NICOLE PILGRIM
Macomb,MI
Summary
Accomplished Operations and Human Resource Executive with over 20 years’ experience proactive in meeting organizational issues head-on with creative and innovative approach. Offering outstanding communication and cross-cultural management skills, adept at creating strategic alliances, and creating a culture of belonging and achievement. Ambitious leader of people certified by the Society for Human Resource Management in both SHRM-CP and Inclusive Workforce with a strong consulting and coaching background ready to serve employees at all levels. Expertise in strategic planning, process improvement, and resource management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Operations Officer
Matrix Human Services
11.2024 - Current
- Lead the strategic direction and daily operations of the organization.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, fostering collaboration between departments for optimal operational results.
- Serve as the organization's Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Integrator.
- Increase FTE efficiency and reduced salary and wage expense by $200k in first 60 days.
- Focus on people, program development, and operational efficiency.
- Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Leverage data-driven decision-making to align services with the community's evolving needs.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute high-impact projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, fostering collaboration between departments for optimal operational results.
- Increase revenue by optimizing leasing opportunities, partnerships, and continuous cost review.
- Reduced operational loss by $72,000 in first 60 days.
- Streamline operations by implementing process improvements and optimizing resource allocation.
Vice President Human Resources
Matrix Human Services
12.2023 - 10.2024
- Planned, organized, and led strategic vision for 19 locations and 500 employees.
- Directed a full staff of HR professionals, including recruitment, learning & development, payroll, generalists, business partners, analysts, and benefits.
- Developed and calibrated performance management systems to ensure high standards of performance across all teams.
- Monitored budgets and implemented cost-saving measures across departments.
- Researched and implemented competitive employee fringe benefit packages and wellness programs to recruit and retain top talent.
- Conducted equity audits to maintain inclusion and belonging efforts and equal pay adherence.
- Facilitated workforce planning for long-term staffing, succession planning, and internal staff growth
- Negotiated collective bargaining agreements as chief negotiator, settled grievances, and participated in arbitration as necessary
- Acted as a business partner and consultant to organizational leaders on employee relations issues.
- Reduced legal risks by proactively addressing potential workplace disputes and effectively managing conflict resolution processes.
- Spearheaded succession planning initiatives to identify emerging leaders within the organization and prepare them for future roles.
- Managed the successful restructuring of human resources teams across multiple locations, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency.
Executive Director, Employee & Labor Relations
Grosse Pointe Public School System
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Plan, lead, direct, train, develop, and coordinate policies, activities, and strategic vision for 7,000 students and 1,000 staff members
- Chief contract negotiator.
- Maintain optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates
- Forecast expected personnel demands and developed forward-thinking approaches to achieve objectives
- Direct each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding (full employment cycle)
- Successfully bargaining all union group contracts within Board parameters for 6 negotiation cycles
- Participate in the resolution of any grievances or arbitration
- Successfully partner with CFO balancing $100 million dollar budget
- Establish and manage inclusion and diversity strategies including hiring of diverse staff, analyzing policies/benefits to ensure equity, improve cultural awareness, implemented ERG's, and encourage change agency across leadership
- Authored and executed pulse survey's to enhance employee engagement strategies
- Effective coach and consultant to full leadership team
- Experienced gender and sexual harassment investigator, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA compliance officer
- Developed performance management system improving feedback effectiveness to staff
- Analyze and recommend benefit structures that are inclusive and improve employee satisfaction
- Research and implement competitive compensation structures for non-union groups
- Organized a streamlined benefit open enrollment improving efficiency and employee understanding
- Maintain human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws
- Assist in employee appraisals, promotions and terminations based on performance reviews
Director of Human Resources
Grosse Pointe Public School System
01.2016 - 06.2022
- Plan, lead, direct, train, develop, and coordinate policies, activities, and strategic vision for 7,000 students and 1,000 staff members.
- Maintain optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
- Forecast expected personnel demands and developed forward-thinking approaches to achieve objectives.
- Direct each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding (full employment cycle).
- Successfully bargaining all union group contracts within Board parameters for 6 negotiation cycles.
- Participate in the resolution of any grievances or arbitration.
- Successfully partner with CFO balancing $100 million dollar budget.
- Establish and manage inclusion and belonging strategies including hiring of diverse staff, analyzing policies/benefits to ensure equity, improve cultural awareness, implemented ERG's, and encourage change agency across leadership.
- Authored and executed pulse survey's to enhance employee engagement strategies.
- Effective coach and consultant to full leadership team.
- Experienced gender and sexual harassment investigator, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA compliance officer.
- Developed performance management system improving feedback effectiveness to staff.
Enrollment Manager
Apollo Education Group
11.2006 - 01.2016
- Business leader responsible for talent management, performance, culture, morale, training and development, strategic planning, and departmental outcomes for Detroit, Chicago, and Cleveland Campuses
- Successfully recruited, interviewed, screened, and onboard non-faculty campus staff
- Monitored and analyzed daily activity levels and performance trends of senior level recruiters winning several awards
- Partnered with Phoenix based HRBP to develop organizational strategies to improve employee productivity
- Develop plans to maintain organizational and employee integrity through workforce reduction and organizational change
- Also, partner with Regional HRBP on local and state employment law
- EEOC investigation
- Executed and planned continuing education and employee engagement/retention
- Risk management through appropriate documentation, review of employee practices, and observation
- Support/Consult University of Phoenix Academic Affairs Department employees including Faculty & College Campus Chairs on instructor growth and development opportunities
- Ensured company core values are represented to internal and external customers
- Developed and executed student support strategies resulting in student retention and satisfaction
- Facilitated town hall discussions to implement a new performance-based compensation plan
- Provided effective communication to staff on expectations, accountability, and follow-up
- Fulfill compliance in a regulated environment
Education
Graduate Certificate - Human Resource Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZMaster of Arts - E. S
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational leadership
- Operational excellence
- Profitability improvement
- Operations management
- Decision-Making
- Excellent Communication
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Remote/Hybrid Leadership
- Change and Growth Management
- Leadership and People Development
- Leadership Consulting
- Executive leadership
- Performance management
- Change management
Affiliations
- Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Integrator
- Michigan Department of Civil Rights Council on Educational Equity & Inclusion Council Member 2019-2023
- Greater Metroplitan Association of Realtors (GMAR)
Certification
- Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) - Society for Human Resource Management.
- SHRM Learning System Participant – Society for Human Resource Management. Inclusive Workforce & Talent Acquisition
Timeline
Chief Operations Officer
Matrix Human Services
11.2024 - Current
Vice President Human Resources
Matrix Human Services
12.2023 - 10.2024
Executive Director, Employee & Labor Relations
Grosse Pointe Public School System
07.2022 - 12.2023
Director of Human Resources
Grosse Pointe Public School System
01.2016 - 06.2022
Enrollment Manager
Apollo Education Group
11.2006 - 01.2016
- Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) - Society for Human Resource Management.
- SHRM Learning System Participant – Society for Human Resource Management. Inclusive Workforce & Talent Acquisition
Graduate Certificate - Human Resource Management
University of Phoenix
Master of Arts - E. S
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
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