Tara Thompson
Senior Business Coordinator
Flossmoor,IL
Summary
Process-optimizing administrative professional with 10+ years of experience demonstrating high administrative output to support executive team with business-related tasks. Excel in simplifying systems, reducing paperwork, and solving key problems with the utmost urgency. Conduit of positive energy channeling expertise to improve performance within operations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Procurement Officer
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL
08.2021 - Current
- Contacts vendors to verify pricing, delivery/lead terms, and to request required forms related to requisitions and potential orders
- Investigates complaints from departments and vendors/contractors and problems arising from the procurement of commodities; determines an appropriate action to resolve vendor/contractor grievances and claims against suppliers
- Prepares reports and correspondence (such as the status of requisitions, purchase orders, shipments, and complaints) related to his/her assigned products
- Prepares and solicits quotations, bids and requests for proposals, evaluates documents and forms for accuracy and completeness, recommends qualified vendors/contractors, and issues purchase orders with appropriate authorization authority
- Input, analyzed and reported on data covering all aspects of procurement operations.
- Built relationships with vendors to negotiate ideal terms for purchases.
Office Support Specialist
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL
03.2014 - 07.2021
- Aid with employee onboarding procedures, update 100% of records to accommodate new hires, and exercise creativity to develop ideas inspiring employees to exceed expectations
- Demonstrate customer service best practices to greet all visitors and callers, handle inquiries, or direct them to appropriate stakeholders based on needs
- Assistant to the Director of the Achieve department
- Observe and report department budgets of supplies through correspondences to management
- Boosted enrollment process for an incoming student or university program by 25% by optimizing
Bus Driver
Illinois Central School Bus
Carbondale, IL
12.2013 - 05.2014
- Complied with safety regulations as 120 students board and exit buses, transporting students to school and home, and crossing streets near bus stops
- Inspected condition of vehicle (tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment) to ensure proper functionality and prevent accidents
- Organized and turned in reports including number of passengers/trips, hours worked, mileage, fuel consumption, or fares received
Purchasing Assistant
Columbia Pipe & Supply
Chicago, IL
08.2009 - 05.2013
- Focused daily on arranging several purchase orders, soliciting bid proposals, and vetting requisitions for goods and services
- Interviewed vendors and visited many supplier plants and distribution centers to review and learn about different products, services, and prices
- Evaluated 100 catalogs, 5 industry periodicals, 25 directories, numerous trade journals, and various internet sites as well as advised other department personnel to locate goods and services
- Verified receipt of items by comparing items received to items ordered and resolved shipment order errors with suppliers.
- Evaluated procurement activities and recommended needed improvements.
Executive Assistant
Harrington College Of Design
Chicago, IL
03.2002 - 06.2006
- Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team productivity.
- Prepared documents, reports and presentations for executives and board members using advanced software proficiencies.
- Screened calls and emails and initiated actions to respond or direct messages for managers.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL12.2020
Master of Science - Healthcare Administration
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL12.2023
Skills
- Budget Preparation
- Administrative Support
- Records Management Databases
- Data Research and Compilation
Certification
BLS CPR Certification
Timeline
Procurement Officer
Southern Illinois University
08.2021 - Current
Office Support Specialist
Southern Illinois University
03.2014 - 07.2021
Bus Driver
Illinois Central School Bus
12.2013 - 05.2014
Purchasing Assistant
Columbia Pipe & Supply
08.2009 - 05.2013
Executive Assistant
Harrington College Of Design
03.2002 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Master of Science - Healthcare Administration
Southern Illinois University Carbondale