Abraham Contos

Professional Summary

• Dynamic and results-driven management professional with over two decades of diverse experience in operations, team leadership, and customer service within diverse environments.
• Proven ability to oversee complex projects, lead teams, and enhance operational efficiency, demonstrating strong cross-cultural communication skills and a keen focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Known for excellent organizational skills, attention to detail with a solid background in international communications and project coordination, adept at fostering strong relationships and driving customer satisfaction.
• Proficient in French and Malagasy, with intermediate knowledge of Korean and Spanish.

Key Skills

Operations Management

• Managed logistics for international research projects including accommodation, travel, and visa arrangements.
• Coordinated and led large-scale tour operations, optimizing scheduling and guest coordination.
• Supervised inventory and handled last-minute operational requests in hospitality settings, contributing to cost control and efficiency.

Guest Services and Satisfaction

• Provided bilingual customer support, addressing technical issues and processing payments, which led to improved customer communication and reduced call-backs.
• Enhanced guest experiences through effective problem-solving and proactive service delivery.

Staff Recruitment, Training, and Coordination

• Led staff meetings and coordinated educational programs, ensuring high levels of communication and team effectiveness.
• Mentored younger teachers and facilitated staff training, demonstrating leadership and team-building skills.

Budget Management and Cost Control

• Managed project budgets and operational costs efficiently, including reducing the need for translators and maintaining record-low costs in hospitality roles.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Planned and executed logistical arrangements for research and tour operations, demonstrating strong organizational skills.
• Developed and implemented operational strategies that improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

• Resolved conflicts and facilitated communication between staff and management, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Effectively handled sensitive issues and negotiations in both educational and hospitality contexts.

Digital Communication Technologies

• Utilized digital tools including Zoom, MS Office, Google Docs, and WordPress for communication, project management, and content creation.
• Designed eLearning tutorials and managed digital platforms to enhance training and internal knowledge sharing.

Professional Experience

MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

• Independent Research (BYU), Madagascar January 2011 – January 2012
  Researcher
• • Arranged all logistical aspects of a major research project, including housing, travel, and visa requirements.
  • Designed and executed a complex survey-experiment, managed data collection and analysis, and developed a website to communicate findings.
  • Co-authored academic articles that contributed to the field of political science.
• Gray Line Alaska, Anchorage, AK April 2008 – September 2008
  Relief Manager/Food and Beverage Clerk
  • Managed inventory, ordered supplies, and facilitated staff relations.
  • Addressed last-minute operational requests and maintained record-low costs through effective management and negotiation.

 PROJECT DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

• S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. October 2010 – December 2010
  Intern
  • Edited reports and prepared press briefings, enhancing communication clarity.
  • Developed eLearning tutorials to standardize procedures and improve internal training.
• Chungdahm Learning, Seoul, Korea February 2019 – February 2020
  English Teacher
  • Developed multimedia content and lesson plans focused on TOEFL test preparation.
  • Utilized digital technologies to enhance learning experiences for students.

 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

• Seventh Day Adventist Language School (SDA), Seoul, Korea February 2013 – October 2018
  English Teacher/Coordinator
  • Edited educational reports, prepared press materials, and coordinated educational programs.
  • Led staff meetings, implemented new classes, and maintained high student evaluation scores.
• Center Partners, Idaho Falls, ID June 2009 – August 2009
  Bilingual Customer Service Agent
  • Provided bilingual technical support, addressing complex issues and improving customer satisfaction.
  • Reduced operational costs by mastering French vocabulary and eliminating the need for external translators.

 CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Shinkwang Elementary School, Yongsan, Seoul, Korea August 2023 – Present
  English Teacher
  • Managed student evaluations, lesson planning, and communication with parents and students.
  • Edited newsletters and collaborated on curriculum development to enhance educational outcomes.
• Fortis Collegiate Academy, Mokdong, Seoul, Korea April 2022 – April 2023
  English Teacher
  • Provided feedback on student performance and coordinated with Korean-speaking supervisors to enhance communication.
  • Mentored new teachers and proactively engaged in staff meetings to improve academy operations.

Education

• University of Leeds, UK – M.A. in International Communications, (December 2015)
• Brigham Young University, USA – B.A. in International Relations, (December 2011)
• University of Toronto, Online – TEFL Certificate, (November 2015)