Administrative Operations Specialist with CRE Expertise

NICOLETTE MENDEZ

Chicago, IL *********.******@*****.*** Mobile: 708-***-****

Professional Summary

Seasoned administrative and operations professional with experience supporting senior executives, investment teams, construction management, business incentive practices, recruitment operations, and cross-functional corporate departments. Known for exceptional organization, relationship-building, accuracy, and the ability to manage complex workflows with discretion and professionalism.

Professional Experience

BMO – Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Department Administrative Assistant

Chicago, IL May 2024 – Present

Provide daily administrative support to CRE leadership and team.

Manage mail, UPS CampusShip shipments, notary assistance, supplies, office coordination, and locker assignments.

Coordinate department events including holiday celebrations, summer outings, Impact Day, Appreciation Week, and team-building activities.

Maintain internal resource lists including CoStar users and software inventories.

Review weekly pipeline discussions and ensure updates are accurately reflected in Salesforce.

Update closed dates, deal amounts, and transaction data.

Process expenses accurately and efficiently.

Support onboarding / offboarding and new-hire integration.

Serve on the Onboarding, Best Practices, and Learning Councils.

Assist leadership with CRE Best Practices Guide and pitchbook updates.

Manage day-to-day office operations including phones, visitors, mail, and supplies.

Coordinate meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for leadership.

Prepare, edit, and proofread documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and reports.

Maintain organized digital and physical filing systems.

Serve as a point of contact between internal staff, clients, and external partners.

Draft and respond to emails and other correspondence.

Input and manage data with accuracy; maintain logs, databases, and records.

Organize logistics for team meetings, training, and small events; prepare agendas and minutes.

Process invoices, track expenses, manage purchase orders, and support budgeting tasks.

Assist with special projects, departmental requests, and other tasks assigned by managers.

Inland Investment Corporation Administrative Assistant / Operations Specialist

Oakbrook, IL August 2022 – September 2024

Provided administrative support to SVP, VP, and investment team of eight.

Managed calendars, correspondence, travel, expenses, and shareholder documentation.

Created and edited presentations, documents, and InDesign investment materials.

Managed customer inquiry claims and resolved administrative issues.

Maintained and distributed Daily Sales Sheet.

Managed confidential materials and special projects with discretion.

Cushman & Wakefield Senior Administrator – Business Incentive Practice

Rosemont, IL November 2021 – July 2022

Created internal announcements, marketing materials, RFPs, and presentations.

Updated CRM records, produced case studies, and compiled client activity reports.

Supported sales, marketing, content creation, and transaction cycle needs.

Managed expenses, vendor data, and opportunity ownership checks.

Processed Workday claims and invoices; monitored progress with SMDs and clients.

Coordinated meetings, catering, and event planning.

Retail Properties of America, Inc. (RPAI) Operations Coordinator – Construction Management

Oakbrook, IL January 2021 – October 2021

Supported project execution including purchase orders, vendor payments, documentation, and change orders.

Managed project budgets and resolved discrepancies.

Investigated weather-related damages and supported claims management.

Oversaw subcontractor documentation and due diligence materials.

Coordinated scopes of work, bids, agreements, and insurance documentation.

Processed travel and expenses for construction team.

Korn Ferry Executive Assistant / Project Coordinator

Chicago, IL February 2018 – May 2020

Supported Senior Client Partner, candidates, and clients during recruitment processes.

Coordinated video conferences via Teams, Zoom, WebEx, and Skype.

Maintained confidentiality and managed cross-functional communication.

Deloitte, LLC Senior Administrative Assistant

Chicago, IL October 2015 – February 2018

Provided administrative support to Partners, Principals, and Directors.

Drafted executive-level communications and managed complex calendars.

Functioned as Concur delegate for expense and travel approvals.

Coordinated domestic and international travel policy.

UHC / Vizient Administrative Assistant – Supply Chain Services

Chicago, IL November 2010 – September 2015

Coordinated Pharmacy Council meetings and supplier diversity programs.

Created presentations, communications, and managed department files.

Supported GPO RFP editing, formatting, and production.

Managed insurance program documentation and claims processes.

Managed travel, expenses, and calendar coordination.

Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc. Office Administrator

Chicago, IL April 2001 – July 2009

Coordinated office operations and supervised four administrative professionals.

Improved workflows to increase efficiency during staff reductions.

Reduced expenditures through supply controls and standardized ordering.

Negotiated supplier agreements to achieve cost savings.

Managed quotations, proposals, negotiations, and supply orders.

Supported CEO, CFO, engineering staff, and office managers with high-level administrative tasks.

Education

University of St. Francis – Joliet, IL (2020–2022) — Completed 84 credits toward B.S. in Organizational Leadership

Robert Morris University – Chicago, IL (2006–2008) — Associate of Applied Science in Management

Technical Skills

Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Concur, Salesforce, SharePoint, Workday, Oracle, JD Edwards, AVID Exchange, DocuSign, Paycom, ID Plan, iManage, Uniflow, Ceridian, Adobe, InDesign

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