Lauren Nilles Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

Usher Vivvi into next stage of growth as member of executive team

New York, Ny, Us

As founding team member and first people hire, built systems and structures to attract, retain, and support the growth of world-class early childhood educators and other team members. • Expanded team 10x, from 25 to 250• Navigated change management, compliance, and culture initiatives to successfully grow headcount and program offerings amidst COVID-19 pandemic; avoided layoffs and furloughs• Implemented systems to strengthen organizational capacity across all key People functions: talent acquisition, DEI, performance management, total rewards, learning and development, etc.

New York, Ny, Us

As first people-related hire, grew team by 80% and established fundamental HR infrastructure by:• Building a data-driven, competency-based talent acquisition strategy designed to minimize bias and prioritize quality and diversity of hires• Identifying and implementing high-impact retention efforts (e.g., deploying engagement survey and creating response plan, implementing new performance management system, overhauling All Hands meetings and other culture initiatives)• Leading company-wide core values creation and rollout• Working with outside counsel to ensure compliance on all employee-related matters; creating and implementing parental leave and other company policies

New York, New York, Us

Managed a portfolio of approximately 13 K-12 education and college access nonprofits by:• Leveraging expertise in curriculum and instruction to evaluate program quality• Monitoring grantee performance against ambitious, quantifiable goals and targets• Identifying and refining methods for quantifying the impact of an organization’s services with reference to current research studies and findings• Supporting organization's growth and improvement via strategy, governance, infrastructure, and technology through partnership with Robin Hood management assistance teamAdditionally, pioneered new literacy instructional philosophy in partnership with the Robin Hood Learning + Technology Fund by:• Composing framework to definition and illustrate components of Blended Literacy, which combines aspects of blended and personalized learning with content-rich curricula and tactics• Authoring a thought piece describing the strategy that was published on a premier education think tank's siteIdentified and funded new ways to sustainably move New Yorkers out of poverty by:• Researching the most innovative or effective interventions and organizations in the field to address the most pressing needs for the communities served by the Education portfolio• Rigorously evaluating potential investments based on Robin Hood’s disciplined methodology for judging potential performance and organizational strength• Developing a clear articulation of the strengths and weaknesses of a potential grant and capturing them in write-ups and presentations delivered to program staff and board committeesSupported development and communications staff as needed by providing expert program knowledge to advance fundraisingRepresented Robin Hood externally and act as liaison to other philanthropies and government agencies

Brooklyn, New York, Us

Increased applications for instructional positions to the charter school network by 65% compared with the year prior by:• Setting strategy to achieve network-wide teacher recruitment target of 500 hires within eight months• Analyzing source data to direct $225,000 budget to the highest-yield channels and activities (including events, digital marketing, print advertising, partnerships, social media, and campus recruitment)• Directly managing a team of three• Redesigning email campaigns to 90,000 subscribers, resulting in 7-percentage point increase in open rate• Implementing new employee referral system to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds• Expanding fledgling "Teacher Generation" college pipeline program by 5x

Detroit, Michigan, Us

Created comprehensive talent strategy for VFA HQ internal team by:• Leading and advising all talent-related departments: Recruitment, Selection, and Programs • Working with COO to create org-wide hiring and succession plans; creating internal hiring best practices• Instituting professional development initiatives and overhauling performance management/feedback• Producing curricula for Fellows, entrepreneurs, and business leaders; mentoring Fellows• Writing blog posts and talent-related website copy

Detroit, Michigan, Us

Built rigorous admissions process to accommodate 1,600+ applicants and 150+ reviewers per cycle, selected 220 VFA Fellows over 2 years (nine out of ten of whom were ultimately rated by employers as top 10% performers) by:• Leading application redesign for the 2015 Fellowship, including platform selection, project management, and software customization• Designing and implementing strategy and content for all stages of the application process: online application, interview questions/structure, reviewer rubrics and evaluation forms, etc. • Developing actionable data management strategies for application information from 9,000+ candidates• Managing two direct reports• Developing online and in-person trainings to equip >800 total supporters, staff, and current Fellows to be application readers, video interviewers, and final interview judges

Detroit, Michigan, Us

Joined startup nonprofit in its first year of operation; grew applicant pool 400% from year 1 to year 3 by:• Developing organization-wide recruitment strategy and procedures from ground up as first talent hire• Forging strategic relationships with various stakeholders, including university contacts and applicants• Planning and executing information sessions and other promotional events• Managing national Campus Ambassador program for current undergraduates

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

• Created and implemented lesson plans and assessments for 5 classes of 25-30 students resulting in 84% mastery of science standards compared to cohort average of 61%• Appointed grade-level Team Leader after first year of teaching; responsible for managing 3 veteran teachers and 135 students, planning and directing team meetings, and training peers on instructional strategies • Composed curriculum for Geometry of Nature, LLC that is now being implemented in a pilot program involving hundreds of schools in North Carolina• Organized video conference event for 100 students, NASA Chief Administrator, and U.S. Secretary of Education to speak with astronauts aboard the International Space Station

New York, Ny, Us

• Mastered basics of pedagogy and instruction in intensive 5-week training• Achieved significant quantitative and qualitative academic gains with 230 students over two years• Promoted to Team Leader in second year of teaching

Boston, Ma, Us

• Executed events, including managing mailings and providing on-site support at the 200+ participant golf tournament; cultivated donor relationships with 35 individuals and 9 local businesses

Boston, Massachusetts, Us

• Planned and led play group therapy sessions for children ages 4-6 at risk of developmental delay; organized comprehensive resource guide for parents/guardians, including information on public assistance, immigration, and childcare

Bachelor Of Arts, Psychology

Master Of Education (M.Ed.), Curriculum And Instruction

Education record