Aretha Lester
Holly Springs
Summary
Dynamic Sr. Office Administrator focused on delivering operational excellence through effective communication and problem-solving. Experienced in coordinating team efforts, training new staff, and managing vendor relationships to enhance overall office productivity.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Office Administrator
FedEx
Olive Branch
11.2022 - Current
- Managed administrative operations to optimize daily business functions.
- Streamlined office processes to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Managed office operations and procedures to ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Coordinated interdepartmental communication to facilitate workflow.
- Coordinated with administrative support to oversee calendars and prioritize meetings and appointments.
- Scheduled appointments and meetings for executives and staff members.
- Organized meetings, conferences, travel arrangements, and other special events.
- Developed administrative team to support corporate growth and objectives.
- Handled vendor relationships to secure necessary office supplies and services.
- Coordinated with vendors to obtain supplies or services needed by the office.
- Monitored office inventory to maintain supply levels.
- Processed invoices for payment using accounting software applications.
- Maintained accurate records and files for easy retrieval and reference.
- Filtered emails based on importance and escalated issues to leadership.
- Reviewed documents and obtained additional information to complete accurate paperwork and avoid delays.
- Ensured all necessary paperwork was completed accurately before submitting it for approval.
- Prepared agendas and made arrangements for committee, board, and other meetings.
- Provided administrative support for senior management team members.
- Provided technical support to employees regarding computer hardware and software issues.
- Assisted in training new team members on office procedures and tools.
- Directed and oversaw office personnel activities.
- Distributed memos and updates to apprise departments and divisions of corporate objectives and developments.
- Explained company personnel policies, benefits and procedures to employees or job applicants.
- Interacted professionally with customers and inside personnel, answering questions and responding to phone and email inquiries.
- Guided employees in handling difficult or complex problems.
- Collaborated with other supervisors, combining group efforts to achieve goals.
- Implemented organization systems for digital and physical documents.
- Analyzed financial activities of department to share budgetary input with managers.
- Implemented departmental policies and standards in conjunction with management to streamline internal processes.
- Coordinated with IT department to resolve technical issues and maintain office software updates.
- Used specialized accounting software to debit, credit and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases.
- Analyzed financial activities of department to share budgetary input with managers.
Consultant /TTA Provider
Creative Concepts Consulting
Holly Springs
07.2010 - 09.2022
- Analyzed client needs to develop tailored consulting solutions.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance team collaboration and innovation.
- Designed strategic plans for project implementation across various sectors.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
- Guided clients in optimizing operational processes for increased efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive project success.
- Provided expert advice on risk management and mitigation strategies.
- Collaborated with clients to develop action plans to address specific challenges and objectives.
- Provided advice on operational processes, business development initiatives, organizational changes and other areas of improvement.
- Reviewed existing policies and procedures to suggest necessary improvements.
- Analyzed complex information from multiple sources to identify patterns or trends.
- Evaluated existing systems and processes against industry best practices to enhance efficiency.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives and deliverables.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Analyzed key performance indicators to identify effective strategies.
- Created plans to propose solutions to problems related to efficiency, costs or profits.
- Monitored operations and reviewed records and metrics to understand company performance.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
- Worked closely with human resources to support employee management and organizational planning.
- Analyzed company's expenditures and developed financial models.
- Assessed company operations for compliance with safety standards.
Early Childhood Development Director
AJFC community Action agency
Natchez
10.2013 - 04.2021
- Managed grant applications to secure funding for agency initiatives.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify community needs and resources.
- Led outreach efforts to engage volunteers and promote agency services.
- Oversaw budget planning for development projects and community programs.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff on fundraising best practices.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to expand service reach.
- Analyzed program effectiveness to inform future development strategies.
- Coordinated with internal departments to ensure alignment between development and organizational objectives.
- Oversaw the creation of grant proposals for submission to local, state and federal agencies.
- Evaluated existing programs to identify areas of improvement or expansion opportunities.
- Recruited staff members for various roles within the Development team.
- Researched, wrote and presented compelling funding proposals to various businesses, churches and schools to increase awareness and grow charitable revenue.
- Cultivated strong relationships with board members, donors, prospects, and philanthropic community to keep institution's financial needs in forefront.
- Monitored budgets related to development activities.
- Liaised with business and community members to increase awareness of fundraising programs and causes.
Trainer/Technical Assisstant
Region IV Head Start Association
Atlanta
03.2009 - 07.2010
- Developed training materials for early childhood education staff.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance teaching strategies and classroom management.
- Provided ongoing coaching to educators on effective lesson planning.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through participant feedback and assessments.
- Collaborated with community partners to address educational needs and resources.
- Organized training schedules and logistics for diverse learning sessions.
