Tamara N. Smith

• Developed and executed regional strategy, implementation, and metrics, including programmatic, fund development, team culture, and public affairs.
• Maintained accountability for operational and fiscal integrity, effectively managing the regional budget.
• Cultivated and stewarded strong donor relationships, and provided long-term institutional sustainability to drive strategic impact across Delaware.
• Lead critical partner acquisition and management of a variety of stakeholders, toward diversifying revenue streams.
• Convened and catalyzed a community-centered coalition of champions and leaders to advance systems change in education, and cultivate the conditions required for students to thrive across Delaware.
• Oversaw the management and operations of the regional advisory board and development.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Secured $1M in new federal funding for STEM and BIPOC teacher development in Delaware
• Developed novice educator modules for external partners, leading to an increase of 15% to 25% in revenue annually.
• Established Teach For America's first HBCU partnership with Delaware State University to create fully funded pathways toward certification and an advanced degree to combat educator diversity and talent challenges.
• Brokered partnerships with new and lapsed school districts across Delaware for talent acquisition and advanced leadership development.
• Successfully launched a pilot program for Social Emotional Learning curriculum for Delaware educators during the height of the COVID-19 epidemic, leading to sustained academic growth for students.

• Managed and led the short- and long-term strategies for turnaround efforts, including academic and operational aspects, for over 350 students, and 100 staff members.
• Assessed, developed, and executed schoolwide systems to ensure academic excellence and sustainable operational systems.
• Managed the school budget with fidelity, which included state, federal, and private funds.
• Supported and developed a cultivation strategy for new funding resources to enhance the financial health of the school.
• Partnered with the Great Oaks Foundation in promoting good governance, and cultivating and managing external relationships.
• Rigorous, measurable leadership development coaching of the school leadership team and the operations team.
• Managed and executed citywide school recruitment targets to ensure adequate funding and pipeline development.
• Supported the build-out of the high school program and charter renewal process in compliance with the state of Connecticut.

• Developed and executed a compelling vision and strategy, directly aligned with Teach For America's strategic direction, priorities, and breakthrough results, and with the vision, charge, and theory of action.
• Lead the strategy and design of enterprise culture and community toward the advancement of member engagement.
• Developed, executed, and led culture and adult learning design and execution for the largest summit at Teach For America for program staff.
• Created and sustained an alumni culture strategy toward alumni mobilization around issues of justice and equity, and national and regional initiatives.
• Managed the team budget and ensured fiscal responsibility for all members and funds.
• Coached and developed team members toward personal growth, development, and individual professional outcomes.

• Developed and executed a long-term strategic plan and vision for alumni impact at the classroom, school, district, and state level that worked to dismantle unjust structures and promote equity in Connecticut
• Created and sustained an alumni culture that respects the diversity of Teach For America, and inspired alumni to mobilize around issues of justice and equity.
• Built strong external relationships with partners, including political and community organizations, nonprofit organizations, universities, and charter management organizations.
• Launched and mobilized the regional chapter of The Collective, Teach For America's Alumni of Color Association.
• Served as a member of the regional leadership team, which directed and executed the regional vision and strategy.
• Worked with the Regional Advisory Board toward ambitious outcomes of growth, via partnerships and fund development.
• Coached and developed team members and regional staff toward personal growth, development, and individual professional outcomes.

• Represented Congressman Andrews within the designated area of responsibility, including meeting with constituents, verbal and written communication with constituents, and served as a liaison with federal, district, and local agencies.
• Led local, complex project implementation in education, immigration, and economic development initiatives across the District.
• Planned, coordinated, and monitored legislative development within designated committees.
• Managed and trained staff assistants and interns on constituent services.

• Managed the school operations team, building engineer, and janitorial staff.
• Ensured the school operations team tracked and reported all key data (academic, cultural, attendance) with fidelity.
• Cultivated and developed relationships and partnerships in the local community and with the School District of Philadelphia.
• Coordinated after-school programs and disability claims for schools and students.
• Worked with the School Culture Team to positively reinforce and execute behavioral programs and a reward system.

• Management of client relations with major donors, corporate partnerships, and foundations and developed marketing materials, including press releases and portfolios
• Managed the development and implementation of the instructional program for all educators.
• Supervised and directed subject content personnel as assigned, and ensured alignment with NJCCS and evaluation of educational programs and services.
• Served as the School Test Coordinator, which included the implementation of Stanford 10, NJ ASK, and Benchmark exams.
• Managed 8th-grade students in the high school application process, including coordination of onsite visits and parent conferences.