Aaron Ballantyne

AARON BALLANTYNE Urban Planner I Freelance Writer I Author Strategic problem-solver with a relentless drive for innovation and a proven record of exceeding goals. A dynamic leader adept at inspiring teams and navigating complex challenges with creativity and resilience. Eager to bring a transformative and resultsdriven approach to elevate your organization to new heights. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE EDUCATION Johns Hopkins University Certificate in Psychological First-Aid Completed in 2024 University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus Certificate in Stock Market Investing Completed in 2024 Yale University Certificate in Introduction to Psychology Completed in 2024 University of the Commonwealth Caribbean Certificate in Project Management Completed in 2023 University of the Commonwealth Caribbean Certificate in Financial Securities Management Completed in 2022 University of Technology, Jamaica BSc. Urban and Regional Planning Completed in 2018 Kingston College 10 CXCs; 4 CAPEs English Language: Grade I Mathematics: Grade II Completed in 2014 CONTACT E: P: A: - (Digicel) 8 Lawrence Avenue, Kingston 8 Jamaica, West Indies Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation | Core Team Member July 2019 - March 2021; November 2023 - February 2024 The National Informal Settlement Survey Initiative Key responsibilities: Assisted in building the capacity of data collectors to efficiently collect data in the field Managed the logistics of field operations during data collection Liaised with service providers such as transportation and restaurants to ensure the needs of the team were met Kept record of attendance of data collectors Guided the survey team in traversing settlements in the parishes of Kingston & St. Andrew, Clarendon, Trelawny, St. Ann and Manchester and ensuring that no household was left out of the survey Conducted daily distribution and collection of resources such as tablets used in the survey Reviewed the data submitted by the data collectors prior to uploading data to the cloud Used geospatial technologies in data collection to facilitate an efficient process KCLH Full Business Solutions | Operations Manager January 2023 - October 2023 Key responsibilities: Managed daily operations at KCLH Full Business Solutions, overseeing project completion and enhancing overall efficiency through collaboration with internal teams and external contractors. Supervised the design and buildout of the new office and relocation process, effectively coordinating with contractors, and ensuring adherence to organizational deadlines in maintaining regular business operations. Streamlined onboarding processes for new clients, monitoring their progress in internal systems to boost sales and enhance client relations. Implemented an online filing system, optimizing office workflow, and orchestrated recruitment procedures for improved company operations. Developed comprehensive email correspondence and communication systems, fostering streamlined interactions with clients. Identified and addressed weaknesses within the company, proposing solutions to enhance efficiency, reliability, and proficiency in all aspects. AARON BALLANTYNE Urban Planner I Freelance Writer I Author Strategic problem-solver with a relentless drive for innovation and a proven record of exceeding goals. A dynamic leader adept at inspiring teams and navigating complex challenges with creativity and resilience. Eager to bring a transformative and resultsdriven approach to elevate your organization to new heights. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE TOP SKILLS Hard Skills Microsoft Office Suite Google Workspace GIS Software including ArcGIS Copywriting across multiple verticals Social Media Content Creation & Management AI Usage and Business Integration Proficient in the use of Monday.com, Trello, Asana and Hubstaff Soft Skills Acute observational skills High attention to detail Excellent computer skills Excellent written and verbal communication Public speaking Excellent analytical, problemsolving and critical thinking skills Excellent time management ACHIEVEMENTS November 2022 All four books entered into the National Library of Jamaica November 2022 Published fourth book entitled, “The Pursuit of Wealth: How to build a 7-figure investment portfolio in Jamaica” November 2021 Published three-part book series on Success, Love & Life CCP International | Chat Agent & Content Writer May 2021 - July 2023 Key responsibilities: Responded to customer inquiries and issues via chat in a timely and professional manner Provided solutions to customer problems and escalating to higher levels of support when necessary Managed multiple customer conversations simultaneously while maintaining quality responses and ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction Identified recurring issues and suggested improvements