SYDNEY SHORT
Colorado Springs
Summary
Versatile operations professional with 9+ years of cross-functional experience spanning office management, human resources support, employee engagement, facilities oversight, and administrative operations within the defense contracting industry. Trusted as the sole on-site operational contact for a satellite office with no dedicated HR, IT, or facilities staff, consistently filling multiple departmental gaps while maintaining smooth day-to-day operations for up to 36 employees. Administered workplace management platforms company-wide, supported on-site employee onboarding, and served as the first point of contact for benefits and payroll inquiries before corporate HR escalation. Supported organizational continuity through multiple corporate acquisitions and integrations, acting as the local liaison between leadership and employees during transition periods. Earned a Master of Science in Human Resources Management (4.0 GPA) and SHRM-CP certification to formalize a planned transition into human resources.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Office Administrator
BlueHalo, an AV Company
Colorado Springs
2022.01 - Current
- Serve as the sole on-site operational and HR support contact for a defense contractor satellite office, performing cross-functional responsibilities spanning human resources, facilities, IT, and administration in the absence of dedicated departmental staff.
- Support on-site employee onboarding logistics including documentation collection, new hire readiness, and liaison between employees and corporate HR to ensure a smooth first-day experience for each new team member.
- Serve as the initial point of contact for employee benefits and payroll inquiries, answering questions and facilitating resolution with corporate HR before escalation, supporting a workforce of 20+ employees across day-to-day needs.
- Administer the Eden Workplace platform company-wide: import and manage employee data, configure desk scheduling and hot-desking, train end users and administrators across multiple locations, and manage platform renewals and procurement.
- Manage a $30,000+ annual morale and engagement budget, negotiating vendor contracts, processing 100+ purchase requisitions through Unanet, and planning employee wellness, business development, and community outreach events while consistently delivering programs under budget.
- Support organizational continuity through multiple corporate acquisitions and integrations, serving as the local liaison between leadership and employees to maintain communication, reduce confusion, and ensure operational stability during transition periods.
- Coordinate logistics for high-profile corporate events including the National Space Symposium, managing scheduling, vendor relationships, and on-site execution for events with 100+ attendees.
- Manage all daily facility operations including office supply procurement, equipment maintenance coordination, security badge processing, and workspace configuration for a satellite office environment.
- Provide on-site IT troubleshooting and help desk support for employees, resolving day-to-day technology issues and coordinating with corporate IT for escalated matters, ensuring minimal downtime across the office.
- Collect and manage sensitive onboarding documentation, transferring records to HR in compliance with company policy and ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of employee files throughout the employee lifecycle.
- An AV Company
Family Management / Professional Development
2020.01 - 2022.01
- Full-time caregiver while simultaneously pursuing graduate education in Human Resources Management, building formal HR expertise to complement hands-on operational experience. Completed coursework in employment law, compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, organizational development, and workforce analytics.
Senior Administrative Specialist
Stowers Trucking, LLC
Colorado Springs
2015.01 - 2020.01
- Provided administrative and operational support across teams with a focus on documentation accuracy, compliance tracking, and employee-related record management for a transportation and logistics company.
- Provided administrative and operational support across teams with a focus on documentation accuracy, compliance tracking, and employee-related record management including payroll processing and security badge preparation.
- Processed over 200 invoices annually while maintaining on-time payments and credit card reconciliation, and managed scheduling, email distribution lists, and facilities work orders to support cross-team operations.
- Managed conference room scheduling and calendar coordination between teams and managers, reducing scheduling conflicts and improving cross-departmental communication efficiency.
- Handled employee payroll processing with attention to accuracy and timeliness, serving as a reliable point of contact for payroll-related questions from staff and resolving discrepancies before escalation.
- Prepared security badges for employees ensuring compliance with security protocols, and processed facilities work orders including maintenance requests, equipment needs, and workspace changes to maintain a safe and functional work environment.
- Created and maintained email distribution lists and network groups for managers, improving team communication and ensuring the right stakeholders received timely updates across all departments.
- Supported office relocation and workspace setup projects, coordinating logistics for furniture, equipment, and technology installations to minimize operational disruption during transitions.
- A transportation and logistics company
Earlier Professional Experience
2008.01 - 2015.01
- Progressed through customer service and operations roles in fast-paced, high-volume environments. Developed strong interpersonal skills, multitasking ability, and experience managing workflows under pressure. Built a foundation in team coordination, customer relations, cash handling, inventory management, and operational efficiency that continues to support professional performance in corporate settings.
Education
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
Colorado State University Global
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Colorado Technical University
Skills
- Office Operations Management
- Employee Onboarding & Offboarding
- Benefits Administration Support
- Workplace Management Administration (Eden Workplace)
- Employee Relations & Engagement
- Payroll Support & Inquiry Resolution
- HR Documentation & Compliance
- Vendor Coordination & Contract Negotiation
- Budget Management ($30K)
- Event Planning & Execution
- Organizational Change Support
- Facilities Management
- Process Improvement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Websites
Professional Affiliations And Honors
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business
- Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society for Business, Management & Administration
Timeline
Office Administrator
BlueHalo, an AV Company
2022.01 - Current
Family Management / Professional Development
2020.01 - 2022.01
Senior Administrative Specialist
Stowers Trucking, LLC
2015.01 - 2020.01
Earlier Professional Experience
2008.01 - 2015.01
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
Colorado State University Global
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Colorado Technical University