Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Generic

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
Melissa Kearse