Melissa Kearse
Victoria,BC
Summary
Driven and decisive people leader offering over 10 years of experience managing teams to deliver compliance, personnel communication and workforce programs.
Flexible and focused with expertise in recruitment and retention, staff training and development and complex problem resolution. Develops and implements HR strategies and initiatives aligned with overall business strategy.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-op and Career Services Assistant
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC
05.2023 - Current
- Support the co-op lifecycle between students and employers from job postings to interviews, offers and placements, records and grades
- Coordinate and triage inquiries from students, faculty, staff and employers
- Co-op and Career Assistants work closely and collaboratively to ensure a consistent, high level of service across all Co-op and Career programs and services and the larger UVic community
- Maintains records and data to ensure accuracy of metrics needed to assist with strategic decisions for the organization
- Participation in optional employee learning series including: UVic Citizen Series, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Indigenous Cultural Acumen Training, Pension Information Sessions, CUPE 951 union meetings
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Engaged HR
Victoria, BC
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Responsible for two executive calendars, email tracking, project management and customer relationship management (CRM) platform
- Developed, documented, and updated defined procedures, processes, and systems adhering to best practices
- Managed and administered client contracting process, maintaining integrity of agreement templates, appropriate approvals, circulating, and record keeping
- Responsible for internal HR Administration through corporate HRIS (BambooHR) platform, maintaining all confidential employee lifecycle information and data
Parental Leave
Leave
04.2021 - 08.2022
Senior Executive Assistant to the COO
The Asprey Group
Victoria, BC
08.2019 - 04.2021
- Played a pivotal role in the early growth of business operations in amalgamating 6 companies into a shared-services model
- Responsible for administrative, leadership and strategic support to the COO, including scheduling, emailing, travel, meeting preparation, client relationships, special events and ad-hoc requests
- Led Human Resources functions including sourcing, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and staff recognition initiatives
- Ensured best practices, policies and legislations are adhered to with employees across Canada and the United States (Washington, California)
- Developed and implemented internal processes and ensured communication between senior executives and company-wide employees
Restaurant and Events Manager
The Marina Restaurant, Oak Bay Marine Group
Victoria, BC
02.2015 - 07.2019
- Managed and coached a staff of 30+ employees, responsible for strategic and creative talent sourcing, on-boarding, training, retention and recognition
- Prepared detailed proposals for events, including timelines, vendors, and budgets
- Managed 130 seat daily service including staff scheduling, menu development and costing, customer service, conflict resolution, fast-paced problem solving
Restaurant Manager, Bartender, Server
Gabby's - Urban Dining Group
Toronto, ON
05.2010 - 11.2014
- Managed scheduling, inventory, training, events, customer service, conflict resolution
Junior Policy Advisor
Ministry of Research and Innovation, Ontario Public Service
Toronto, ON
09.2007 - 10.2009
- Prepared communication materials for the Minister of Research and Innovation in preparation for media announcements for the Ontario Research Fund Research Infrastructure program
Research Assistant
05.2006 - 09.2007
- Maintained stakeholder relations and managed contracts for ministry awards and grants up to $500,000 for the Ontario Research Fund Research Infrastructure Program, Early Researcher Awards, and Post-Doctoral Fellowship program
Education
Employee Professional Development Courses -
University of Victoria
06-2023
WSET Levels 2 & 3 -
Wine and Spirits Education Trust
01.2019
Public Administration and Governance -
Ryerson University
01.2010
Psychology -
Wilfrid Laurier University
01.2007
Foundations of Improvisation -
Paper Street Theatre Co
Skills
- Recruitment and workforce planning
- Tracking Business Trends
- Candidate Sourcing
- Data-driven decision-making
- Relationship Builder
- Strategic Thinker
Volunteer Experience
Saanich Neighbourhood Place - Member of Board of Directors and Human Resources Committee
- Saanich Neighbourhood Place is a family resource organization that provides accessible and inclusive programs and resources to families, youth, and children. Programming includes: pre/post-natal/post-partum education and support, parenting workshops, LGTBQ+ programming for parents and youth, food security programs
- Board members provide governance, guidance, and accountability to the organization's operational and strategic planning
- Human resources committee actions and oversees the Executive Director, 360 Performance Review, employee engagement, Worksafe BC compliance, strategic consultation
Timeline
Co-op and Career Services Assistant
University of Victoria
05.2023 - Current
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Engaged HR
08.2022 - 03.2023
Parental Leave
Leave
04.2021 - 08.2022
Senior Executive Assistant to the COO
The Asprey Group
08.2019 - 04.2021
Restaurant and Events Manager
The Marina Restaurant, Oak Bay Marine Group
02.2015 - 07.2019
Restaurant Manager, Bartender, Server
Gabby's - Urban Dining Group
05.2010 - 11.2014
Junior Policy Advisor
Ministry of Research and Innovation, Ontario Public Service
09.2007 - 10.2009
Research Assistant
05.2006 - 09.2007
Employee Professional Development Courses -
University of Victoria
WSET Levels 2 & 3 -
Wine and Spirits Education Trust
Public Administration and Governance -
Ryerson University
Psychology -
Wilfrid Laurier University
Foundations of Improvisation -
Paper Street Theatre Co