Alex Castellanos
Alexandria
Summary
Results-oriented HR Management and Program Analyst with a distinguished career within the Department of State, contributing to the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of complex programs and initiatives. Adept at conducting comprehensive analyses to inform strategic decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and enhance operational efficiency. Demonstrated expertise in project management, policy development, and performance evaluation, combined with a deep understanding of diplomatic and international affairs. Proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, leverage data-driven insights, and implement innovative solutions to achieve organizational objectives. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in support of the Department of State's mission and global initiatives Proven experience/knowledge of office administration and Human Resources (HR) operations. In-depth understanding of customer experience, data metrics, and onboarding. Highly skilled in quality control, reviewing HR policies, and suggesting actionable improvements aligned with HR best business practices. Active Secret Clearance 03/2022
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Management and Program Analyst GS-12
U.S. Department of State, Foreign Service Institute (FSI)
04.2022 - Current
- Identify significant milestones and develop metrics to assess the quality and efficiency of program activities
- Apply project management methods to develop project schedules, meet deadlines, mitigate risks, and implement project controls
- Create and manage multiple trackers and workflows to support strategic priorities and improve efficiency
- Monitor compliance and develop measures of effectiveness for HR programs and services
- Design and maintain an FTE allocation tracker to support strategic hiring decisions
- Analyze and improve HR policies, workflows, and process maps to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
- Oversee the accuracy of internal HR reports, including the Internal Hiring List and position tracker housed in SharePoint
- Utilize data analysis techniques to assess HR program efficiency, track hiring trends, and inform decision-making
- Prepare recurring and ad-hoc workforce reports reflecting diversity metrics, hiring data, and other confidential information
- Leverage automated systems to aggregate data, generate reports, and create visual metrics (charts, graphs, dashboards)
- Formulate HR metrics to assess knowledge management initiatives and recruitment program efficiency
- Lead continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance workflows, service delivery, and organizational culture
- SME for onboarding program
Government Services Program Specialist
Aston Carter (Allegis Company)
05.2021 - 04.2022
- Organized and assisted Customer Associates with pre-employment paperwork for VMS accounts
- Tracked outstanding compliance information and followed up with the Account Recruiting Manager (ARM) from start to completion (e.g., drug tests, background checks, and reference checks)
- Monitored contractor durations and notified ARM/Recruiters of upcoming assignment conclusions to facilitate redeployment or extension
- Created and modified ad hoc reports as requested by the Vendor Management System (VMS) manager
- Managed vendor accounts and provided effective solutions to operational challenges
- Recommended process, application, and documentation improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance
Intern
U.S. Department of State: Office of Foreign Missions
02.2021 - 05.2021
- Managed all duties and requests from foreign missions in the United States
- Drafted and sent diplomatic notes to official foreign agents at corresponding foreign missions
- Utilized the Office of Foreign Missions Information System (TOMIS) for data management and record-keeping
- Developed and drafted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the diplomatic DMV program
Corporate Receptionist
Amazon Corporate Headquarters
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for supervisors and managers
- Developed and drafted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Amazon HQ
- Oversaw the installation of COVID-19 signage at Amazon corporate buildings
- Accessed, archived, and managed reports of varying complexity and sensitivity
- Checked in visitors, distributed badges, and maintained logbooks to ensure compliance with security protocols
- Liaised with vendors, contractors, and professional services personnel to process orders in alignment with management needs and specifications
Front Desk Receptionist
Embassy Suites by Hilton
08.2015 - 09.2020
- Managed a multi-line phone system, responding to inquiries and directing calls to the appropriate departments and personnel
- Maintained files and records, implementing efficient filing systems to improve organization and accessibility
- Coordinated with housekeeping staff to ensure rooms were properly prepared to meet guest needs
Education
Master of Arts - Global Conflict and Security
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA12.2021
Bachelor of Arts for Teaching - Integrative Studies
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA05.2020
Skills
- Strategic planning abilities
- Feasibility studies background
- Process mapping
- Business process improvement
- Trend analysis
- Professionalism
- Onboarding
- Data metrics
Clearance
Active Secret Clearance, 03/22
Timeline
Management and Program Analyst GS-12
U.S. Department of State, Foreign Service Institute (FSI)
04.2022 - Current
Government Services Program Specialist
Aston Carter (Allegis Company)
05.2021 - 04.2022
Intern
U.S. Department of State: Office of Foreign Missions
02.2021 - 05.2021
Corporate Receptionist
Amazon Corporate Headquarters
09.2020 - 02.2021
Front Desk Receptionist
Embassy Suites by Hilton
08.2015 - 09.2020
Master of Arts - Global Conflict and Security
George Mason University
Bachelor of Arts for Teaching - Integrative Studies
George Mason University
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