ERIC ELY
Schenectady, NY *****
*******@*****.***
DIRECTOR of TALENT ACQUISITION
Program Management / Process Improvements /
Planning / Multi-site / Recruiting / CPI /
Team Building / Talent Management /
Performance Metrics / Labor Relations /
Training & Instructional Design / Budgets
Award-winning record enhance organizational
excellence and improving the return on
investment in human capital at large and
midsize educational institutions. Pioneered
innovative and highly effective professional
development, training and performance
improvement programs, extending the
capabilities of staff at all levels.
Significant expertise in education and
nonprofit settings. Managed budgets to $160M
and staff to 1800. Can make a strong impact
by:
* Developing highly-effective relationships in both union
and non-union environments
* Aligning recruiting, headcount and retention
with organizational needs
* Optimizing organizational development to
maximize workforce capabilities
* Finding, cultivating and deploying the best
talent where it can make the most difference
Known for navigating rapid change with great
agility and setting short and long-range
strategic direction for large organizations.
MS in Educational Administration from
University of Dayton and BS in Education from
The Ohio State University are complemented by
extensive professional development training
and certifications. Won awards for quality and
student performance improvements in MA, NH and
OH.
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Maintained quality while curbing professional
development costs. Professional development
(PD) efforts in Schenectady Schools were
unfocused and faced steeply rising costs with
unproven ROI. Developed a PD program focused
on core competencies aligned with district
goals. Stabilized budgets while enhancing
staff capabilities.
Established new recruiting, retention and
training programs. Southbridge lacked well-
defined process for filling vacancies and
managing staffing. Developed orderly processes
for recruitment, onboarding, evaluation,
training and retention. Improved retention
rates and ensured that staffing levels met
district needs and goals.
Built award-winning Professional Learning
Community. Recruited as principal in Dover
following dismal of entire administrative
team. Rebuilt team. Launched professional
development/team building initiative to
strengthen shared mission. Earned Runner-Up
for New Hampshire School of Excellence Award
and won the award the following year.
Turned around failing institution. Hired to
revitalize Zanesville school that had met only
5 of 17 state benchmarks. Built leadership
team. Initiated comprehensive performance
improvement plan. Won broad staff support.
Established Best Practices. Created a
Recognizing Excellence & Achievement Program
performance. Met goals in 13 key metrics.
Developed an awarding-winning Center of
Excellence. Wayne HS lacked of performance
recognition programs. Established objectives
to foster a culture of excellence and
collaboration and provide performance rewards.
Elevated achievement levels sufficiently to be
named first high school to win the Brad
Tillson School of Excellence.
Negotiated 25 collective bargaining
agreements. As leader in six different
systems, called on to negotiate labor
contracts. Aggressively represented interests
of stakeholders, including communities and
boards. Achieved unbroken record of reaching
accords without need of mediation while
keeping a tight rein on expenditures and
budget growth.
CAREER HISTORY
Managing Partner, RELYonUS Associates, LLC,
2013-Present. Launched an organizational
development consulting startup to advise on
planning, business development, marketing and
strategic alliances.
CEO/Superintendent, Southbridge Public Schools
(MA), 2010-2013. Led school district with five
schools, 2,200 students, and 380 staff,
managing a $24M annual operating budget.
Directed $73M capital improvement program.
Managed a major restructuring. Devised
numerous process, staff development and
training improvement initiatives.
Superintendent, Schenectady City Schools,
2006-2010 and Assistant Superintendent for
Operations, 2004-2006. Led school district
with 21 schools, 1,800 staff, 50
administrators, 11,000 students and $160M
annual operating budget. Managed an $80M
capital improvement program, opening three new
facilities. Delivered significant improvements
in student achievement.
Earlier: Principal, Dover Public Schools, NH;
Zanesville, OH City Schools and Huber Heights,
OH City Schools. Began career teaching high
school mathematics and science, as well as
coaching track and basketball.
Personal: Active in professional, civic &
charitable organizations. Enjoy exercise,
sports, antiques & travel.