Millennial Hippie

Full CV / Resume

Cindy James

787-306 Parkland Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1T1
(902) 877-1863 (cell)
E-mail:

Demonstrated Skills
• Consummate relationship builder with talents in influencing and engaging people
• Aptitude for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities
• Known innovator and connector
• Strategic thinker, collaborator, and planner aligning actions to goals
• Proven fundraising abilities using a sales oriented approach
• Proficiency in event creation and implementation
• Social media skills including business attraction, customer interaction, and trends tracking
• Shaping and advising on targeted marketing and promotional campaigns
• Proficient computer skills in both Macintosh and PC programs; internet savvy including social marketing tools; and CRM
• Matchless ability to maintain focus, effectiveness and direction while under stress

Education
1997-present Lifelong pursuit of professional development activity

1987 Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Physical Education
Acadia University, Wolfville, NS ()
Major in Recreation; Minor in Business & Biology

1981 Grade 12
Digby Regional High School, Digby, NS

Work Timeline
Oct 2014-present Self-employed, CPJ Consulting & Rural Energy

Jul 2014-Oct 2014 Innovation Coach, CEED ()

Apr 2011-Jul 2014 Manager, Business Development & Marketing, CEED

Aug 2010-Apr 2011 Fundraising & Development Coordinator, JDRF Atlantic

Jul 2009- Apr 2011 Entrepreneur & Business Owner, Gifted

Apr 2009 – Aug 2009 JASCO Applied Sciences, Business Development

Acadia University March 1997 to November 2008 showing progressive advancement in each of the six positions with increasing responsibility, advising capacity and management roles.

May 2007- Nov 2008 Director Corporate Relations, Office of Advancement

Apr 2005- Apr 2007 Development Liaison Officer, Alumni & Development

May 2004- Mar 2005 Communications Officer, Office of Public Affairs

Aug 2002- May 2004 Manager, Sector Relations for Growth & Operations

June 2001- Aug 2002 Training & Development Coordinator

Mar 1997- Aug 2002 Equity Officer

Sept 1992- Feb 1997 Information, Workshop & Research Coordinator

Demonstrated Results
• Through government & corporate avenues have raised over $150,000 for CEED
• Coached & mentored new and existing entrepreneurs through growth and expansion
• Responsible for innovative funding strategies such as Social Impact Bond investment
• During 8 months with JDRF secured over $75,000 in new corporate & media sponsorship and the walk fundraising goal was exceeded by $15,000
• From idea to implementation developed a unique business as a participant in the CEED’s Self Employment Benefit Program
• Individually secured $375,000 through alumni and parent donors asks in Calgary and The Bahamas for the Tides Are Turning Capital Campaign for Acadia University
• Led, facilitated and crafted the strategic plan for the Alumni and Development (Advancement) sector aligned with the overall University Strategic Plan
• Instituted the first international Alumni Branch located in The Bahamas including the establishment of an alumni supported scholarship
• Under direction from the President of Acadia & the Chancellor created connections to over twenty new corporate donors stewarding the relationships through student employment, alumni engagement, recruitment opportunities and sponsorship proposals
• Wrote and administered a $1M funding proposal to the Kresge Foundation
• Implemented and led training and development programs for staff and management
• Recipient of the President’s Award for Innovation

Relevant Experience
Oct 2014- present Business Owner CPJ Consulting & Rural Energy Halifax, NS
and
• Self-employed as a management consultant to business start-ups, not-for-profit organizations, and entrepreneurs
• Applying skills in coaching, mentoring, marketing, promotions, innovative idea generation, social media, strategic planning, and customer relations
• Particular focus on rural communities and start-up environments
• Blogging under the name of Gutzee Moves as a hobby business with a focus on innovative travel and travel writing

Jul 2014 -Oct 2014 Innovation Coach, Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development Halifax, NS
• A senior management position created to increase innovation in the organization
• Responsibilities include identifying impactful trends and collaborative relationships
• Implementation of experiments leading to better client service, sustainable funding, and partnerships
• Management of work teams created across the organization to work on new ideas and strategies
• Working directly with clients to ensure the business viability through coaching and advising
• Some innovative first include client crowd funding campaign, impact investment readiness, potential start-up school model, and a social enterprise accelerator partnership
• Member of the team implementing Creating Opportunities for Rural Youth (CORY) in four African countries as part of North American consortium

