Sophie Binns
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
Highly analytical and results-driven business strategist and analyst, project manager, and technical writer with a proven track record in developing and implementing innovative strategies to drive business growth and maximize profitability. Exceptional in grant writing with an 80% success rate, securing over $3 million in funds for non-profits. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, excelling in market analysis, project management, and process improvement.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grant Writer
Freelance
Salt Lake City, UT
04.2020 - Current
- Crafted compelling grant proposals for a variety of organizations, leading to significant funding awards.
- Conducted thorough research to identify potential funding sources and aligned non-profit objectives with donor priorities.
- Provided strategic advice on fundraising approaches and grant management.
- Completed grant writing course, gaining practical experience to obtain knowledge of grant application policies and procedures.
- Obtained pertinent organizational financial reports and other data to support grant applications and funding proposals.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with donors and stakeholders, enhancing funding opportunities and collaborations
Business Consultant and Technical Writer
Axiom Business Strategies
Salt Lake City, UT
02.2023 - Current
- Collaborate with startup founders and executives to analyze business objectives, assess market dynamics, and develop tailored growth strategies.
- Lead and manage a diverse team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment that leverages a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives to drive innovative solutions and achieve objectives.
- Guide startups in refining business models, optimizing value propositions, and developing go-to-market strategies that enhance market penetration.
- Conduct comprehensive market research, competitor analysis, and industry trends assessment to inform strategic decision-making.
- Leverage financial modeling and forecasting techniques to evaluate business opportunities and recommend actionable initiatives.
- Provide mentorship to startup teams, offering insights on product development, fundraising strategies, and effective scaling methods.
- Maintain and adhere to strict confidentiality requirements.
- Deliver compelling presentations and reports to communicate strategic recommendations, fostering alignment and driving informed decision-making among stakeholders.
Business Strategy Project Manager
ConvrtX
Toronto, ON
01.2021 - 06.2023
- Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing market positioning and driving revenue growth.
- Managed cross-functional teams, including marketing, finance, and operations, to ensure seamless execution of projects and achievement of milestones.
- Managed a remote team of 25 people from 12 different countries across the world.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential project setbacks.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to define project scopes, objectives, and success criteria, aligning project goals with overall business strategy.
- Developed detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets, tracking progress and ensuring on-time and within-budget project delivery.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings and presentations, effectively communicating project status, risks, and recommendations to drive informed decision-making.
- Implemented change management strategies to ensure smooth adoption of new processes and technologies.
- Collaborated with startup founders to analyze business objectives, assess market dynamics, and develop tailored growth strategies.
- Evaluated existing project management processes and workflows, implementing improvements that increased efficiency and reduced bottlenecks.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced project delivery methods, resulting in streamlined processes and higher-quality outputs.
- Fostered a culture of learning and growth, encouraging team members to share insights and ideas for process enhancement.
- Proficient in translating complex technical concepts into clear and understandable language for non-technical stakeholders, fostering effective communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Senior Business Analyst and Strategist
ConvrtX
Toronto, ON
08.2019 - 06.2023
- Supported leadership team with reporting, analysis, and business presentations to inform divisional strategies.
- Conducted in-depth data analysis using SQL, Excel, and data visualization tools to extract insights and trends.
- Developed comprehensive business process maps, identifying bottlenecks and recommending process improvements.
- Leveraged financial modeling and forecasting techniques to evaluate business opportunities and recommend actionable initiatives.
- Supported the formulation of long-term business strategies, aligning company goals with market demands and competitive dynamics.
- Prepared executive-level presentations and reports, effectively communicating complex insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Conducted in-depth market research and analysis to identify growth opportunities, emerging trends, and competitive threats, informing strategic decision-making.
- Helped over 300 startups across diverse industries, providing strategic planning, business analysis, and investor relations services.
- Assisted startups in defining vision, mission, and business objectives, resulting in the creation of comprehensive business plans.
- Developed compelling pitch decks, effectively conveying value propositions and growth potential to secure investments from angel investors, venture capitalists, and crowdfunding campaigns.
General Manager
Chili's Bar And Grill
Salt Lake City, UT
01.2015 - 03.2019
- Led a team of 8 to 20 employees in achieving operational objectives, ensuring high levels of productivity and quality.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial analysis processes, optimizing resource allocation and improving profitability.
- Implemented performance management systems to track individual and team performance, providing regular feedback and coaching to drive continuous improvement.
- Implemented process improvement initiatives, resulting in increased productivity and reduced ticket times.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers, vendors, and internal teams, to drive collaboration and achieve business objectives.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Business Analytics
Harvard Business School
Cambridge, MA05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT05.2014
High School Diploma -
Rowland Hall St Marks High School
Salt Lake City, UT06.2010
Skills
- Strategic planning and execution
- Grant writing and fundraising
- Market analysis and research
- Competitive intelligence
- Financial analysis and forecasting
- Business process improvement
- Data-driven decision making
- Project management
- Business plan and pitch deck development
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Excellent soft skills, and written and verbal communication skills
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, G Suite, Tableau, Quickbooks, and project management software
- Experience with multiple project management tools including Trello, Microsoft Project, and Monday
Certification
Certificate: Business Intelligence, 2022
Corporate Finance Institute
Certificate: Dashboards & Data Visualization, 2022
Corporate Finance Institute
Certificate: Statistics Fundamentals, 2022
Corporate Finance Institute
Certificate: Reading Financial Statements, 2022
Corporate Finance Institute
Certificate: Assessing Drivers of Business Growth, 2022
Corporate Finance Institute
Certificate: Professional Ethics, 2022
Corporate Finance Institute
Certificate: SQL Fundamentals, 2022
Corporate Finance Institute
Timeline
Business Consultant and Technical Writer
Axiom Business Strategies
02.2023 - Current
Business Strategy Project Manager
ConvrtX
01.2021 - 06.2023
Grant Writer
Freelance
04.2020 - Current
Senior Business Analyst and Strategist
ConvrtX
08.2019 - 06.2023
General Manager
Chili's Bar And Grill
01.2015 - 03.2019
Graduate Certificate - Business Analytics
Harvard Business School
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Utah
High School Diploma -
Rowland Hall St Marks High School