Sarah Benham Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il

Inspired action, drove efficiency, and led teams throughout multiple transitions while in a consultant role and as a direct member of the campus communities. Responsible for the performance of the admissions team which drove steady population growth over 5 years. Monitored key performance indicators to guide weekly one on ones with counselors. Ensured campus and compliance objectives were met by conducting observations and providing training. Incorporated events, such as summer camps, experiential learning for credit, open houses, and virtual networking nights, to drive affinity for our brand. Shaped strategic campaigns that enhanced representative productivity by 66%. Developed automated workflows in HubSpot, our sales and marketing CRM, to ensure appropriate and timely communications to leads and current clients. Identified and implemented video and SMS integrations for use with our CRM to better deliver content to our target demographic. Results reflected an 83% improvement in overall lead conversion over 3 years.Expanded and standardized an accurate forecasting method based upon behavioral analytics that monitors engagement and student intent. Budgeted and tracked scholarship offerings. Launched a strategic readmissions campaign, promoted veteran's resources, fostered communication with housing partners, all critical to student completion. Active member of the Policy and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Chicago, Il

-Demonstrated ability to utilize resources and help improve overall quality; promoted to Associate Director within first 6 months.-Influenced awareness of Flashpoint within Chicago's community of young artistic learners; forged Young Chicago Author's Louder Than A Bomb college level poetry competition.-Significant contributor of growth; in 2017 our campus grew our student population by 10%.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Recruited digital media students and focused on developing relationships and trust with team members, students, faculty, and campus leadership.

Role listed above under consultant company Edcura.

Le Cordon Bleu - Chicago, Il

Promoted to manage the international admissions program and support the customer experience. Leveraged strategic alliances with Compliance, Finance, and Academic Teams to implement new international guidelines that aligned with federal regulations. Developed project timelines for students to secure international applications, transcripts, financial statements, and immigration documents. Responsible for responding to student requests and ensuring exceptional customer service while students navigated the visa and immigration process. Supported students through relocation and acclimatization, and counseled them through graduation.• Increased international student starts 228% by developing relationships with Le Cordon Bleu International hubs, scheduling and leading meetings with all internal stake holders, and improving campus international enrollment procedures, 2013 to 2015. • Consulted with our IT and Marketing Teams on the development of company wide CRM upgrades. Suggested new formats for applications and anticipated potential threats to improve experience. Performed User Acceptance Testing. Developed strategy for maximizing efficiency and quality of service.• Along with <5 direct reports, through consistent communication, motivated our diverse team to produce 36% of campus gross revenue, surpassing $10M goal in 2014. • Recipient of the “Crunch Time Award” given to team member who demonstrates an exceptional ability to prioritize, troubleshoot, and execute under extreme time sensitive deadlines. • Maintained the highest student graduation rate of all top performing advisers by attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Made adjustments to achieve goals throughout the student life cycle.

Le Cordon Bleu - Chicago, Il

Led student support team of 16-22 advisers; maintained a population of 800-1000 students annually. Worked in partnership with the Academic, Finance, Career Service, and Procurement Teams to progress operations. • Member of Training Team with authority to interview, recruit, and train advisers. Continuously coached advisers, conducted formal performance observations, and directed training regarding understanding client objectives, challenges, and needs. Through this commitment to continuous improvement our student show rate (ROI) rose ~20% over 3 years.• As Student Manager was responsible for the roll out and implementation of new student initiatives and strategic plans. Managed the performance, forecasting, and compliance of a team who generated average annual gross revenue of $30.8M. Created program and schedule tracking reports used campus wide to better manage our student population and order appropriate supplies.• Implemented record keeping procedures to improve the process of securing background checks.• Planned ceremonies; served as an inspirational speaker at our formal commencement service.• Showed accountability for personal development and time management by completing the Association of Professional Executives (APEX) leadership development program through Harvard Business Review. Only 30% of participants earned certification; highlighted training and performance management.

Le Cordon Bleu - Chicago, Il

Continued recruiting duties as well as conducted monthly campus open house demonstrations alongside chefs. • Individually generated $2.61M in gross revenue in 2011. Ranked within the top 1% of Admission Reps.• Supported senior management in accreditation projects for the American Culinary Federation. • Created/led student orientation presentations for groups of 30 to 100+ guests.• Served as a facilitator during all staff meetings.

Le Cordon Bleu - Chicago, Il

Recruited local and national students through conducting in person and remote meetings. Develop ongoing relationships with students through graduation and maintain contact with alumni. Started new student cohorts every 6-8 weeks, generated referral business, and counselled students on career transitions.• Voted “Most Valuable” Admissions Adviser resulting in promotion to Senior Admissions Rep.• Individually generated $1.86M in gross revenue in 1st full year. • Functioned as a Live Chat specialist and a Spanish specialist, handling prospective student inquiries promptly.

Gulf Stream, Fl

Hired, scheduled, supervised, and managed payroll for full-time property staff of 7 for privately owned 15K sq. ft. estate set on 3 acres of intra-coastal waterfront property. Inspected property for required maintenance and coordinated and supervised access to the property for all contractors. Compared bids, corresponded with contractors, reviewed and paid invoices. Balanced accounts and prepared financial summaries of expenses. • Saved > $50K in 1st year of employment by disputing inaccurate invoicing from onsite contractors.• Project managed $600K information technology installation project, including home automation, security, and audio-visual systems, developed equipment maintenance and user reference guidelines.• Oversaw preparation of the private residence, guest house and cabana while entertaining high profile clients such as the Governor and international ambassadors.• Executed quality events, managed catering staff of up to 25, valets, florists, and security staff.

Vail, Co

Marketed portfolio of 30 privately owned properties and negotiated luxury vacation lease packages. Coordinated with multiple outside contractors/vendors for services. Monitored property inventories and maintained databases. Created reservation records, collected deposits and payments, and prepared monthly revenue and expense reports.• Demonstrated sales results by exceeding annual rental revenue goal of $1M.• Actively participated in local Chamber of Commerce events to increase referral business. • Updated/maintained company website and all external publications for marketing properties.• Integrated concierge services into our business model, including private catering and travel planning.

Various

Enjoyed a variety of roles in Front Office Management, Reservations, Event Planning, Restaurants, and Customer Service.

Bachelor Of Arts, Hospitality Business Management, Summa Cum Laude, High Honors

Activities and Societies: Dance, Improvisational Theater, Les Gourmet, Corporate Ambassador, Outdoors Club, Air Force ROTC Exchange.

International Tourism Operations, Hospitality Business Management

Activities and Societies: Mountaineering club