RESUMES

With 20 years of experience in nonprofit, education, and administrative support roles—and 10+ years in media production and project management—I bring a deep understanding of both people-centered programs and complex logistical coordination.

My work spans youth development, financial education, live events, content production, and systems-building, all with a focus on collaboration, clarity, and impact.

View my resumes below based on your interest:

  • Education & Nonprofit Operations Resume – focused on community engagement, program support, and cross-sector collaboration.

  • Project Management Resume – focused on leading creative and operational initiatives from concept through completion.

EDUCATION & NONPROFIT OPERATIONS

CAREER SUMMARY

Experienced training facilitator and court-approved Rule 1:40 mediator, with expertise in change management, classroom engagement, educational design and compliance. Proven ability to design and lead educational programs, implement process improvements, and drive community partnerships. Experienced in corporate, nonprofit, and public sector environments.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING EXPERIENCE

Homeowner Services Coordinator and Almost Home Lead Program Coordinator 

Habitat for Humanity of MontDelCo, PA (November 2021 – December 2022)

  • Initially served as Homeowner Services Coordinator through AmeriCorps, remotely managing case files using MS Excel, responding to program inquiries, and developing homeowner orientation materials in MS Word and PowerPoint.

  • Assumed leadership of the Almost Home virtual financial education program remotely in Spring 2022 following a staff transition, overseeing cohort management, curriculum design, and program planning through its Fall 2022 conclusion.

  • Independently designed and facilitated bi-weekly virtual workshops via Zoom and Microsoft Teams; developed and refined training materials, exercises, and participant handouts using Microsoft Word and Canva, ensuring content remained research-informed and aligned with best practices in adult learning.

  • Established seven new cross-sector partnerships—including Habitat Philly, Penn Community Bank, and Mainline Health—resulting in increased volunteer engagement and expanded resource access for program participants.

  • Led outreach and training efforts to diversify volunteer engagement, contributing to a 75% female registrant rate and recruitment of bilingual financial coaches to better support 18% of participants who identified as Hispanic/Latinx and 12% who were veterans or individuals with disabilities

  • Researched and implemented training for Volunteer Financial Coaches (including Bridges Out of Poverty) to encourage understanding of resource disparities in low-to-moderate income households, fostering a supportive environment aligned with DEI principles.

  • Supervised PowerPoint presentation edits from Volunteer Financial Coaches and agency partners to ensure workshop content met the needs of marginalized communities, including low-income families and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

  • Managed sensitive case files in compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Housing Act, and FHA standards, ensuring confidentiality and data security. Utilized Microsoft Excel to track case data, ensuring process improvements and operational accuracy.

  • Reviewed and interpreted organizational policies, providing key insights to board members during the underwriting process to ensure accurate application of standards. 

  • Independently researched and developed two comprehensive countywide Community Resource Directories using Microsoft Word and Excel to assist individuals with needs beyond Habitat’s mission, including resources for addiction recovery, survivor support, education, recreation, food pantries, emergency housing, veteran services and more. 

  • Optimized program intake and survey forms using Microsoft Forms and Excel to align with KPIs, improving data tracking and enabling more targeted participant support for over 100 registrants across three cohorts in 2022.

  • Coordinated major events such as Rock the Block (a 4-city, 2-county annual neighborhood revitalization event) and Volunteer Appreciation Day, securing monetary and in-kind donations, facilitating transportation, and coordinating outreach with town officials and public safety support. 


Volunteer Improv Workshop Team Leader - Cherub Improv, NY (January 2011 - February 2020)

  • Led improv-based workshops on teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving for organizations such as Ronald McDonald House and Gilda’s Club; adapting in real time to each population’s needs. 

  • Independently designed curriculum and facilitated 44 improv-based workplace mentoring workshops specifically with Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC from 2012 to 2020, engaging over 1,300 adult mentors and teen mentees in exercises that fostered meaningful dialogue, creative thinking, and relationship-building

  • Recruited and trained new volunteers, and assisted in planning annual fundraising events

Teaching Artist - Enact, Inc, NY (February 2012 - March 2015)

  • Designed and facilitated 200+ SEL workshops for 1,500+ students from 6th through 12th grade and 10 professional development sessions for 100+ educators across NYC public schools, using the CASEL framework curriculum to adapt to diverse learner needs and strengthen classroom engagement.

  • Working independently and collaboratively with other teaching artists, created new material, including games, exercises, and scenes, for student-driven projects and end-of-year presentations, tailored to encourage real-life application of social-emotional skills

  • Documented and communicated student progress and feedback to teachers, guidance counselors, and families, supporting behavioral growth and social-emotional development through tailored interventions.

