Marni Willis, MPP

Experience

• 

  California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2011

  Research Assistant

  Collaborated with research assistants to collect, classify and study long-distance dispersaloccurrence through genetic differential observations, that provided data for future projects.Collected nudibranch species in the field, performed DNA extractions, performed PCR to test nudibranch relatedness, conducted gel electrophoresis to validate PCR samples, genetic data analysis.

• 

  U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2013

  Research Assitant

  Evaluated species movement within San Diego’s open space network.Assessed biodiversity protection in the event of climate change.Data collected contributed toward research in connectivity and fragmentation impacts on speciesmovement and biodiversity.Set-up and monitored camera traps, performed bobcat necropsies, bobcat pelt identification analysis, assisted lead ecologist in bobcat live captures and handling to collect morphologicalmeasurements, investigated bobcat movement via telemetry. Show less

• 

  St. Johns River Water Management District

  Jan 2014 - Jan 2014

  Environmental Science Intern

  Charged with designing and implementing communications strategies for the Chief of the Bureau of Environmental Sciences as well as defining communications between internal divisions, policy makers, board members, and the public.Evaluated and researched scientific communication best practices; developed water bureau communications plans; and created and organized online communication library comprised of books, journals, articles, TED Talks, YouTube videos, and professional websites.Successfully created 5 Scientific Communication Guides that simplified and streamlined complex/highly-technical concepts from 40+ scientists and translated into clear, concise, easy-to-understand terms. Show less

• 

  Jacksonville University

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2015

  Marine Science Teaching Assistant

  Designed and facilitated lab training, coordinated field trips, developed learning activities and educational materials, presented lectures, and assisted 20 Marine Science students.

• 

  Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT)

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2015

  Communication Intern

  Provided content for internal and external communication platforms that integrated design, photography, interviewing, writing, and editing functions.

• 

  JAX Chamber

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2015

  JAX Project and Administrative Coordinator

  Researched and developed presentations and marketing communications to City Council and energy committee members.Organized speaker lists and topics, and confirmed all speaking engagements for upcoming summits.Contributed key executive talking points, informational folders for committee members, and assembled a 100+ page research file used as the foundation for a proposed energy policy to city council.Partnered with internal departments on written communications for the 2015 Florida Energy Summit with over 500+ attendees.Coordinated energy program strategies and committees to expand presence and impact for all proposed energy legislation. Show less

• 

  UC Irvine

  Jan 2017 - Jan 2018

  Program Coordinator - Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science and Ridge to Reef

  As Program Coordinator, I spearheaded the project management and operations of a graduate training program, ensuring successful onboarding for over 30 students. I coordinated all aspects of student recruitment and onboarding, as well as managed program logistics. I also organized meetings and events, creating visually appealing presentations and collateral materials using Canva. Additionally, I led training events that greatly improved professional skill development for 21 trainees.

• 

  Megawatt Energy

  Jan 2020 - Jan 2021

  Project Administrator

  As Administrative Assistant, I was responsible for managing the CEO's schedule and handling daily operations. This included coordinating meetings, appointments, events, and travel arrangements using Google calendar. I also provided support in composing, editing, and proofreading business communications using Microsoft Word, as well as creating impactful presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. Additionally, I ensured accountability by overseeing and tracking the progress of action items identified in meetings. Show less

• 

  Design Star Media

  Jun 2023 - now

  Human Resources Assistant

  As Human Resources Assistant, I was responsible for optimizing and improving employee data for four treatment centers, which had a positive impact on over 200 employees. I achieved this through HRIS auditing and database management using Bamboo. Additionally, I managed the compliance audit of HR processes and meticulously audited I-9 documentation and employee files.

• 

  NOVA SERVICES (Barnett Quality Control Services)

  Jun 2023 - now

  Project Administrator

  As Project Administrator, I support project management for a wide range of client initiatives, handling tasks such as client communication, proposal management, and invoice processing. I have also been the main point of contact for a large number of employees, helping with inquiries, communication with HR managers, and assisting with employee onboarding. Additionally, I have managed the office calendar, tracked and reviewed timesheets, organized records, and set up project files