Innovative, Energetic and Accomplished leader of cross-functional team

Jenny Zuleger

Huntley, IL 847-***-**** linkedin.com/in/jenny-zuleger *******@*****.***

Operations Manager Profile

Innovative, Energetic and Accomplished leader of cross-functional teams in business, nonprofits, and the performing arts.

Talented head of cross-disciplinary operational teams composed of paid staff, volunteers, disabled individuals, and strategic partners. Effective business and creative manager with track record of success in process development and improvement, financial performance, fundraising, community engagement, and customer experience.

Operations Management

Team Leadership

Nonprofits

Talent Acquisition

Financial Management

Project Management

Fundraising

Volunteer Recruiting

Customer Relationship Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, Hoffman Estates, IL

Project Manager, Operations and Events, GiGi's Playhouse

June 2018 - September 2020

Oversaw operations and project management at the international headquarters of the premier educational, therapeutic, and career development site for individuals with Down Syndrome. Led five-person paid staff in addition to as many as 500 volunteers each year in accomplishing activities that included community fairs, family and third-party events, parties, tours, and donor visits. Hired and trained a full-time team, helmed Human Resources, and performed data management through Salesforce CRM.

Continuously pursued funding and revenue opportunities through community grants, as well as fundraising initiatives such as special events, family connections, and community partnerships. Similarly, mined philanthropic groups, religious organizations, and schools for funding and volunteers. Spearheaded community awareness through publicity and marketing campaigns that utilized press releases, email blasts, social media, in-person presentations, and active web presence. Devised facility safety and support plan in response to COVID-19 pandemic.

Project-managed numerous community-focused events, including Annual Galas with 2K attendees, 5K Fun Runs with as many as 1.5K participants, and Golf Outings that attracted 200.

Slashed office costs over 30% through renegotiated supply and service contracts.

Revenue rose 20% as result of analysis-driven revamp of annual auction project plan.

Volunteer engagement surged 35% due to more effective recruiting, onboarding, and training processes.

Streamlined cross-functional workflows to facilitate project contributions by Marketing, Finance, and IT.

Soul2Sole Dance, Inc, Highland Park, IL

Artistic Director

May 2001 - June 2018

Spearheaded educational and production activities through leadership acumen and performing arts expertise. Created wide-ranging program design for dance academy targets ranging from preschool to adult markets. Oversaw administration, event planning, budgeting controls, and class and work scheduling for the more than 20-member artistic team. Recruited, hired, and trained choreographers, instructors, stage crew, and office staff. Headed community outreach and marketing initiatives that included content creation, social media, digital marketing, and local advertising. Orchestrated year-end recitals, as well as special, community, and fundraising events. Secured private and corporate donations and sponsorships. Updated CRM.

Student enrollment exploded from 250 to over 1.5K and competitive dance participants from five to 200 during tenure.

Produced more than 135 successful shows to exultant community response.

Partnered with affiliated dance companies throughout the country to provide students with pre-professional ethics and arts training for those with collegiate and professional performing arts aspirations.

Previous Experience

Dance Director Northbrook Children’s Theater, Northbrook, IL

Program Director, Kids Activities Department Lifetime Fitness, Plymouth, MN

Professional Cheerleader Minnesota Vikings, Minneapolis, MN

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and Dance University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN

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