  • Provided direct mentorship and conflict resolution support for students, promoting positive peer relationships and practical life skill development.

College Mentor - The Greater Newark Conservancy, NJ (June 2000 - September 2001)

  • Initially served as a College Mentor to a group of eight 10th grade students from under-resourced communities as a part of the Newark Youth Leadership student enrichment program. 

  • During a staffing reorganization, took on the additional responsibility of independently designing and facilitating the 2001 summer youth program. Hired 9th–12th grade student participants, sourced guest speakers, and coordinated professional development workshops, college visits, cultural arts programming, and community engagement projects.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

  • 40 HR Basic Civil Mediation (Pass 100%) - Essex County College

  • Bachelor of Arts | Psychology - William Paterson University

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES 

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams), Google Workspace, Canva, MailChimp, Website Design and Management (SquareSpace, WordPress), Zoom, StreamYard

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellefthomas418

Summary

Impact-driven project manager with 10+ years of cross-sector experience leading initiatives across nonprofit, media, and live events. Adept at translating creative, educational, and community-driven goals into actionable plans. Proven track record of managing virtual and in-person programs, productions, and large-scale events from concept to completion. Skilled in stakeholder coordination, scheduling, budgeting, compliance, and adapting workflows to evolving project needs. Known for fostering inclusive environments and driving continuous improvement.

Core Tools: Microsoft Office Suite · Google Workspace · Zoom · Canva · Salesforce (basic)

Professional Enrichment | (Sept 2023 - June 2025)

  • In pursuit of completing IBM Project Manager Certification - Coursera

  • Received “Approaches to Contemporary Leadership” certificate, from the Buccino Leadership Institute at Seton Hall University (New Jersey) 

  • Completed Basic Civil Mediation Certification - Achieved 100% on final assessment; approved for court-appointed mediation under court Rule 1:40.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

Program Coordinator – Homeowner & Financial Literacy Initiatives

Habitat for Humanity of MontDelCo – Remote | Nov 2021 – Dec 2022

  • Directed program planning and scheduling across multiple cohorts, aligning deliverables with KPIs and grant metrics.

  • Promoted to lead programmatic operations of “Almost Home,” a multi-cohort virtual financial education initiative.

  • Built and managed strategic partnerships with 7+ financial and healthcare organizations, increasing resource access and volunteer diversity.

  • Coordinated production and logistics for community events and workshops; streamlined digital workflows using MS Teams, Zoom, and shared drives.

  • Developed and implemented digital intake forms and participant resources, using Google Forms and Microsoft Excel; increasing engagement and accessibility.

  • Supervised cross-functional teams of volunteers and stakeholders to ensure culturally relevant, trauma-informed content delivery.

  • Led outreach, scheduling, and documentation for community revitalization events, including city-wide Rock the Block and Volunteer Appreciation Day.

Strategic Office Coordinator (Contract – Private Wealth Management)

Goldman Sachs (via Advantage XPO) – NYC | Apr 2015 – Apr 2016

  • Supported senior leadership in calendar, meeting, and travel coordination across global teams.

  • Managed client-facing documentation and ensured compliance with SEC/FINRA standards.

  • Tracked and reconciled expense reports for 25+ Private Wealth Managers using SAP Concur; investigated discrepancies and improved reporting accuracy.

  • Trained new hires and onboarded support staff to ensure process alignment with regulatory standards.

  • Improved operational workflow by resolving unallocated expenses and facilitating data integrity across departments.

CREATIVE PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS

Project Manager – Seasonal Arts Operations

Chautauqua Theater Company, Chautauqua, NY | Mar 2023 – Aug 2023

  • Led onboarding and logistics for 100+ seasonal artists, fellows, and production staff, including travel, housing, and document verification using Excel, Google Workspace, and project trackers.

  • Supervised Assistant Company Manager and Production Assistants to maintain daily operations.

  • Ensured union compliance, coordinated hospitality services, and organized morale-boosting events.

Production Project Manager – Live Events

Montclair Film, Montclair, NJ | Aug 2022 – Nov 2022

  • Supported planning and execution of a multi-venue film festival, coordinating production, operations, and technical teams.

  • Scheduled 50+ part-time staff and volunteers across 3 venues using collaborative calendars.

  • Streamlined hiring interviews and team communications via Slack and Google Workspace.

  • Co-led establishment of front-of-house security protocols for smooth event operations.

1st Assistant Director – Pre-Production (TV Series: The Dream)

CakeFX / Hulu | Apr 2021

  • Developed shooting schedules and advised producers/director on feasibility and visual planning.

  • Collaborated with the core team during location scouts to optimize production flow.