- Created engaging presentations to promote professional development opportunities.
- Mentored new trainers in instructional techniques and content delivery.
- Trained newly hired top talent to fill key positions and maximize productivity.
- Adapted teaching methods according to the needs of individual learners or groups.
- Provided constructive feedback and positive reinforcement to keep trainees motivated.
- Documented all training activities including attendance records, feedback forms, surveys.
- Maintained up-to-date records of trainee progress and provided regular updates to management team.
- Recommended changes or improvements in existing training processes as needed.
- Resolved any issues raised by participants during the training session in a timely manner.
- Conducted onboarding sessions to orientate new staff members about company policies and procedures.
- Designed and developed training materials for new employees in the organization.
- Created multimedia presentations with PowerPoint and video conferencing tools.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Monitored, evaluated and recorded training activities or program effectiveness.
- Created and offered additional materials to enhance training.
- Used role-playing, lectures, and simulations to present information in variety of instructional techniques and formats.
- Suggested and offered specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Participated in and attended meetings or seminars to obtain information for use in training programs.
- Obtained and organized manuals, guides and visual materials for development and training purposes.
- Evaluated training materials prepared by instructors and offered actionable suggestions for improvement.
- Worked collaboratively across departments and with various stakeholders to deliver comprehensive, effective training sessions.
- Evaluated modes of training delivery to optimize training effectiveness, training costs or environmental impacts.
- Scheduled classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment or instructors.
- Maintained strong knowledge by participating in workshops, conferences, and online education classes.
- Supervised, evaluated or referred instructors to skill development classes.
- Assessed training needs through surveys, interviews with employees or focus groups.
- Coordinated recruitment and placement of training program participants.
- Selected and assigned instructors to conduct training.
- Remained up-to-date with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books or magazine articles.
- Negotiated contracts with clients for desired training outcomes, fees or expenses.
- Monitored training costs and prepared budget reports to justify expenditures.
- Supported program staff in implementing educational activities and community outreach initiatives.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff on compliance and child development standards.
- Assisted in preparing instructional materials and resources for classroom use.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance data for reporting purposes.
- Collaborated with families to address concerns and provide resources for child development.
- Organized logistics for events, including workshops, meetings, and family engagement activities.
- Utilized software systems to track program schedules, resources, and participant information.
- Provided technical support to staff regarding administrative tools and communication platforms.
- Provided technical support to users by troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
- Supported department efforts to develop and maintain systems.
- Assisted in the installation of hardware and software components, such as printers, scanners, and other peripherals.
- Diagnosed computer problems using diagnostic tests and troubleshooting techniques.
- Developed and executed small projects to improve operation and efficiency.
- Assisted in the preparation and delivery of technical training sessions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of technological advancements and industry trends.
- Monitored technical systems for security threats and vulnerabilities.
- Coordinated and supported the implementation of new systems and technologies.
- Provided customer and end-user support, resolving technical issues efficiently.
- Participated in meetings, providing technical insights and updates.
- Resolved customer complaints via phone or email in a timely manner.
- Kept office equipment functional and supplies well-stocked to promote efficient operations.
- Responded to customer issues to provide immediate resolution and improve retention.
- Set up workshops, conferences and meetings by scheduling and reserving rooms and preparing supplies.
- Composed, edited and typed complex memos and reports with job-related software.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and completed expense reports for travel reimbursement.
- Conducted research, compiled and typed statistical reports, synthesized information and provided excellent communication to disseminate information throughout organization.
- Coordinated catering services for various functions, including sales trainings and department meetings.
- Executed on-time, under-budget projects by solving complex issues for senior leadership.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Management
Rust College
Holly Springs, MS04-2006
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Rust College
Holly Springs, MS04-2004
Certificate - Program Management
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS02-1999
Skills
- Office management
- Administrative support
- Vendor coordination
- Financial processing
- Accounts receivable
- Processing expenses
- Document management
- Document organization
- File maintenance
- Records maintenance
- Scheduling and calendar management
- Meeting coordination
- Event coordination
- Travel coordination
- Supply inventory
- Interdepartmental communication
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Staff training
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Relationship building
- Visual communication
- Office coordination
- Planning events
- Ethics-focused
- Customer service
Certification
- ASQ- FedEx QDM Expert
Timeline
Sr Office Administrator
FedEx
11.2022 - Current
Early Childhood Development Director
AJFC community Action agency
10.2013 - 04.2021
Consultant /TTA Provider
Creative Concepts Consulting
07.2010 - 09.2022
Trainer/Technical Assisstant
Region IV Head Start Association
03.2009 - 07.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Management
Rust College
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Rust College
Certificate - Program Management
Jackson State University