Otisa Davis
Administrative Manager
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Experienced Administrative Manager with a proven track record of success in government administration, public finance, strategic planning, and data analysis. Skilled in guiding organizational operations through effective human resources management and city governance practices. Recognized for driving efficiency by implementing process improvements, fostering cross-department collaboration, and making data-informed decisions. Proactive problem solver with a history of managing high-impact projects, optimizing administrative systems, and delivering measurable results in fast-paced environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
2024
2024
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Administrative Manager
City of Chicago Office of Budget Management
08.2024 - Current
- Lead all daily administrative operations and provide executive-level support to OBM leadership to ensure department-wide efficiency.
- Work in close partnership with the Budget Director on hiring strategy, budget development, grant planning, and contract management.
- Manage full-cycle hiring, including budget assessment, A-form submission, interview coordination, and onboarding with DHR.
- Supervise payroll processing for 1,700+ employees, ensuring timely and accurate bi-weekly submissions and approvals.
- Oversee and guide administrative staff in procurement, onboarding, supply inventory, and facilities management.
- Coordinate vendor payments and reconcile accounts payable with the Department of Finance, ensuring compliance with procurement policies.
- Collaborate with leadership to prepare annual budget requests and produce financial reports for corporate and grant-funded programs.
- Administer personnel programs including employee relations, onboarding, progressive discipline, and performance support.
- Standardize administrative procedures and lead process improvements that drive operational efficiency and cost savings.
- Prepare and submit federal and state grant applications, ensuring full compliance with all funding requirements.
- Advise senior leadership on staffing plans, personnel policy, and budgetary planning aligned with strategic department goals.
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
Chicago Department of Transportation
05.2022 - 08.2024
- ead the department’s hiring initiatives and manage a team overseeing human resources, timekeeping, and payroll operations to ensure high efficiency and accuracy.
- Serve as the department’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) liaison, conducting investigations and preparing detailed summary reports on complaints.
- Act as the department’s chief human resource officer, overseeing employee recruitment, onboarding, training, records, and employee relations.
- Direct monthly 'Acting Up' reporting and compliance documentation for DHR and the Office of the Inspector General.
- Collaborate with department heads to prepare personnel budgets, establish work standards, and evaluate staff performance.
- Generate and analyze Oracle and Business Objects reports to support strategic decisions and manage fiscal responsibilities.
- Administer personnel actions including appointments, promotions, separations, and leave management with strict compliance.
- Provide strategic labor relations support, guiding managers on collective bargaining agreements and workplace concerns.
- Spearhead the coordination of interviews, hiring, and onboarding to improve recruitment outcomes and employee quality.
- Act as key liaison with other City departments on personnel and budget matters, ensuring streamlined communication and execution.
- Developed and tracked a $549 million annual operations budget, ensuring fiscal discipline and operational alignment.
HUMAN RESOURCES PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR
Chicago Department of Aviation
05.2021 - 05.2022
- ead a dedicated team in preparing and processing payroll for 1,800 employees, ensuring timely and accurate paycheck distribution, attendance tracking, and overtime reporting.
- Reviewed, approved, and authorized critical payroll documents, maintaining strict compliance with salary regulations and internal controls.
- Developed and enforced procedures for accurate payroll recordkeeping, significantly improving operational accuracy and audit readiness.
- Served as principal liaison with other City departments, ensuring seamless execution of payroll cycles and fulfillment of all reporting requirements.
- Provided expert guidance to management and staff on complex payroll and timekeeping matters, fostering compliance and best practices.
- Implemented data processing improvements to integrate contractual changes into payroll systems with minimal disruption.
- Coordinated data collection and analysis for special payroll initiatives, including voluntary deductions, charitable contributions, and benefits tracking.
- Collaborated with DHR on classification, recruitment strategies, and hiring process improvements to support talent acquisition goals.
- Partnered with senior leadership to streamline recruitment workflows, enhancing onboarding efficiency and employee satisfaction.
- Managed preparation and accuracy of HR transactions including appointments, promotions, and terminations.
- Utilized Oracle and Business Objects to generate actionable reports for strategic planning and financial oversight.
- Supported annual operating budget development and maintained department expenditure records, ensuring alignment with fiscal priorities.
MANAGER OF OPERATION/ TALENT ACQUISITION
Chicago Police Department
04.2019 - 05.2021
- Delivered comprehensive administrative and technical support across a broad spectrum of HR functions, including Recruitment, Staffing, Employee Benefits, Labor Relations, and Performance Management.
- Spearheaded the execution of data analysis and the development of insightful reports and presentations, enhancing strategic decision-making processes.
- Drafted internal operating procedures and conducted in-depth research on HR issues, ensuring operational excellence and adherence to best practices.
- Offered expert consultative services to address stakeholders' needs, crafting tailored responses to HR cases and formulating strategic recommendations to guide leadership decisions.
- Conducted thorough investigations into HR inquiries, applying quantitative and qualitative analysis to unravel complex HR trends and issues, driving program effectiveness and policy enhancements.
- Produced and delivered clear, concise HR reports and communications, utilizing advanced software tools to streamline information dissemination.
- Developed and led engaging briefings, visual presentations, and training sessions for stakeholders, fostering an informed and skilled workforce.
- Managed approximately 30 incoming calls, emails and faxes per day from customers.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Human Resources-Management
Master of Education - undefined
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology-Communication
Skills
Project Management
Certification
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), 12/01/22
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Supervised team of 20 staff members.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
Profile
https://bold.pro/my/raquel%2Dbuckner/793r
Timeline
Administrative Manager - City of Chicago Office of Budget Management
08.2024 - Current
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION - Chicago Department of Transportation
05.2022 - 08.2024
HUMAN RESOURCES PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR - Chicago Department of Aviation
05.2021 - 05.2022
MANAGER OF OPERATION/ TALENT ACQUISITION - Chicago Police Department
04.2019 - 05.2021
Northern Illinois University - Master of Education,
Northern Illinois University - Bachelor of Arts, Sociology-Communication
Saint Xavier University - Master of Business Administration, Human Resources-Management
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