Michelle Cuartas
Miami,FL
Summary
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR/ NON-PROFIT PROGRAM DIRECTOR /GRANT MANAGER/ COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Versatile Managing Director with proven abilities across all levels of organizational management. Talented in developing partnerships, overseeing personnel and developing tactical plans to meet strategic goals. Proven leader with significant background in [Area of expertise].
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Unity On The Bay
06.2022 - Current
- Contributed to the development of Unity on the Bay’s strategic goals and objectives.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Acted as Staff Liaison and Project Manager for the organization's strategic oversight and the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
- Supported the Executive Team and Board of Trustees in developing processes for ongoing organizational assessments.
- Spearheaded administrative, programmatic, and operational oversight
- Planned and executed day-to-day operations, fundraising, and program management strategies.
- Utilized performance metrics and quality indicators to measure programmatic and operational success.
- Created opportunities for fundraising and cultivation events.
- Represented the organization in banking, rental, and contract negotiations.
- Managed vendor relations and agreements, acting as the main contact with the IT service provider for equipment and software support.
- Directed human resource functions related to salary administration, employee benefits, onboarding/offboarding, and maintenance of personnel files.
- Attracted, retained, and provided training and development for staff and lay leadership.
- Promoted a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
- Instituted and utilized an effective performance management system for all employees, including annual goal setting and evaluation.
Senior Director of Programs and Community Partnerships
Amigos for Kids
07.2019 - 07.2022
- Develop, implement, and manage engagement strategies to expand participation and support of local community, including local politicians, Dept
- Of Family Services, Miami-Dade School Board, and Universities/Colleges
- Oversee operations for two grant-funded youth and parenting programs, implementing strategic goals, and planning, managing three Program Managers with 15-20 direct reports, overseeing auditing, and compliance
- Spearhead hiring for both programs, from initial application/resume review to interviewing and offers, championing diversity amongst new staff that reflects diverse population of students and parents served
- Write grants, proposals, and pitches, managing portfolio of private and corporate foundation, and government funders, from handling writing letters of inquiry and proposals to maintaining accurate records.
Operations Manager
Opa-locka Community Development Corporation
11.2017 - 07.2019
- Spearheaded administrative, programmatic, and operational oversight, collaborating with the President, CEO, and COO to plan and execute day to day operations, fundraising, and program management strategies
- Monitored budget and expense reports, generating communication regarding budget processes and status, overseeing office supply line items, and managing vendor relations and agreements for IT, HR, and facilities
- Oversaw all risk management controls, ensuring compliance with all state, local, fire and safety regulations, negotiating liability insurance and corporate renewals, and managing all HR audits and Board of Director policies.
Program Manager, Wallace Grant- Principal-Supervisor Initiative
New York City Department of Education - Office of School Support and Supervision
07.2015 - 06.2017
- Managed, tracked, and evaluated $750k Wallace Grant by ensuring proper distribution of funds and certifying that all funded programs were on budget and operated in timely accordance with prescribed timeframes
- Collaborated with Executive Superintendent of Leadership to design and implement leadership learning programs, including establishing best practices and optimizing processes through ongoing change management
- Created and managed relationships with top stakeholders, including teams within the Dept
- Of Education, Wallace Foundation, superintendents, principal leadership facilitators, and outside partners from universities/colleges.
Legal Associate/ Special Assistant to the Chief Deputy Counsel
New York City Department of Education
08.2012 - 07.2015
- Managed legal services database as well as produced and maintained spreadsheets and reports for the General Counsel and Deputy Counsels to track and measure office workflow and case resolutions
- Supervised project database for all incoming Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests; increased timeliness of responses over the last year and delivered and met goals ahead of schedule
- Served as liaison for the Office of the General Counsel, collaborating with over 15 intra-agency units including the Office of the Chancellor and the Press Office, and external agencies such as the State Education Department to ensure statutory and regulatory compliance and project effectiveness.
Education
Master of Science in International/ Intercultural Education -
Florida International University
Miami, FLBachelor of Arts in Television & Radio/Latino Studies -
CUNY - Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NYCertificate of Project Management and Certificate of Leadership Development -
Neighborhood Works Conference
Pittsburgh, PAFlorida Employment Law Seminar -
Whiting & Associates Inc.
West Palm Beach, FLSkills
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Process Improvement
- Leadership Training
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Oversight
- Data Analysis
- Team Leadership
- Budget Management
- Project Management
- Employee Reviews
- Staff Hiring
- Staff Management
Volunteer Affiliations
- Unity of the Bay, Board of Directors, Miami, FL, 11/2020, Present
- International Youth Fellowship (IYF) English Camp, Head Teacher, Delmas, 07/2013, 08/2014
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Director of Operations
Unity On The Bay
06.2022 - Current
Senior Director of Programs and Community Partnerships
Amigos for Kids
07.2019 - 07.2022
Operations Manager
Opa-locka Community Development Corporation
11.2017 - 07.2019
Program Manager, Wallace Grant- Principal-Supervisor Initiative
New York City Department of Education - Office of School Support and Supervision
07.2015 - 06.2017
Legal Associate/ Special Assistant to the Chief Deputy Counsel
New York City Department of Education
08.2012 - 07.2015
Master of Science in International/ Intercultural Education -
Florida International University
Bachelor of Arts in Television & Radio/Latino Studies -
CUNY - Brooklyn College
Certificate of Project Management and Certificate of Leadership Development -
Neighborhood Works Conference
Florida Employment Law Seminar -
Whiting & Associates Inc.
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