MICHELLE RICHARDS

ac5zdl@r.postjobfree.com

*** **** **** ******, ***. 1601

Chicago, Illinois 60616

312-***-****

SUMMARY:

Sales/Marketing...

A significant record of achievement in new markets with a focus on increasing brand visibility and account management.

Identify target audience and develop promotional objectives, utilizing a comprehensive understanding of advertising, marketing, and product management strategies.

Develop realistic strategies which meet both short and long term client needs.

Business Operations...

Direct and motivate professional staff; foster a team environment which ensures achievement of highest professional standards. Implement personal and professional development programs.

Manage diverse and ever-changing project schedule; assess client needs and develop strategies to meet those needs; oversee projects from initial contact through completion.

EXPERIENCE:

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION, Chicago, Illinois

2005-Present

Senior Executive Admissions Advisor (2013-Present)

Senior Admissions Advisor (2007-2013)

Interact extensively with prospective clients, responding to all inquiries and providing individuals with details regarding programs of study. Direct students through the financial aid process, providing assistance and solutions to meet financial needs. Work to retain students and mentor/motivate them to complete their degrees. Foster teams of 20-30 advisors in providing exceptional customer service to students, and achieving organizational goals. Most currently work with Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts to provide face-to-face counseling to existing and prospective students. Received President’s Choice Award for Excellence, 2008, in recognition of top performance.

Associate Student Manager (2005-2007)

Coordinated advisor teams in facilitating financial aid services to seamlessly address existing and prospective student needs. Managed operations and functions to meet all financial aid guidelines, ensuring accuracy of back-office financial operations. Audited records to meet all regulatory compliance guidelines. Drove customer service competent of student service to ensure positive relations and student retention.

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE, Chicago, Illinois

2004-2005

Agency Operator (in-training)

Sold health, life, property, and casualty insurance to individuals and business entities. Gained extensive knowledge in managing, marketing, and strategic planning practices, toward opening agency location. Made presentations to key client representatives and worked with underwriters to ensure correctness of policy data. Prepared business plans, evaluations, reports, and recommendations. Responded to client inquiries, resolving emergent issues in timely and appropriate manner.

AVIS RENT A CAR, Chicago, Illinois

1985-2004

Agency Operator (1999-2004)

Managed the marketing of services, account development and daily business operations of location. Determined location operating/cost guidelines as well as integrated budget and operating goals. Coordinated personnel, employee relations, vendor relations, contractual specifications and customer service operations. Supervised and allocated staff. Directed efforts in strategic planning, budget development, organizational planning and fulfilling business objectives. Made presentations to key accounts to generate new contracts. Prepared business plans, evaluations, reports and recommendations.

Account Executive (1985-1999)

Employed polished presentation and negotiation skills; assessed client needs and presented products and services that met those objectives; negotiated profitable contracts and agreements. Gained experience in all facets of sales process, from identifying and prequalifying potential contacts to managing long-term consultative relationships with established clients.

EDUCATION:

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, Boulder, Colorado

Major: Communications

LICENSURE:

State of Illinois Licensed Insurance Agent

2004-2008

Property, Health, Causality, Life, & Fire

REFERENCES:

Professional references available upon request.

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