Sydney Jarrard

About

I’m the project manager you call when you need big ideas turned into actionable results. Whether it’s leading a digital transformation for an EdTech startup and third-party client implemented in 34 schools across the state of CA or managing educational programming impacting 40,000+ students, I specialize in taking complex challenges and turning them into streamlined, measurable successes. With experience spanning startups, international programs, and nonprofit initiatives, I combine data-driven strategies with seamless stakeholder collaboration to deliver high-impact outcomes. From boosting user engagement by 30% in an EdTech product launch to driving a 60% increase in program engagement in Austria, I thrive in environments where innovation, precision, and empathetic collaboration are key. What I Bring to the Table: - Impact-Driven Leadership: I turn vision into execution, managing cross-functional teams to deliver on time, within scope, and above expectations. - Global Expertise: My work with organizations like the Peace Corps and Fulbright Austria has sharpened my ability to navigate cross-cultural environments and align diverse stakeholders. - Problem-Solving Powerhouse: Whether building strategic plans impacting entire networks of schools, resolving 17+ technical issues in a single project, or optimizing team workflows to save 10+ hours weekly, I’m committed to creating solutions that last. I’m passionate about tackling challenges, delivering for end users, and transforming ideas into meaningful outcomes that drive growth and innovation. Let’s connect and explore how I can help bring your next big project to life.

Experience

• Project Manager · Canopy Ed11-01-2022

  Key Achievements: ● Enhanced User Engagement: Boosted user engagement by 30% through strategic planning, stakeholder alignment, and seamless execution of product launches, improving retention and adoption rates. ● Managed Large-Scale Projects: Directed a statewide tutoring curriculum project impacting 40,000+ students, ensuring alignment with educational objectives and delivering results on time. ● Resource & Timeline Management: Successfully managed multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced startup environment, consistently meeting tight deadlines and optimizing resource allocation. Leadership & Problem-Solving: ● Cross-Functional Collaboration: Streamlined communication between teams and end users, ensuring clear prioritization of requirements and enhancements that boosted product retention rates. ● Technical Issue Resolution: Coordinated resolution of 17+ complex technical issues, leveraging data collection and user feedback to implement improvements that enhanced functionality and user satisfaction. Skills: Stakeholder Management, Strategic Decision-Making, Risk Mitigation, Trello, Smartsheet

• Project Manager · Peace Corps09-01-2019 – 08-01-2020

  Key Achievements: ● Program Management: Designed and implemented projects impacting 1,500+ students, including a large-scale community library initiative, by overseeing grant applications, budgeting, and stakeholder alignment. ● Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnered with USAID, local government offices, and health centers to ensure alignment with both U.S. and Rwandan objectives, fostering smooth execution across all phases. ● Training & Development: Facilitated professional development for 20+ educators through in-person training sessions, resulting in improved educational outcomes and program scalability. Leadership & Strategic Planning: ● Resource Allocation: Maximized impact by managing grant-funded resources efficiently, ensuring optimal utilization for high-priority initiatives. ● Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinated between international organizations, local governments, and community members to address needs, resolve conflicts, and achieve shared goals. Skills: Project Management, Resource Coordination, Cross-Cultural Collaboration, Strategic Planning, Conflict Resolution

• Program Manager · Fulbright Austria09-01-2018 – 06-01-2019

  Key Achievements: ● Program Development & Management: Designed and managed educational programs for 2,000+ students, achieving a 60% increase in engagement and a 33% improvement in outcomes through strategic planning and cross-departmental collaboration. ● Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraged data collection and analysis to inform program strategies, aligning efforts with Fulbright Austria and U.S. government objectives to exceed key performance indicators. ● Budget & Stakeholder Management: Directed budget planning and resource allocation, ensuring seamless communication between stakeholders across international and local organizations. Leadership & Collaboration: ● Cross-Functional Communication: Coordinated efforts between educators, administrators, and external partners to deliver impactful programs and maintain alignment with organizational goals. ● Creative Problem-Solving: Developed scalable solutions by integrating user feedback and data insights, improving program outcomes. Skills: Program Management, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Fluent German

• English Co-Teacher and Volunteer · Praxis-Neue Mittelschule der PH Steiermark10-01-2018 – 05-01-2019

  Worked as an English co-teacher and volunteer, contributing to the educational development of students by assisting in classroom activities and supporting teachers in lesson planning and execution.

Education

• University of North Carolina at GreensboroBachelor of Arts - BA, German Language and Literature
• University of North Carolina at GreensboroBachelor of Music - BM, Piano Performance
• Landeskonservatorium KärtenStudy Abroad, Music
• Universität KlagenfurtStudy Abroad, German Studies

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