JULIA CESPEDES

juliacespedes@comcast.net

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Accomplished, success-driven, and highly motivated professional with consistent

track record of optimizing student enrollment and department growth. Demonstrate
key expertise in organizational analysis, comprehensive presentation, and busin
ess retention. Visionary leader and team player; equipped with strong communicat
ion and interpersonal skills. Highly adept at establishing goals and developing
action plans to achieve bottom-line results. Demonstrate keen commitment to exce
llence and great work ethic; experienced in leading successful launch and openin
g of academies and schools. Possess strong organizational skills and ability to
perform multiple tasks simultaneously within fast-paced environments.

CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Organizational Management
- First-Rate Customer Service
- Leadership and Team Building
- Problem Identification and Resolution
- Profit and Loss Administration
- Project Management
- Program and Curriculum Development
- Marketing Strategy Implementation
- Regulatory Compliance
- KPI’s Focused and Driven

Technical Skills:
Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Vision) Web 2.0
productivity tools | SharePoint and Orion Adobe Connect and Eluminate Medias |
eCollege, SMS, and Maestro

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Kaplan Virtual Education
ONLINE ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT MANAGER JUNE 2007-NOV 2009
Provided strategic leadership and motivation to 15 nationwide academic coaches i
n charge of supporting students toward successful course completion. Oversaw ful
l spectrum of all graduation and program completion for graduation applicants. I
nitiated and implemented policy and procedures for student success measurement w
hile ensuring the utilization of appropriate methodologies. Scheduled and facili
tated weekly academy meetings with various individual schools’ coach to ensure progr
ess aligned with established goals. Worked collaboratively with instructional st
rategies department, faculty, chairs, and curriculum department.
Highlights:
- Led the successful development and implementation of retention improveme
nt action plans; executed necessary adjustments in addressing individual current
nationwide school needs
- Instrumental in identifying and analyzing root causes of deficient data
on student retention, course completion, and student / parent satisfaction
- Demonstrated exceptional performance in evaluating and monitoring studen
t progress
- Played a pivotal role in reviewing problem areas, formulating solutions,
and conducting intervention success plans and processes
- Actively involved in daily leadership, academic advisement, and principa
l meetings to discuss situations, negotiate trends, and recommend corrective act
ions.
- Prepared and presented comprehensive reports as well as standard operati
ng procedures, including monthly re-enrollment report
- Managed department input for the successful launch of new student and em
ployee orientation and training; supervised all aspects of the Academic Coaching
Department
- Contributed as an active team member of the managing staff responsible f
or implementing and opening six new schools / academies
- Efficiently reduced and maintained lower attrition rates in own educatio
n company and within a larger organization through creation of operational guide
s and manual for departments as well as staff
- Worked closely with First Year Support (Student Start) and Solutions Tea
m to ensure timely and accurate transition of new students
FasTracKids Enrichment Education Center
OWNER / DIRECTOR DEC 2004-DEC 2007
Directed full spectrum of office management and procedures, including hiring, tr
aining, and leading faculty and teacher assistants. Oversaw all media coverage a
nd public relations with the aid of media, local newspaper articles, parenting a
rticles, and parent literature. Coordinated with FTK’s Area Directors, Academic Direct
or, and Corporate Management in the implementation of strategic plan, policies,
and procedures to meet and surpass key metrics. Coordinated community partnershi
ps and activities.
Highlights:
- Quadrupled student enrollment within one school year
- Served as key contributor in developing and executing additional FasTrac
Kids (FTK) curriculum, experiments, and learning activities
- Played an integral role in the profit and loss administration of schools
through delivery of instructional implementations support and management of dai
ly financial-related operations
- Planned and developed budget in conjunction with FTK’s Finance Team; oversaw
the completion and communication of monthly / quarterly financial statements
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT GUIDANCE COUNSELOR AUG 1997-MAY 2007
Spearheaded the development and implementation of units on guidance-related topi
cs, such as advice on achieving NCAA eligibility. Functioned as the testing proc
tor for SAT / ACT and school-wide testing. Planned and conducted monthly guidanc
e, health, and
academic-related activities. Orchestrated standardized testing practices and mon
itored student behavioral goals. Provided strategic oversight to school-wide eve
nts, including community sponsorships and speakers. Accounted for managing stude
nt internships and work study for seniors.
Highlights:
- Led the establishment and administration of Career Center for students t
o work with other individuals and organizations with focus on promoting substant
ial knowledge of work placement assistance and job-hunting techniques
- Performed and executed all graduation and program completion audits for
graduation applicants
- Assumed full responsibility in executing instructional programs and clas
sroom behavior management; interfaced in crisis situations and acted as communic
ation liaison between staff
- In charge of Annual Career Day with more than 75 community speakers and
presenters
- Collaborated with academic advising to ensure proper adjudication of st
udent issues and maintain accurate registration and degree program information f
or all vertical students

EARLIER EXPERIENCE
Department of Children and Families
CASE MANAGER FEB 1998-AUG 1998
Fellowship House Rehabilitative Center
GROUP MANAGER AUG 1996-JAN 1998
Miami-Dade College
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR AUG 1995-MAY 1996
Cutler Ridge Christian School
SCHOOL TEACHER AUG 1993-JUNE 1994

EDUCATION
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SCHOOL GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING: 1998 | Nova Southeastern
University, Davie, FL
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY: 1995 | Florida International University, Miam
i, FL

ACTIVITIES
Boy Scout Assistant Leader | VP 8U Softball HPKL | Girl Scout Leader Troop 160