designer
  • Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and material boards for review and presentation.
  • Developed comprehensive design concepts through sketches, renderings, and 3D models.
  • Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
  • Conducted site visits and meetings with clients to gather necessary information for successful project execution.
  • Developed key client relationships by providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
  • Coordinated with the construction process and collaborated on a team of architects, designers and engineers.
  • Followed Commercial Building codes and ADA compliance.
  • Stayed up-to-date on industry developments by attending trade shows, workshops, and networking events.

Education

BS - Interior Architecture

UNCG
01.2002

Skills

CRM (Salesforce)

Timeline

Director of Discipleship

Gainesville United Methodist Church
07.2022 - Current

Communications Director & Facilities Manager

Grace Community Church
01.2016 - 07.2022

Sales Associate & Interior Designer

Marsh Kitchens & Bath
01.2014 - 01.2016

Sales Associate & Interior Designer

Distinctive Designs
01.2013 - 01.2014

Sales Marketing Manager & Interior Designer

Carpet One By Henry
01.2006 - 01.2013

Sales Associate & Interior Designer

Deca Interiors
01.2004 - 01.2006

Interior Designer

Interior Solutions
01.2002 - 01.2004

BS - Interior Architecture

UNCG
MELONIE PLOTKOWSKIDirector Of Discipleship