to minimize future problems Created written content such as IM messages, e-mails, meta content and content templates Created B2B content such as company newsletter, cold emails, social media posts and any other content required to meet the dynamic requirements of the company Closely collaborated with the Content Manager to complete projects independently, accurately and efficiently as per the company’s goals and objectives Proofread all content prior to submission to maintain high standards of quality Utilized workforce management software such as Hubstaff to track tasks, project progress, keep abreast of project updates and assist with time management SDP3 | Administrative Manager & Sponsorship Acquisition Officer October 2018 - October 2023 Key responsibilities: Led organizational efforts to secure sponsorships for activities, initiatives, and events. Developed documents for sponsorship proposals, introducing the organization, detailing its mission, and requesting donations to fund events and initiatives. Established and nurtured relationships with potential sponsors, providing information on upcoming events to secure funding for future projects. Crafted website content and drafted proposals for securing funding, successfully acquiring grants for various organization programs and initiatives. Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority | Data Collector November 2017 - March 2018 Key responsibilities: Conducted spatial data collection and analysis for island-wide Free Zone Inventory Project in the parishes of St. James and Kingston using handheld data collection devices and the software Survey123 AARON BALLANTYNE Urban Planner I Freelance Writer I Author Strategic problem-solver with a relentless drive for innovation and a proven record of exceeding goals. A dynamic leader adept at inspiring teams and navigating complex challenges with creativity and resilience. Eager to bring a transformative and resultsdriven approach to elevate your organization to new heights. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE PERSONALITY TYPE Producer Description: Having a talent for getting things done; combines an organized and dependable attitude with the capacity to take a more determined stance when a situation calls for it. Powers of concentration and focus help to maintain a clear view of assigned goals and an ability to avoid distractions while working towards them. Source: mydiscprofile https://www.mydiscprofile.com/ en-jm/personality-report.php? id=- Commander (ENTJ-A) Description: Commanders are bold, imaginative, and strong-willed, always finding a way – or making one. These decisive types love momentum and accomplishment, often acting on their creative visions. Source: 16Personalities https://www.16personalities.com /profiles/1fab4dfc11dea SEA (Helper, Persuader & Creator) Source: Holland Codes RIASEC Test https://psychotests.com/test/holland-career? v=c68cd53698b3f361f0c1747abd 2e64e4 National Spatial Data Management Division | Intern October 2016 - April 2017 Key responsibilities: Provided technical GIS assistance in projects undertaken by the Division Conducted geospatial data creation and maintenance using GIS and GPS software Executed GPS fieldwork activities Conducted on-site visit to Portland to establish boundaries for the Government’s agro-park project Increased the efficiency of the division to review quality of geospatial data received Freelance Writer December 2015 - Present Key responsibilities: Cultivating valuable business relationships with clients worldwide, maintaining a reputation for reliable and high-quality service production across various writing disciplines. Assessing internal business processes to develop procedural documents, optimizing workflow, and enhancing work efficiency. Proficient in proofreading and optimizing content for social media pages and websites. Creating B2B content such as company newsletters, cold emails, social media posts, presentations and website and blog content Washington College GIS Lab | Summer Intern July 2015 Key responsibilities: ·Contributed to strategic planning meetings with representatives from Nigeria regarding city and regional planning projects ·Utilized ArcGIS 10.3 to execute Geo-referencing for maps of India and utilized Geoweb3D to create a virtual layout of Lagos, Nigeria for a city planning project ·Consulted on ArcGIS Desktop usage in areas of crime analysis, disaster management and spatial planning REFERENCES Mrs. Sherece James Director (Actg.) Squatter Management Unit Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation- Mrs. Sancia Shaw-Henry Director (Actg.) Housing Monitoring Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation- Dr. Kesha Christie Chief Executive Officer KCLH Full Business Solutions-/- Mr. Raymond Poyser Senior Director (Actg.) Urban Renewal and Development Branch Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation-