1. DJ Close
2640 Williams St. • Denver, CO 80205 • dj.close.du@gmail.com • 970.749.6270
Project Manager / Program Administrator
Highly skilled and experienced project manager with a dynamic history initiating innovative
solutions and delivering quality project executions
— Key Qualifications —
▪ Leverage advanced written and verbal communication skills in order to forge stronger rapport
with team members and stakeholders and expand professional network.
▪ Collaborate closely with upper management to identify and rollout more effective best practices
and business solutions to optimize project development.
▪ High-capacity manager with expertise spearheading diverse projects and leading adept
coalitions of professionals.
▪ Recognized for a commitment to accuracy and a consistent background achieving all corporate
objectives in relation to project execution.
Professional Experience
Zenman Productions
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, 2015 to 2016
Spearheaded all aspects of department development for high-volume marketing firm and directed
key project evaluations to determine cost and operating scope. Outlined project timetables and
actively worked to expand staff efficiency through the integration of new staff members. Managed
team performance and personally directed over 200 projects valued at as much as $919K to
ensure most effective execution and earliest delivery.
Selected Contributions:
▪ Recognized by upper managers for delivering highest quality project results.
▪ Effectively led Project Management Department through 45-step improvement transition
program to redesign project process.
Mile High United Way
COLORADO READING CORPS PROGRAM MANAGER, 2012 to 2015
Personally managed and optimized strategic development and expansion of federally funded
literacy program. Evaluated staff performance for 70 professionals and rolled out more effective
communication strategies to bolster rapport with key stakeholders including corporate and private
foundations, federal government CNCS Department, and Denver Public Schools to secure over
$1M in annual investments.
Selected Contributions:
▪ Successfully directed innovative program expansion that grew program by over 200% and
tripled staff size to 70 personnel; presented program results to key committees.
▪ Spearheaded financial transition that implemented a fee for service within five distinct
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2. DJ Close ••• Page 2
markets and generated $884K in revenue with coverage of over 80% direct program costs.
Office of the Governor of Colorado
SERVE COLORADO PROGRAM COORDINATOR, 2011 to 2012
Coordinated with administrative leaders to engage thousands of volunteers to contribute to Third
Grade Reading Initiative and personally coordinated high-volume community events. Managed
extensive public events including One Book 4 Colorado, State Library Summer Reading Program,
and Mile High United Ways State Capital Press Conference to announce a $3.6M grant.
Selected Contributions:
▪ Achieved development and execution of stakeholder engagement strategy that drove
bipartisan support for early literacy.
▪ Developed and rolled out a communications strategy to engage stakeholders around best
practices and facilitate the distribution of 3K books to over 3.5K individuals and organizations
within 35 markets.
El Pomar Foundation Fellowship
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, 2010 to 2012
Participated in a two-year development program tailored toward hands-on management dealing
with theoretical leadership and personally supported dynamic community engagement program.
Actively worked to optimize tri-annual conference for 56 college leadership students.
University of Denver
OFFICE ASSISTANT, 2007 to 2010
Educational Background
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, Denver, CO
Minors: Leadership, Chinese, and Communication
Four-month intensive language program | Bei Wai University, Beijing, China
Civic Engagement and Affiliations
Denver Community Leadership Forum Class of 2015
Downtown Denver Community Leadership Program Class of 2013
YMCA Manual Community Branch
Puksta Foundation Board
Children’s Literacy Center
Harvard ManageMentor Program® – 2nd
Year
