Cassandra Lynn Conrad

I led and coordinated five cross-functional Science Visioning Working Groups, ensuring timely project delivery and alignment with strategic priorities. I proactively addressed project needs, managed risks, and maintained project momentum with minimal supervision. My responsibilities included establishing project plans, schedules, and communication strategies to keep teams aligned and on track. I regularly updated leadership, tracked progress, and provided reports to senior executives. I improved team efficiency by implementing task-tracking systems, managed SharePoint and Excel databases for accurate data reporting, and created strategic reports. Additionally, I facilitated key meetings, ensured staff training compliance, and acted as the primary liaison between the Office Director and project teams. I also contributed to the CVM Strategic Roadmap working group and organized key engagement events to strengthen communication across teams and leadership.

I led and managed a variety of high-impact projects, collaborating closely with team members to develop project plans, define resource needs, and identify key issues that could affect timelines or execution. I provided management with regular updates and actionable recommendations to ensure timely project completion, particularly for internal projects such as reporting, SOP development, and recruitment activities. As the project lead for the SharePoint Wiki modernization project, I oversaw all stages of the project life cycle, from establishing requirements and setting timelines to monitoring progress and reporting to leadership.

In addition, I developed essential project documentation, including standard operating procedures, reports, and statements of work, to communicate processes and mitigate potential risks. I worked with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to define project scope, monitor project metrics, and address emerging issues. I took a proactive role in resolving changes in priorities and procedures, particularly in response to evolving requirements from the Office of Talent Solutions and other stakeholders.

Beyond project management, I also provided leadership in human capital management, coordinating recruitment processes, advising on federal hiring authorities, and supporting new hire integrations. I championed compliance with HR regulations, conduct policy evaluations, and delivered training on recruitment processes. I contributed to strategic outreach initiatives to strengthen relationships with educational institutions and professional associations, while also developing and implementing efficient standard operating procedures to enhance program execution.

My ability to lead teams, streamline operations, and communicate effectively at all levels ensures that projects are successfully executed and aligned with organizational goals.

I managed project resources to ensure goals and objectives were met, adjusting resources as needed to keep projects on track. Utilizing project management software like Mindview, I created visual representations of project deliverables, facilitating collaboration, brainstorming, and effective planning. I provided clear and organized updates to staff and leadership, both in writing and verbally, with well-supported recommendations for internal activities. I prepared meeting agendas, captured and distributed meeting minutes, maintained tracking spreadsheets, and managed individual project SharePoint sites to ensure seamless project execution.

Assisting Senior Project Managers, I helped monitor project performance, track timelines, and ensure all commitments were being met. I managed project schedules, communicated risks proactively, and consolidated change management reports for leadership review. I also led Change Control Board meetings, tracking and analyzing change requests, and ensuring decisions were communicated to staff and stakeholders.

Additionally, I supported planning efforts for new organizational structures, represented the division on the Integrated Project Team for Records Management, and maintained project documentation in line with federal records management policies. I ensured timely resolution of administrative issues, updated management on project statuses, and provided customer service by responding to internal and external requests. Lastly, I maintained and updated internal processes, documentation, and the Division Wiki on SharePoint to streamline operations and support team collaboration.

I executed procurement activities as a Purchase Card (PCard) holder and developed, formalized, and maintained Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for budget and procurement processes for the internal Immediate Office staff. I consolidated monthly purchase record reports for Office Leadership review and approval and managed accountable property for 105 Office staff across three headquarters facilities and 52 field sites as the Office Accountable Property Officer. I developed and maintained an Excel spreadsheet to track and manage property data, ensuring equipment inventory and property accountability were in compliance with the Property Management Staff Manual Guidance and internal policies.

I coordinated shadowing experiences with the Office of Talent Solutions/Office of Human Capital Management to review error reports in CapHR and reviewed position descriptions to provide feedback. I also reviewed personnel actions for accuracy and completeness, offering guidance when necessary. My responsibilities extended to Benefits, Leave programs, and Time and Attendance, where I contributed to processing actions and resolving discrepancies through problem-solving.

I played a key role in new hire onboarding, developing a standardized process that created a seamless experience for new employees. I also researched and analyzed onboarding data, developing surveys to assess and implement improvements based on survey feedback. I provided advice on interpreting policies and procedures and assisted leadership with special reports, presentations, and weekly summaries for senior managers and stakeholders, including the Associate Commissioner of Regulatory Affairs (ACRA).

As a member of the Office Morale & Teambuilding workgroup, I developed and implemented activities to enhance workplace morale. Additionally, I managed timekeeping duties for 26 Office employees, reviewing timesheets in the Integrated Time and Attendance System (ITAS) and analyzing discrepancies to take corrective actions based on established guidelines.

I supported 35 Scientific Review Officers (SROs) and program assistant staff by providing expert guidance on policies, procedures, and requirements to ensure the successful and timely completion of the Scientific Review process. I consistently communicated expectations regarding outcomes, timeliness, and work quality to both staff and leadership in person and in writing on a bi-weekly basis. I also trained 20 Extramural Program Staff on the most current policies and procedures, ensuring they had the knowledge needed to perform their roles effectively.

As a supervisor, I oversaw the activities of staff throughout all phases of the review process, maintaining quality and consistency. I independently arranged 87 study section meetings and site visits for SROs and outside consultants, managing all logistical details, including securing conference spaces, arranging travel, and coordinating hotel accommodations to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

I developed and maintained efficient processes and checklists for the scientific review of grants and contracts meetings, and took responsibility for all aspects of travel requests, ensuring compliance with policy and procedure. Additionally, I collected and maintained data in Peer Review, Commons, and Internet Assisted Review (IAR) systems, analyzing it and creating reports for leadership. I tracked progress on all grant review processes using electronic grant systems, keeping all stakeholders informed of key milestones and addressing any issues promptly.

To enhance customer service, I worked closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure their needs were met, offering timely support and clear communication throughout the review process. I developed creative initiatives to boost professionalism and morale within the office, fostering a positive and collaborative environment. I also provided logistical support for scientific conferences, workshops, site visits, and advisory group meetings, ensuring that all events ran smoothly, and participants had everything needed to be successful.