KATE BUCHANAN
Hamilton, ON
*************@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
I am a hardworking and dedicated Gerontology major with over 3 years of experience in, and knowledge of, providing multi-dimensional business and personal support to the CEO and Director of the Charitable Foundation at Shalom Village; a Jewish Long-term Care Home.
The ability to multitask in an environment with competing priorities is something I thrive on. I have demonstrated excellent customer service skills, empathy and understanding of seniors' needs, and strive to maintain effective interpersonal and team building relationships.
I have had a high level of corporate communication among Board members and various other committees across the healthcare sector and believe in the importance of attention to detail.
I am a quick learner who aims to exceed expectations.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts – Honours Gerontology (4th yr. Deans Honour List) 2011
McMaster University, Hamilton ON
Issues in social aspects of aging– Advocated with class members about the importance of the Gerontology program at McMaster University, at a time when the programs existence was being threatened.
Research methods in health and aging – Conducted semi-structured interviews, using snowball sampling, along with observations on McMaster campus focusing on level of smoking among students and whether this had an impact on stress levels. (received A on this research assignment)
Health, aging and society thesis – Collected secondary data regarding ‘active aging’ in a long-term care setting; analyzed the history of active aging, the benefits and barriers to active aging, determinants of active aging (including personal and environmental) as well as European and North American policies associated with active aging. (51 page thesis received A+)
Diploma – General Arts and Sciences 2007
Mohawk College, Hamilton ON
Gained both a good grounding in academic skills, and exposure to a wide variety of academic disciplines.
Acquired a well-rounded general education and developed skills in Humanities and Social Sciences.
Have demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods including primary and secondary data collection.
Graduated averaging over 80%.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Executive Assistant
Shalom Village – Hamilton, ON Oct 2011-Aug 2015
Accountabilities to the CEO:
Maintaining the CEO's schedule and calendar daily, ensuring all deadlines are met.
Followed the AT HOME model and respected the importance of honoring our Mothers and our Fathers as part of the Jewish values.
Handle confidential information in a discrete manner.
Prepare and ensure timely distribution of Executive Committee and Board agendas and minutes.
Prepare and/or edit a wide variety of internal and external correspondence in the form of letters, faxes memos and emails.
Maintain confidential filing system.
Plan, organize and co-ordinate corporate functions and special events.
Greet clients and visitors to the executive office in a professional and congenial manner.
Ensure documents that require signatures are accurate and all supporting documentation are available.
Communicate and work effectively with a wide range of personality types across the organization.
Accountabilities to the Charitable Foundation, Director:
Organize and operate the tribute card program bringing in upwards of $60k annually.
Plan and organize semi-annual fundraising campaigns (i.e. Ladies Auxiliary Tea, Hannukah Hustle).
Reconcile donations (direct mail, in memoriams, special events).
Record all transactions in donor database (sumac).
Issues receipts, invoices, and acknowledgement letters to donors in a timely manner.
Code and files financial material according to established records management process.
Processe accurate bank reconciliations and deposits.
Completion and submission of grant proposals for program funding.
Additional Successes:
** (2011-2014) A member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) (attend workshops/conferences related to fundraising).
** Nov 2012 - Successfully completed the Fundamentals of Fundraising course
** Nov 2013 – Received the Aaron Shiffman Mensch Award at the Shalom Village Staff/Board Dinner.
A Mensch is a term used within Jewish culture meaning, a person of integrity and honour.
OTHER JOB EXPERIENCE
Bartender Apr 2010-May 2013
Side Bar – Hamilton, ON
Prepared and served drinks to customers; maintained appearance of the bar.
Serving approximately 500 customers in a 4 hour shift.
Responsible for making sure tasks are completed by fellow employees while manager is not present.
Bartender/Waitress May 2008-Sept 2009
Hawg’s Back Saloon – Dundas, ON
Cooked food, prepared drinks for the customers, and maintained the appearance of the bar.
Entrusted by the owners of the bar, often worked alone and was responsible for all the duties of the bar.
Responsible for counting cash and locking up at the end of each shift.
Retail Sales Associate May 2007-May 2008
Sirens - Hamilton, ON
Customer service, maintained change rooms and appearance of the store.
Attended to customers in a timely fashion during busy sales events.
Increased store revenue by up-selling retail items to customers.
Bartender/Waitress May 2006-Aug 2006
Mike’s Sports Bar – Dundas, ON
Server Oct 2003-June 2005
McDonalds – Dundas, ON
Server
Tim Horton’s – Ancaster, ON Oct 2002-June 2003
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Proficient user of MS Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point.
Highly experienced with internet and email applications.
Exceptional reading, writing and oral communication.
INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mountain biking, music, physical fitness, cooking, fishing, snowmobiling, traveling, hiking, personal growth