Christine Cook

Skills

Project management
Administration
Operations
Relationship development
Writing and communications (newsletters, documentations, grants, author, and more)
Program management
Leadership
Coach/Manager
Organized and detail-oriented
Small group facilitation

About

While my career has been circuitous—moving from corporate to nonprofit to small business to getting an MA in midlife—this winding road has allowed me to develop many skills that are transferable across industries and organizations. For example, I’m able to manage a project just as expertly for a financial firm as a yoga studio or conservation organization. The same principles apply. This also goes for relationship building, managing staff, and running operations. I have success in roles where I must wear a lot of hats. This diversity in skills and tasks is rewarding and where I do my best work.

I have a proven track record of successfully leading projects, managing operations and programs, and fostering relationships with strong skills in organization, problem-solving, and adaptability. All of this experience has given me the opportunity to be more creative; learn how more industries operate; and meet more people from different walks of life. I’m grateful for the circuitous route I have chosen. I consider myself a generalist. I believe my broad experience makes me a better colleague and employee. I have consistently taken on projects where I had little experience with the subject matter; learned what needed to be done; and brought the project to fruition on time and on budget.

PROJECT EXAMPLES
• Managed the process of switching 50 yoga teachers from contractors to employee status in advance of a new California law; researched and set up a new payroll process and retirement plan; and wrote the employee handbook.

• Spearheaded the transition from one CRM platform to another. Ensured a seamless transition allowing users to book their classes with ease on the new platform. All deadlines met and project delivered on time.

• Managed reporting process, including researching, organizing, writing, and working with key stakeholders, for the largest grant the organization had ever been awarded; meeting deadlines and renewing the granting organizations commitment to the grant, and ensuring the next round of funding. Grant award: $900,000.

• Planned and managed the vision, implementation, and build out of a new Pilates studio at the Berkeley Y. Developed the programming, hired teachers, planned the schedule, and implemented the registration process.

• Rescued a flailing project with our largest client and turned it around to a successful long-term contract, which in turn led to an implementation manager role. Demonstrated a knack early on in my career for organization and attention-to-detail.