Apr 2011-Jul 2014 Manager, Business Development & Marketing, CEED Halifax, NS
• Reporting directly to the CEO responsibilities for new business development, marketing initiatives and communication strategies
• As a member of the executive team able for the strategic direction and financial management responsibilities with signing authority
• Editor for the 3rd edition of the Entrepreneurs Edge magazine recognizing alumni of CEED and celebration entrepreneurial success in Nova Scotia
• Through a successful proposal submission secured a national award for the Second Chance program
• Designing benefits-driven Alumni Program for past CEED participants
• Created a social media strategy for the organization doubling CEED’s exposure using Twitter, , Linked In and blogging
• Expanded CEED’s provincial reach through new partnership agreements and program delivery in Antigonish, Parrsboro, Digby & Cheticamp
• Instrumental in the successful application seeking charity status for CEED
• Lead, coached, inspired and motivated a team of up to 5 staff including cooperative education placements, contracted service providers and full time employees
• Leading the creation of impact investment vehicles to increase financial sustainability in the not for profit sector

Aug 2010-Apr 2011 Fundraising & Development Coordinator, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Bedford, NS
• Responsible for the funding targets for the US Walk to Cure Diabetes
• Secured a regional sponsorship with CTV news in the amount of $25,000
• Local sponsorship valued at $50,000 with Newcap Radio, Sunnyside Too restaurant, Defero Digital advertising, Moments in Time photography, Just Us and musician John Morgan
• Increased the fundraising target by $15,000 by adding a new running event in partnership with The Running Room and promotional activities
• Positioned JDRF as the charity of choice for the Wharf Rat Rally event

Apr 2009-Apr 2011 Self Employed ~ Gifted & Consulting (ACSBE and JASCO) Home-based Business Halifax, NS
• Worked with JASCO, a locally owned and operated acoustics company, to provide marketing and branding expertise for printed materials and a trade show display
• Creation of a business plan and participation in a 40 week business development program funded by the Province and delivered through the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development
• Through an online accommodation service have creating a business by booking a spare room for use by tourists, parents and families visiting Halifax
• Completed a 3-month contract with ACSBE to provide facilitation and human resource planning expertise for the Home Hardware Windsor project
• Facilitated a 6-week small business program in Elmsdale called the 4R’s of Human Resources for small business including some program design input

May 2007-Nov 2009 Director Corporate Relations, Office of Advancement Acadia University Wolfville, NS
• Participated on an executive team of Directors providing strategic advice to the Vice President of Advancement
• Provided leadership and strategic direction to the Cooperative Education and Career Services unit
• Responsible for defining a new business direction for the unit aligning with the strategic direction of the university
• Led, coached, motivated and inspired a team of 3 full time and 2 student staff representing two diverse business lines
• Identified new external corporate opportunities for current students, new graduates, and alumni
• Created an innovative process to align alumni affairs, student services and development resulting in increased recruitment and retention opportunities
• Responsible for the implementation of a new online co-curricular transcript process including the development of polices to manage the process
• Created and managed a budget of $250,000 with expected revenue targets from Cooperative Education student tuition fees

Apr 2005-Apr 2007 Development Liaison Officer, Alumni & Development Acadia University Wolfville, NS
• Provided strategic support to the Vice President
• Led and crafted the Strategic Plan for the Alumni & Development Sector
• Traveled internationally with the President for corporate development & student recruitment
• Expanded the fundraising prospect pool of women alumni
• Established the first Acadia international alumni branch in The Bahamas including a scholarship
• Responsible for the Capital Campaign direction and financial targets in Calgary, Bermuda and The Bahamas
• Responsible for the writing and administration of a $1M (US) funding proposal to the Kresge Foundation

Apr 2004-Mar 2005 Communications Officer, Office of Public Affairs Acadia University Wolfville, NS
• Reported directly to the Executive Director, Public Affairs
• Responsible for corporate marketing creating the first Halifax Airport campaign, Google Ad promotion, and Progress Magazine feature
• Completed analytical research projects on the “University’s Economic Impact on Kings County” and “Internal Spending Audit of University Promotion & Communication products”
• Collaborated to create a consistent brand resulting in one Acadia “A”

Aug 2002-May 2004 Manger, Sector Relations for Growth & Operations Acadia University Wolfville, NS
• Advised the Vice President, Growth & Operations on sector issues relating to change management
• Managed the internal and external communications with government, community and industry partners with the goal of increasing support for ancillary revenue generation for the university
• Chief liaison between the internal community and the strategic direction of the new sector with responsibilities for identifying partnerships and opportunities to increase revenue from university assets
• Developed and administered all sector staff training and professional development for 22 team members across 5 business lines

June 2001-Aug 2002 Training & Development Coordinator Acadia University Wolfville, NS
• Advised the Director of Human Resources on staff and management professional development strategy
• Established the training and development direction for the campus in consultation with the campus community
• Implemented training and development programs for staff and management including equity and diversity; Zenger Miller management training; and managing organizational transition
• Administered a training and development budget

