Organizational Operations & People Services
Open To Work
SUSANA SANTANA
Symmetry Financial Group
Los Angeles,CA
Work Preference
Job Search Status:
Open to work
Desired Job Title
Program DirectorOperations Director
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkConsultingGig Work
Location Preference
RemoteHybrid
Location:
Los Angeles, CAGlendale, CAPasadena, CAMontrose, CALa Canada Flintridge, CA
Open to relocation:
Yes
Communications and nonprofit executive leader with 15+ years of experience translating organizational priorities into strategic initiatives, communication plans, stakeholder engagement, and measurable organizational outcomes. Experienced partnering with executive leadership, community organizations, boards, donors, volunteers, and cross-functional teams to advance mission-driven objectives and strengthen organizational visibility and effectiveness. Master’s degree in Communication Management with a background spanning nonprofit leadership, government initiatives, media production, organizational development, and complex project execution.
22
Years of experience
2
Language
Work History
Licensed Life & Health Insurance Broker
2 Years 4 Months
Symmetry Financial Group - Los Angeles, CA | 06.2024 - Current
- Advise individuals and families on life insurance, mortgage protection, and final expense planning, translating complex information into clear, audience-centered conversations.
- Research and evaluate insurance solutions across more than 30 carriers and manage client relationships through underwriting and policy issuance.
- Coordinate with insurance carriers to resolve underwriting and service issues while maintaining strong client communication and service standards.
- Calculated quotes and educated potential clients on insurance options.
- Recommended type and amount of coverage based on analysis of customers' circumstances using persuasive sales techniques.
Project Manager with LA County (Executive Fellow)
1 Year
FUSE - Los Angeles, CA | 10.2024 - 10.2025
- Managed strategic initiatives focused on improving homeless service delivery across Los Angeles County.
- Collaborated with County leadership and community partners to prioritize recommendations and translate strategic priorities into implementation actions.
- Developed implementation strategies and communication plans supporting countywide initiatives.
- Assisted in establishing performance metrics, accountability measures, and community engagement strategies.
Deputy Executive Director
7 Years 9 Months
St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA | 10.2016 - 07.2024
- Partnered with executive leadership on organizational strategy, fundraising initiatives, grant proposals, donor communications, and strategic planning.
- Translated organizational priorities and program objectives into initiatives, communication strategies, and implementation plans supporting multiple departments and programs.
- Built collaborative relationships with executive leadership, board members, community organizations, volunteers, vendors, and other stakeholders.
- Developed organizational systems that improved efficiency and strengthened internal communications across departments.
- Implemented online communication platforms supporting hybrid operations and virtual events.
- Directed complex cross-functional initiatives involving multiple departments, competing priorities, external partners, budgets, and deadlines.
- Managed organizational budgets, financial administration, compliance, and reporting while supporting long-term planning and organizational effectiveness.
- Negotiated vendor contracts resulting in annual savings exceeding $25,000.
Deputy Director / Associate Executive Director
5 Years 3 Months
St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA | 07.2011 - 10.2016
- Led regional organizational expansion resulting in a 40% increase and the establishment of 44 new chapters.
- Increased participation in regional conferences and leadership training by 50% through strategic planning, outreach, coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
- Planned and executed conferences, annual meetings, leadership retreats, and organizational events ranging from small workshops to more than 1,000 attendees.
- Developed grant-funded organizational initiatives supporting long-term systems change.
- Built collaborative relationships with volunteers, board members, community organizations, and executive leadership.
- Managed event logistics, vendor negotiations, contracts, budgets, scheduling, and risk management.
Assistant Manager, Post Production
6 Years 8 Months
USC School of Cinematic Arts - Los Angeles, CA | 11.2004 - 07.2011
- Coordinated daily operations supporting post-production facilities serving faculty and students in a media-production environment.
- Streamlined reservation and workstation assignment processes to improve operational efficiency and user experience.
- Developed inventory management systems for digital media assets and equipment.
- Conducted orientations and provided technical support for editing facilities and classroom instruction.
- Supported faculty, staff, and students in maintaining efficient workflows throughout production labs.
Education
Master of Communication Management
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
University of California, Los Angeles
Associate of Arts - Telecommunications
Pasadena City College
Skills
Strategic Communications
Organizational Storytelling
Executive & Stakeholder Communications
Community Engagement
Strategic Planning
Cross-Functional Leadership
Organizational Development
Change Management
Websites
ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS
Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Timeline
Project Manager with LA County (Executive Fellow)
FUSE
10.2024 - 10.2025Read more
Licensed Life & Health Insurance Broker
Symmetry Financial Group
06.2024 - CurrentRead more
Deputy Executive Director
St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles
10.2016 - 07.2024Read more
Deputy Director / Associate Executive Director
St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles
07.2011 - 10.2016Read more
Assistant Manager, Post Production
USC School of Cinematic Arts
11.2004 - 07.2011Read more
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism - Master of Communication Management,
Read more
University of California, Los Angeles - Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications
Read more
Pasadena City College - Associate of Arts, Telecommunications
Read more