Program Manager Human Resources

JESSICA PUENTES

Aldie, VA ***** 515-***-**** ********************@*****.***

CLIENT DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR STRATEGIC HR PROGRAM MANAGER MILITARY VETERAN

Purpose-driven HR leader with 17+ years of expertise in strategic human resource management, program execution, and fostering strong client relationships across the military, defense, and corporate sectors. Adept at aligning organizational objectives with talent and operational strategies for large-scale defense and government programs. Proven ability to drive complex stakeholder engagement, ensure compliance, and improve operational efficiency for mission-critical initiatives. Active Top Secret Security Clearance (TS/SCI).

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic Consulting & Client Engagement

Program & Project Management (DoD & Government)

Cross-functional Team Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration

Workforce Planning & Talent Development

Defense & Government HR Systems Expertise

DEIA Strategy & Organizational Change Management

Risk Mitigation & Compliance Management

Data Analytics, Reporting, and Performance Metrics

Bilingual: English Spanish

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Tatitlek Corporation – Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) — Crystal City, VA

HR/Program Manager, Strategic Partnerships Dec 2024 – Present

Leading high-impact, cross-functional innovation programs in defense tech, interfacing with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD), and other industry stakeholders. Provide strategic guidance, operational oversight, and manage large-scale program delivery to align with DoD goals and requirements.

Spearheaded $3M+ program coordination and execution, ensuring seamless stakeholder alignment across multiple agencies and reducing task resolution times by 30%.

Developed and managed program tracking systems (Salesforce), improving operational visibility and executive reporting accuracy by 40%.

Designed and delivered strategic communications for DoD and industry partner engagement, increasing program participation by 35%.

Orchestrated hybrid and virtual events for 200+ participants from 30+ organizations, aligning with DoD initiatives and promoting collaboration.

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) — Chantilly, VA

Human Resources Specialist Ambassador Program Manager 2023 – 2024

Led DEIA-focused recruitment and talent acquisition strategies for high-level DoD and national security roles. Managed national recruiting campaigns and ambassador programs that supported the U.S. intelligence community's talent needs.

Scaled and enhanced the NRO Ambassador Program, focusing on high-priority talent outreach and strategic partner engagement.

Reported metrics and insights directly to the Office of Human Resources Director, showcasing program growth and engagement, earning senior-level recognition for program impact.

Increased diversity in applicant pools by 15% through targeted engagement with underrepresented groups and institutions, aligned with DoD diversity goals.

Revamped recruiting feedback loops, leading to a 96% satisfaction rate among internal and external stakeholders.

U.S. Army Reserve – Military Intelligence Readiness Command — Fort Belvoir, VA

Senior HR Business Partner Program Analyst 2021 – 2023

Led HR operations for 3,000+ personnel, focusing on workforce data analytics, compliance, and talent development. Drove decision-making through data-driven insights and streamlined personnel processes.

Delivered data-driven HR dashboards that improved decision-making for senior military leaders, enhancing readiness and operational efficiency.

Enhanced employee onboarding and offboarding processes, reducing transition times by 25% and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Strengthened health readiness compliance to above 95% across the organization, demonstrating the ability to execute mission-critical HR functions.

Reston Association — Reston, VA

Board, Committee, and Legal Liaison 2019

Provided strategic advice to executive leadership and legal teams on governance, HR best practices, and volunteer engagement, aligning organizational policies with strategic goals.

Developed training and policy governance programs that supported leadership continuity and compliance.

U.S. Army Reserve — Various Locations

Senior Human Resources Manager Drilling Reserve Soldier 2008 – Present

Held progressive leadership roles in HR management, focusing on talent development, DEIA initiatives, and organizational readiness for national defense teams.

Managed HR functions for 3,000+ personnel, improving promotions, evaluations, and readiness metrics.

Drove organizational DEIA initiatives, resulting in increased participation in key leadership programs.

Improved unit medical readiness by 10% through proactive data analysis and strategic outreach.

EDUCATION

B.S., Family, Youth, and Community Science – University of Florida

Minor in Education

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Top Secret SCI (Active)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Salesforce Smartsheet Excel (Advanced) Microsoft Office Suite Federal HRIS Systems (IPPS-A, EES, ERS, iPERMS, CSMM, ePAT) Virtual Event Platforms USA Staffing

Contact this candidate