Dan Dunne dunneit@gmail.

com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dandunneit (224) 628-4793

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Program coordinator, leadership educator, and operations coordinator with strengths in mentorship and student
development. Applying over 12 years of experience in diverse educational environments to navigate students to
success using strategic and timely programmatic interventions. Skilled in creating a collaborative culture and
inspiring personal ownership through role modeling, patient training, and supportive reinforcement. Adept at
building innovative and engaging programs that teach practical everyday leadership skills to up and coming leaders.
Seeking a full-time position that provides opportunities for an entrepreneurial spirit with a focus on improving access
to underrepresented student populations as they transition into higher education.

EDUCATION
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
Masters of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs 2019 – Present
The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Bachelor of Science in Business Management Studies (International Business Focus) 2003 – 2007
Consortium Institute of Management, Paderno Del Grappa, Italy
Management Studies (Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership) 2005 – 2006

WORK EXPERIENCE
Northern Illinois University (NIU), DeKalb, Illinois
Outdoor Adventures Hiring, Training, and Curriculum Manager 2019 – Present
 Interview, hire, and train 7 incoming student support staff in this 20-hour a week graduate assistantship.
 Design staff training program to ensure new employees acquire the skills and knowledge needed to lead.
 Develop new programs and community offerings to engage a broader array of local participants.

College of Health and Human Sciences Intern Advisor Fall 2020

 Advised 25 Pre-Physical Therapy students in creating their upcoming class schedules and problem-solving
obstacles to maintain progress towards degree completion.
 Gained proficiency using various internal student tracking programs (e.g., EAB, Navigate, PeopleSoft)

Co-Instructor and Faculty Member Fall 2020

 Co-created curriculum and taught the first 100% virtual first-year experience course supporting new student
adoption and engagement with the campus environment.

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Lander, Wyoming

Program Faculty 2010 – Present
 Supervise instructor teams to deliver customized leadership curriculum and ensure that student/client groups
achieve learning outcomes mandated through the University of Utah accreditation.
 Direct all aspects of experiential education programs in a remote, high-risk wilderness environment to ensure
student group safety throughout a 14 to 90 day expedition.
 Achieve high student outcomes in skill areas including: leadership theory and practice, group communication and
management, conflict resolution, risk management, environmental education, and course-specific technical skills.
 60+ weeks as an in-field and classroom faculty educator and expedition leader.

NOLS Custom Education Operations Manager & WRMC Conference Manager 2008 – 2010
 Planned and organized all logistics for the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Professional Training custom
course offerings.
 Hired and supervised 3 temporary and full-time employees.
  Scheduled, prepared, and co-managed the 2008 & 2009 Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC).
 Developed an innovative exhibitor and event sponsor contact list to track progress towards final client agreement
and increased outside participation for the WRMC each year since the creation of the list in 2008 .

Backroads, Salt Lake City, Utah

Program Developer, Manager, and International Leader 2015 – 2019
 Developed all aspects of a new trip itinerary into a top 10 selling domestic offering in the 2017 & 2018 fiscal
year. 
 Responded proactively to quality issues for trip optimization, researched new routes, managed subcontractor
relationships, monitored trip performance, and stayed up-to-date with travel industry trends.
 Directed the entirety of each weeklong active travel program for groups of 4-30 clients in North America, Central
America, Europe, Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean.

InsideTrack, Portland, Oregon

Co-Manager and Senior Academic Coach 2011 – 2014
 Managed multiple direct reports, designed in-house team-building exercises, and collaborated on student
engagement strategies with co-managers.
 Provided academic advising and mentorship to ~100 students per semester, delivering additional support during
the early adoption phase, thereby improving student engagement and increasing overall quality of college
experience.
 Worked with a handpicked group of high performing coaches on two separate ‘start-up’ accounts to imp rove
first-year student retention rates by over 40% from the previous year.
 Gained proficiency using various internal and institutional student tracking software (e.g., Salesforce & Catalyst)

HIGH IMPACT SKILLS AND STRENGTHS:

 Strategic thinking, creative problem solving, and innovative idea creating.
 Constructing authentic and genuine relationships with students and colleagues.
 Developing a sincere team vision and implementing that vision into action.
 Providing significance and influence to surrounding departments and the larger organization.
 Advising, coaching, and mentoring staff.
 Designing and planning targeted curriculum.
 Managing events and program logistics.
 Organizing and streamlining business operations.
 Improving client communication and community outreach.

PROJECTS AND COLLABORATIONS

 Co-authored “Steering Students to Success: Faculty Perceptions of the Writing Center,” a semester-long research
and assessment project for NIU campus client.
 Developed Outdoor Leadership Series to encourage more diversity among program participants and equip
students from underrepresented populations with outdoor leadership skills.
 Organized and facilitated OHANA (Asian American Campus Cultural Center) outdoor event and received the
AARC Leadership Award Recognition for this program.

OTHER EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Wilderness Medicine Instructor & First Responder (BLS Adult & Child CPR) Present
Certified NOLS Instructor (Assessed in Hiking, Sea Kayaking, Caving, Canoeing, Climbing) 2010
International Sail and Power Academy (ISPA) – Coastal Navigation, Day Skipper I, Competent Crew 2010
Leave No Trace (LNT) - Master Educator 2009