Melissa D. Dunston, MBA

Experience

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  Johnston County Schools

  Oct 2006 - Dec 2013

  Streamlined the assigned regional operations in transportation for Johnston County Schools, resulting in a reduction in the operating budget. Spearheaded an employee engagement plan of action, resulting in a decrease in annual employee turnover and complaints. Conducted training seminars with self-developed training manuals, visual presentations, and documentation for the entire classified staff of Johnston County Schools.• Successfully supervised and scheduled a diverse, multicultural and cross-functional team of 210 transportation support staff; attended to all employee payroll and annual work performance evaluations.• Reviewed operational records, adjusted schedules to maximize efficiency by conducting research on logistics operations, including literature reviews, interviews, and site visits.• Assisted Directors and Senior Management with creating presentations relating to policy reviews and team communications.• Analyzed, designed, and developed content, and curriculum products by creating and supplying educational resources and tools to the county employees for the enhancement of their skill sets. Show less • Maintained detailed administrative and procedural processes to improve accuracy and efficiency.• Improved communication efficiency as primary liaison between school, parents and community.• Designed electronic file systems, developed spreadsheets, maintained electronic and paper files.• Handled cash and deposits using the proper accounting procedures and documentation in the absence of superior.• Planned and executed special events that assisted school in establishing community involvement.• Managed employee communications system to distribute company news and critical information. Show less • Organized activities that developed children's physical, emotional and social growth. • Redirected "special needs" children to encourage safe, positive behaviors.• Collaborated daily with classroom teachers to keep activities running smoothly.• Took on added responsibility of Lead Teacher during an extended absence. • Monitored educational progress by keeping detailed individual charts and files.• Developed and implemented interesting and interactive learning mediums to increase student understanding of course materials.• Performed student background reviews to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.• Received high remarks for the creativity of classroom instructional techniques from students, parents and faculty. Show less

  • Area Coordinator of Transportation

    Jul 2011 - Dec 2013

  • Receptionist and Information Liaison

    Aug 2009 - Jul 2011

  • Teacher Assistant

    Oct 2006 - Aug 2009
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  Neuse Charter School

  Jan 2013 - Aug 2016

  Chief Operating Officer

  Oversaw the growth plan of Johnston County’s first charter school located on a 26-acre campus, by creating and recommending a plan of action for facility use, student growth, and staffing needs. Assisted in the completion of a new 7.5 million dollar, three-story, 33,000 square foot state of the art facility by managing the budget in support of existing and future requirements. • Executed all financial processes/procedures and grant allocation/reporting as it relates to State, Federal and Local funds by updating and monitoring accounting and business strategy plan; developing, formulating, and revising documentation in reference to finance and systematic processes necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the organization.• Directed life-cycle recruitment and selection process of employees (background checks, verifying references, and documentation presented/Employment Eligibility Verification) by determining classification and compensation for new hire prospects (pay grade and title/scope of work, employee benefits). Forecasted expected personnel demands and developed forward-thinking approaches to achieve objectives.• Created and maintained systematic processes for Facilities Management, while ensuring compliance with OSHA and all other governing entities. Show less

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  N.C. Department of Administration

  Aug 2016 - Nov 2017

  Business Officer

  Assisted Director with managing a large professional staff of Engineers and Architects. Reviewed and made changes in work methods and procedures to meet Division, as well as Department, goals, and program deadlines. Initiated written standards of performance and work priorities to assure achievement of program objectives. • Assisted Director in developing reports and writing presentations for Legislative Committees, Council of State, Capital Planning Commission, Advisory Budget Commission and the Governor.• Developed/monitored continuous control over budget and planned use of fiscal resources, space utilization for operation of on-going programs to meet goals and objectives.• HR point of contact for the department and initiated action with the use of PeopleAdmin (HRIS) Oversaw the life cycle of employee recruitment process; Ensure resource availability and allocation.• Utilized Integrated ERP Systems- Ariba, E-Procurement for department purchases and needs.• Planned, coordinated and attended to all details, including writing speeches, involved with the Annual State Construction Conference at NCSU- McKimmon's Center, which is attended by over 1000 construction-industry professionals. Show less

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  Department of Administration, Secretary’s Office

  Nov 2017 - Jan 2020

  Business Development and Grant Writer

  Represented the State of North Carolina Advocacy Department in establishing and developing funder relationships to secure funding for services provided to the citizens of North Carolina. Ensured grant funding was allocated for the continuation of the following services: Domestic Violence victims and their families, Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Commission of Indian Affairs, Workforce Development, and Substance Abuse. • Developed impactful grant applications to enhance the organization's potential for funding awards.• Oversaw coordination of partners and working groups engaged in project work.• Facilitated weekly conference calls with stakeholders to review goals and project progress.• Tracked project performance, specifically to analyze the successful completion of short and long-term goals.• Generated monthly grant writing activities reports and submit documentation to Executive staff to promote funding program transparency.• Content Manager for SharePoint and Drupal for the 2020 Census initiative. Show less

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  NC Department of Health and Human Services

  Sept 2020 - now

  Office of Procurement, Contracts and Grants, Contract Specialist