Olivia Desjardins, PMP
Washington,DC
Summary
Over 10 years of project management experience leading nearly 100 projects through the entire life cycle of a project. Proven expertise in end-to-end project management, risk identification, and milestone achievement. Highly organized leader with a strong focus on detail, capable of managing diverse teams, and ensuring timely project delivery while maintaining quality standards. Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills that enhance team collaboration and effective problem resolution.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Manager
National Geographic Society
Washington, DC
03.2025 - Current
- Manages and oversees the Project Management Department
- Manages a staff of eight Project Managers and Specialists
- Led cross-functional teams to execute impactful projects aligned with organizational goals.
- Manages a $300+ million building project
- Manages all projects and experiences from conception through final project delivery through contracting, management, timeline, and budget responsibility
- Manages concurrent projects with interdependent work streams across institutional divisions
- Acts as a key interface with internal team members, stakeholders, and leadership.
- Works directly with National Geographic Legal to work on over 100 agreements and contracts
- Ensures projects are completed on time and within budget by developing and maintaining clear and detailed project schedules and budgets that have up-to-date estimates, costs, milestones and timelines.
- Ensure project deliverables meet organization’s standards and expectations
- Implement and enforce best practices and project management methodologies to enhance project outcomes
- Oversee project execution, ensuring adherence to project plans and timelines
- Monitor project progress and performance, implementing adjustments as needed to stay on track
Guest Lecturer
The George Washington University
Washington, DC
01.2020 - Current
- Delivers engaging lectures on advanced topics in Project Management and Administration
- Designs course materials for Undergraduate and Graduate courses with the MBA program and Nonprofit Management
Senior Project Manager
George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
Washington, DC
12.2017 - 03.2025
- Led and managed project scope, timeline and budget in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Developed and implemented project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives
- Served as the primary point of contact for stakeholders to communicate project status and address concerns
- Developed project plans and strategies to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather input and address project concerns collaboratively.
- Managed budgets and resource allocations for multiple concurrent projects successfully.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute impactful projects aligned with organizational goals
- Coordinated project timelines and resources to ensure timely delivery of initiatives.
- Assessed, organized, and improved efficiencies of project planning and implementation procedures
- Oversaw, updated, and maintained systems, processes, and workflows to assure the timely and effective implementation of the exhibition program
- Liaised between senior management, project team members and clients to ensure effective communication throughout the duration of the project.
- Created detailed reports on project status, issues, risks and opportunities.
- Negotiated contracts with third-party vendors when necessary.
- Resolved conflicts between team members in order to maintain productivity levels.
Coordinator of New Project Development
International Arts & Artists
Washington, DC
01.2017 - 11.2017
- Developed all RFPs for potential projects.
- Received all proposal information from potential lender; CVs, images, exhibition details, and proposal form.
- Circulated all RFP materials to proposal committee.
- Conducted and led proposal meetings once a month.
- Collected all responses from the proposal committee to bring back to potential lender.
- Part of the deciding factor whether to accept or decline a proposed project.
- Seted up and led meetings with potential lenders; artists, collectors, museums, or individuals.
- Created potential budget and lender agreement for accepted proposed projects.
Project Manager
International Arts & Artists
Washington, DC
05.2016 - 11.2017
- Led project teams to execute arts initiatives and cultural programs.
- Served as the main point of contact for the organizing institution or independent curator and lender.
- Worked with lender to determine scope and provided as a liaison throughout the duration of the project.
- Managed budgets and resources for multiple concurrent projects.
- Developed project timelines and ensured adherence to deadlines.
- Facilitated communication between artists, stakeholders, and team members.
- Oversaw contract negotiations with vendors and service providers.
- Implemented best practices in project management methodologies and tools.
- Supervised all exhibition, curatorial, and marketing internships.
- Trained all new Project Managers on development, marketing, and contract procedures.
- Maintained records of all documents related to each project including specifications, change orders, invoices.
- Collaborated closely with senior management on long-term strategic planning initiatives related to projects in development or execution stages.
Project Manager
Arlington Arts Center
Arlington, VA
01.2016 - 05.2016
- Registered over 100 images and works of art
- Led project teams to execute arts initiatives and cultural programs.
- Coordinated logistics for exhibitions and events across various locations.
- Managed budgets and resources for multiple concurrent projects.
- Helped create and facilitate programs and events surrounding exhibitions
- Received, reviewed, and responded to hundreds of exhibition proposals
- Conducted condition reports on all artwork
- Sent out loan agreements to all artists
- Wrote press releases and coordinates gallery talks and other public programs
- Researched all current and future exhibitions and all 12 resident artists
- Worked collaboratively with the education, development, and marketing departments
Education
Master of Arts - Arts Administration/Management
George Mason University
Arlington, VA01-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK01-2014
Skills
- Project management and oversight
- Contract negotiation
- Budget and scope management
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Timeline management
- Risk assessment
- Team leadership
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Multi-project coordination
- Goal setting and milestones
- Training and mentoring
Timeline
Senior Project Manager
National Geographic Society
03.2025 - Current
Guest Lecturer
The George Washington University
01.2020 - Current
Senior Project Manager
George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
12.2017 - 03.2025
Coordinator of New Project Development
International Arts & Artists
01.2017 - 11.2017
Project Manager
International Arts & Artists
05.2016 - 11.2017
Project Manager
Arlington Arts Center
01.2016 - 05.2016
Master of Arts - Arts Administration/Management
George Mason University
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
University of Oklahoma