Karen Nicolaou
Gold Coast,QLD
Summary
Goal-oriented professional seeking opportunities to leverage skills and experience in assisting organisations to achieve their objectives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Officer
Carers QLD
12.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: - Partner in the Community for NDIA
- Analyse and develop strategies to meet key performance indicators
- Implemented training programs and ongoing communications to support project delivery
- Enhanced LAC program outcomes through resource development using NDIA insights
- Facilitated resolution for complaints, feedback, and escalations
- Ensured confidentiality in information management
- Conduct quality reviews and provided feedback with precision
- Creating development materials for 3P and PACE initiatives supporting LAC team
Lead Super User
Carers QLD
03.2023 - 10.2024
- Company Overview: - Partner in the Community for NDIA
- Development of project deliverables for the new Participant Journey and PACE CRM
- Strategic leadership in the development of planning and scheduling of training structures and delivery including reflection activities leading to continuous improvement
- Knowledge and Practice Lead for Carers Queensland through Super User Network and Community of Practice extending to Site Leadership technical support
- Development and coordination of additional supporting guides and technical support including alignment to Performance Management Framework Participant Service Guarantees and initiative for LAC Hub and creation and ongoing development of the Senior LAC Hub
- Super User skill development, mentoring and leading coaching methodology
- Attendance and contributor to National Lead Super Network
- Provided ongoing mentorship for senior network team via digital platforms
- Facilitated key messaging disseminations across the LSU role and Hypercare initiatives
Local Area Coordinator
Carers QLD
03.2020 - 12.2021
- Company Overview: - Partner in the Community for NDIA
- NDIS Participant engagement, planning conversations, plan building, liaison with NDIS delegates, support with implementation of plan funds, connections to community programs, carer and participant supports, Enquiry Line Support
- Workflow assessment and allocation of program priorities
Administration Officer
Carers QLD
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Company Overview: - Partner in the Community for NDIA
- Reporting support for Team Leader, data collection and reporting
- LAC administrative support, participant tracking and diary support, reception
Executive Assistant/Marketing Assistant
AMG Coaching
04.2019 - 08.2019
- All facets of office administrative tasks, client management and governance procedures
- Business planning and Workshop coordination
- Marketing assistance for social media and client liaison
CEO Support
Terrain NRM/ Corporate Nature
09.2017 - 03.2019
- Managed CEO's diary and correspondence efficiently
- Coordinated workshops involving diverse stakeholder groups
- Executed event coordination
- Agenda development and accurate minute taking
- Ensured seamless IT support during virtual conferences on multiple platforms
- Reconciliation Action Plan development and implementation
- Streamlined daily workflows
- Guided business trainees towards their professional development
Executive Assistant
Cook Shire Council
06.2015 - 04.2017
- Supported Executive Leadership Team and Mayor with comprehensive administrative tasks
- Drafted agendas and minutes for Council and various high-level meetings
- Provided compliance and legislative backing for local government issues
- Executive report writing for Council meetings, Executive Leadership Team and Committee meetings, divisional budget support and monitoring, auditing of policies in line with legislation
- Community liaison and vetting of community enquiries
Grants Administration Officer
Cook Shire Council
06.2013 - 06.2015
- Managed all facets of grant processes including milestone tracking, financial requirements, reporting, and auditing
- Management and reporting of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program, and Council grants
- Administrative support-Director of Economic Development and Community Services
- Authored council reports for Economic and Community Development department
Supervisor Housing Services
Tablelands Regional Council
07.2010 - 05.2013
- Development of project from initiation, project delivery and strategic direction
- Development and facilitation of Mareeba Homelessness Case Coordination Group
- Facilitated relationships with clients, government entities, and private organizations
- Enhanced financial reporting processes through Council and Department of Communities
- Executed reporting and compliance using National database
Executive Officer
Quality Innovation Training & Employment
07.2006 - 11.2009
- All facets of Human Resource management, organisational recruitment, training needs assessment, training plans and inductions (includes WH&S)
- All staff engagement activities including mindset and behaviours, coaching and mentoring of staff to enhance participant outcomes
- Sourcing and assessing funding programs
- Lead tender writer and program establishment and ongoing management, program audits, development of program policies and procedures for Quality Assurance, risk management assessment for new projects and opportunities
- Performed public speaking engagements
- Ensure program performance and monitoring excellence
- Key member of Executive team to develop, implement and monitor strategic and operational business planning
- Responsible for delivery and compliance reporting for seven programs, Jobs Network, Get Set for Work, Job Placement, Harvest Trail, Training Services, CDEP, and STEP ER
Education
Diploma of Project Management -
LGAQ
01.2016
Diploma of Local Government Administration -
LGAQ
01.2015
Coaching for Business Excellence -
CBA
01.2005
Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies -
TAFE
01.1999
Skills
- Project Coordination and Strategy
- High-Level Administrative Management
- Grant Writing Expertise
- Excellent computer literacy and exceptional attention to detail
- Proven skills in maintaining consistently high customer service standards
- Community engagement and liaison
- Collaborative Team Contributor
- Reliable and punctual, with an excellent work ethic
- Commitment to Data Privacy
- Task Prioritisation and Execution
- Mature work ethic, with the ability to take on new tasks and learn quickly
References
Names and contact details of relevant referees will be happily provided on request.
Other Employment
- Customer Relations Officer Tablelands Regional Council 2009 - 2010
- Manager of Emerald Springs and Emerald Farm 2005 - 2006
- Branch Manager and Assistant Manager Commonwealth Bank 2005 - 2001
Hobbies and Interests
Held volunteer position Executive Board positions in Tennis, Soccer and Community Organisations, Volunteer Village Operations 2018 Commonwealth Games and Volunteer Bicycle Queensland, Raised over $17,000 in funds for FNQHF - Cardiac Challenge
Accomplishments
• Held volunteer position Executive Board positions in Tennis, Soccer and Community Organisations
• Volunteer Village Operations 2018 Commonwealth Games and Volunteer Bicycle Queensland
• Raised over $17,000 in funds for FNQHF - Cardiac Challenge
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Super User
Carers QLD
03.2023 - 10.2024
Project Officer
Carers QLD
12.2021 - Current
Local Area Coordinator
Carers QLD
03.2020 - 12.2021
Administration Officer
Carers QLD
09.2019 - 03.2020
Executive Assistant/Marketing Assistant
AMG Coaching
04.2019 - 08.2019
CEO Support
Terrain NRM/ Corporate Nature
09.2017 - 03.2019
Executive Assistant
Cook Shire Council
06.2015 - 04.2017
Grants Administration Officer
Cook Shire Council
06.2013 - 06.2015
Supervisor Housing Services
Tablelands Regional Council
07.2010 - 05.2013
Executive Officer
Quality Innovation Training & Employment
07.2006 - 11.2009
Diploma of Project Management -
LGAQ
Diploma of Local Government Administration -
LGAQ
Coaching for Business Excellence -
CBA
Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies -
TAFE
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