MELISSA L.

ADAIR
793 Southlawn Street * Jenison, Michigan 49428
616-485-7736 * ma1ae72f@westpost.net

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERSHIP:
MARKETING MANAGER / PROJECT MANAGER
Highly focused, detail-centric, and confident marketing and project manager with
demonstrated history of delivering superior results by merging dedication with
a collaborative, "can-do" approach to realizing objectives. Organized manager, p
ossessing exceptional budgeting and finance expertise. Accomplished strategic th
inker and planner, reputable for catalyzing success in areas including event coo
rdination, trainings, contracting, grant administration, and program implementat
ion. Seasoned relationship builder. Polished communicator, able to create compel
ling messages targeting diverse audiences.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Marketing Strategy Development * Project and Program Management * Budgeting and
Finance
Requests for Proposals (RFP) / Requests for Information (RFI) * Relationship Bui
lding * Training Logistics
Contract Negotiation and Administration * Vendor Relations * Event Orchestratio
n * Human Resources
Grant Administration * Internal and External Partnerships * Communication

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY AUTISM EDUCATION CENTER, Grand Rapids, Michigan *
2001-Present
Marketing and Logistics Coordinator: Spearhead multiple and diverse development,
finance, marketing, and event initiatives. Play pivotal role in training operat
ions, including developing budgets, creating program reports, and designing writ
ten internal and external collateral. Orchestrate annual conference, including h
andling event promotion, scheduling, and registration. Coordinate communication
between autism center and university departments as well as between center and s
tate Department of Education Office of Special Education and Early Intervention.
Administer center website, including managing content and visual appeal.
Oversee grant process, from authoring grant requests to administering $1.4M in g
rant funding. Handle budgeting, finance, and auditing activities, including mana
ging expenses tagged for requisitions, contracts, and overall operations. Compil
e progress reports targeting areas including programs, finances, and grant imple
mentation. Contribute to activities of statewide training locations via supporti
ng project management and funding efforts.
Key Accomplishments:
* Catapulted annual conference attendance from 150 to 700+.
* Achieved 8-year cumulative record of balancing budget within +/- 2%.
* Crafted key documents, including promotional plans, contracts, program curricu
la, and educational collateral.

MEIJER, INC., Grand Rapids, Michigan * 1999-2001

Advertising Account Coordinator (2000-2001): Cultivated customer partnerships to
promote hardlines and softlines merchandise. Prepared informational materials t
o support creation of promotional tools including weekly ads and marketing event
s. Created advertising schedules for co-marketing events, and tracked start-to-f
inish project progress, ensuring alignment with established timeframes.
Benefits Customer Service Representative (1999-2000): Executed administrative fu
nctions in support of benefits programs. Aided in processing medical, dental, an
d vision insurance claims. Prepared various benefits materials, including enroll
ment and operational reports and new employee information packages. Handled bene
fits enrollment and termination activities.
Career Note: Additional professional experience includes roles as Human Resource
s Assistant for Batts, Inc. and Marketing Coordinator and Customer Service Repre
sentative for Windquest Companies, Inc.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan
Associate of Applied Science in Retail Fashion Merchandising
Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fundamentals of Sponsored Project Administration
National Council of University Research Administrators

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Grand Rapids Junior League

TECHNICAL SKILLS
Microsoft Office 7 * Photoshop * Banner * OnBase