Mar 1997-Aug 2002 Equity Officer Acadia University Wolfville, NS
• Direct report to the President on all equity related complaints, issue resolution and strategy recommendations
• Worked with the Acadia community as a resource person to ensure an atmosphere conducive to learning and working free of harassment & discrimination
• Developed and wrote the “Policy Against Harassment & Discrimination: A Campus Commitment” - the first university in Canada to include bullying as a form of harassment within the policy
• Worked cooperatively and in an advisory capacity with key groups on campus including unions, senior management, student groups, contracted service providers and department heads
• Facilitated the resolution of contentious issues through mentoring, coaching, advising, facilitating, investigating and recommending action for staff, faculty & students
• Chair of the working committee to implement newly implemented FOIPOP legislation

Sep 1992- Feb 1997 Information, Research & Workshop Coordinator Recreation Resource Centre of NS Wolfville, NS
• Worked with not for profit, municipal recreation professionals & sport and recreation government agencies to deliver programs and services
• Developed and delivered professional development workshops, conference sessions and public speaking engagements
• Provided counsel and research expertise for strategic planning, needs assessments, survey development and analysis for not for profit, municipalities, Acadia University and government agencies

Apr 1989-Aug 1992 Recreation Director Town & Municipality of Digby Digby, NS
• Responsible for the delivery of recreation services for two municipal units with a range of duties including programming for isolated communities; facility management; special event planning; policy and procedure development; summer program delivery and budgeting.

Volunteer Experience
June 2015-present Colchester County Energy Authority
Organizing Committee for a Renewable Energy Conference Sept 2015

2011-present Greater Halifax Partnership
Mentor, Young Professional Connector Program

2009-present Taste of Nova Scotia & Wine of Nova Scotia
Special Event Volunteer

2008 -2012 Halifax Alumni Branch Gala Dinner Committee
Chair 2008-09 – event & entertainment sub-committee for premiere fundraising event
Co-chair 2009-2010 – event-organizing committee raising over $45,000
Committee member 2011-12

2005-2006 Acadia Women in Sport Recognition Dinner
Member – organizing committee fundraising and recognition event

1998-2000 Wolfville School Band Parents Committee
Vice Chair & Chair – fundraising and planning committee

1995-1997 Kings County Smoke Free Coalition
Chair – smoking intervention program for youth

Resume Appendix: Social Media Presence
Sep 2006 Joined


Mar 2008 Joined Linked In


May 2009 Joined Twitter
@AcadiaFan
@GutzeeMoves added Dec 2014

Dec 2014 Joined Instagram


Resume Appendix: Professional Development

Nov 2014 Fund Your Life Overseas Conference
Hosted by International Living in Phoenix, Arizona
Three-day conference investigating remote working opportunities

Aug 2009- CEED SEB Program
Apr 2010 40-week entrepreneurship & business development program

Feb 2007 Bluteau DeVenney & Company
Kolbe Conative Index Assessment Seminar
Understanding my natural advantage, unique abilities and approach to work

June 2006 Canadian Fundraiser
Building a Major Gifts Program & Soliciting Major Gifts
Two one-day certification workshops on the essential components of major gifts

July 2005 Council for Advancement & Support of Education
Summer Institute in Educational Fund Raising
Week long introduction to fundamentals in education fundraising

Nov 2005 Ketchum Canada
Major Gift Workshop for the Acadia Development Team
Concentration on the importance of donor and volunteer relationship management and the role of leadership in the cultivation of donors and volunteers

June 2003 The Canadian Institute
8th Annual Symposium Internal Communications
Developing creative tactics to manage corporate culture, engage employees and advance business objectives

Apr 2003 Priority Atlantica
Customer Service Strategy
Working with a team to achieve preferred customer service levels

May 2002 The Corporate Coach
Skills Workshop
Coaching skills development for a corporate workplace environment

Nov 2001 William Bridges and Associates
Certification Seminar in Leading Organizational Transition
Qualified to conduct Managing Organizational Transition seminars

Sept 2001 Achieve Global
Certification Seminar
Qualified to deliver Zenger Miller Management Training Programs

Oct 2001 Langevin Learning Services
-Based Training Workshop
How-to course on using the to provide instruction

Apr 2000 Saint Mary’s University
Training Course
Effective Negotiating and Influencing Skills

Resume Appendix: Passions & Interests
• Entertaining family & friends
• Foodie exploring food & wine experiences
• Maintaining a healthy & balanced lifestyle
• International travel destinations to date include Jamaica, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas Bermuda, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, England, many US states and most of Canada
• International housesitting & caring for pets
• Living an entrepreneurial life