Associate Producer / Project Coordinator (Feature Film: “Less Than or Equal To”) 

Fair Housing Justice Center, NYC | 2020 – 2021

  • Oversaw budget, procurement, and vendor payments; coordinated logistics and media handoff to post-production.

  • Created and maintained project milestone calendars and managed crew onboarding and communications.

  • Collaborated with COVID Compliance Officer to ensure on-set safety.

Executive Producer / Operations Lead

Murf Meyer is Self Medicated – Podcast & Livestream Show | 2020 – 2021

  • Directed project scope, hiring, onboarding, budgeting, contracts, payroll, and vendor management.

  • Designed and tracked milestone calendars to ensure timely delivery of episodes.

  • Researched guests, developed scripts, and supervised all communications and copy.

  • Produced technical run-throughs and live show execution using StreamYard and YouTube.

Line Producer / Production Operations Manager (Theater: “Notes on My Mother’s Decline”)

The Play Company, NYC | Aug – Nov 2019

  • Managed budget, hiring, contracts, and production schedules across creative and technical teams.

  • Provided venue management support and rehearsal coverage.

  • Creatively sourced and procured hard-to-find equipment, including a vintage carousel projector, through secondhand and specialty outlets.

  • Developed run maintenance plans and led venue closeout after final performances.

Production Manager – Emerging Media (VR Improv Project)

Agile Lens / High Fidelity, NYC | Nov 2018 – Jan 2019

  • Coordinated schedules, talent, and crew for live VR performances on the High Fidelity platform.

  • Oversaw production budget and coordinated logistics, rentals, hospitality, and venue operations, including equipment load-in/out and rehearsal management.

  • Called cues during performances and ensured cohesive cross-functional workflows.

Director / Project Lead (Independent Short Film: “Hashtag”)

Mamoudou N’Diaye, Writer | 2018

  • Managed production logistics, crew coordination, and budget.

  • Directed cast and collaborated with DP to align visual storytelling with script goals.

  • Scouted and evaluated filming locations, participated in post-production feedback rounds.

Project Manager / Producer (Branded Content)

UCB Comedy / Don’t Think Productions, NYC | (2016)

  • Led cross-functional production projects for clients including LEGO, York Peppermint Patties, and Good Food Made Simple, managing timelines, logistics, and team coordination from pre-production through final delivery.

  • Oversaw talent sourcing and casting workflows, including audition coordination, communication with agents, and final selections to meet brand and creative specifications.

  • Coordinated internal and external teams—including creative, production, and post—ensuring deliverables were met on schedule and within scope.

  • Liaised with vendors and location partners to manage expectations, resolve issues proactively, and ensure project alignment with client requirements.

  • Managed day-to-day operations on set and in planning phases, facilitating communication across departments and handling shifting priorities under tight deadlines.

Production Project Lead / 1st AD (Web Series: “Projecting”) 

Hearst Media / Seriously.TV, NYC | (2016)

  • Collaborated with the director to develop project schedules, organize daily production logistics, and prioritize task sequencing for efficient execution.

  • Managed on-site team coordination, tracking progress against schedules and resolving bottlenecks in real-time.

  • Acted as a liaison between creative, production, and technical teams to ensure workflow continuity and alignment with the project vision.

Project Manager & Line Producer (Web Series: “Frohnson & Frohnson”)

UCB Digital, NYC | 2015–2017

Awarded “ComedyPRO” at Just for Laughs & Official Selection, NYTVF 2017

  • Managed full project lifecycle for 6 episodes, including budget oversight, resourcing, and timeline development across production phases.

  • Created detailed work plans (shot lists, call sheets, schedules) to guide team operations, enabling consistent on-time delivery.

  • Provided logistical input during pre-production, contributing to early planning, script breakdowns, and team readiness.

  • Coordinated across departments (writers, cast, crew, post-production) to ensure alignment between creative goals and operational feasibility.

Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of DSLR cameras, light rigging and sound equipment. Proficient in Mac and Windows, MS Office (including Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Microsoft Teams), Workday, WrapBook, QuickBooks, Google Suite Applications, Zoom, StreamYard, Canva, MailChimp, SquareSpace and WordPress. Basic knowledge of QuickBooks and WrapBook. American Heart Association CPR/AED & First AID Certification.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology                                                                                             William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ

How to Effectively Collaborate with Your Cinematographer               Sundance Collab, Sundance Film Institute

Sketch Writing                                                                                      UCB and The Peoples Improv Theater, NY

Writing for Television – Summer Intensive                                                                                     Columbia University, New York ,NY  Certified in Basic

Studio Production                                                                                         Manhattan Neighborhood Network, NY