Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

JAMAL A. RAY

Elk Grove Village

Summary

Analytical and results-driven professional with experience in project coordination, client relations, and process optimization. Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, streamline operations, and support customer success across construction, retail, and non-profit sectors. Adept at interpreting data, identifying risks, and driving initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Eager to contribute in dynamic environments through strong problem-solving, communication, and business acumen.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Project Coordinator

Diversify Pro
09.2022 - Current
  • Coordinated and executed high-value commercial flooring projects worth $100K+, consistently delivering ahead of schedule and under budget through proactive planning, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder alignment. Optimized procurement workflows by analyzing architectural drawings and specifications to accurately forecast material needs, reducing costs and ensuring seamless delivery for clients.
  • Developed and implemented a prioritized tracking system for order statuses, minimizing delivery delays and material shortages, and directly improving client satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Cultivated and managed relationships with 50+ vendors, overseeing budgets, contract negotiations, and change order processes to maintain cost efficiency and project integrity.
  • Facilitated regular client meetings and cross-department handoffs, ensuring clarity on timelines, deliverables, and project scope to drive accountability across teams.
  • Led weekly Work in Progress (WIP) reviews to identify bottlenecks, mitigate risks, and maintain project momentum, resulting in more predictable and profitable outcomes.
  • Increased company profitability by $100K+ by streamlining billing operations, tightening financial controls, and enforcing milestone-based collections.
  • Delivered comprehensive project closeout packages, reinforcing strong client relationships through smooth project transitions and a reputation for reliable execution.

Sales Associate

Kohl’s
09.2020 - 12.2020
  • Delivered personalized customer service in a high-volume retail environment.
  • Achieved 100% of sales goals for 4 consecutive months, while maintaining optimal stock levels and organization that minimized customer wait times and increased positive feedback.
  • Worked cross-functionally with colleagues to elevate customer experience, contributing to a significant rise in satisfaction ratings.

On The Money Entrepreneurship Program
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Led financial literacy programming through a youth-led entrepreneurship nonprofit, supporting Chicago youth in developing critical financial skills.
  • Directed a team of 3 interns to engage 8,000+ Chicago youth, driving financial literacy and connecting them to free bank accounts and remote direct deposit services with 17 partner banks.
  • Mentored interns through structured feedback, daily accountability, and career/college guidance, fostering both professional growth and personal development.
  • Expanded professional network across finance, architecture, lending, and nonprofit sectors to gain real estate investment insights and prepare for future property acquisitions.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL
05.2022

Skills

  • Program & Project Management
  • Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
  • Customer Success & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Data Analysis & Reporting
  • Sales Support & Client Retention
  • Budgeting & Financial Tracking
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Change Order & Contract Review
  • Microsoft Excel Salesforce Procore PowerBI

Certification

  • Treasurer, Men of Distinction
  • Member, Black Student Union (BSU)
  • Chicago Scholars Alumni
  • Bank Teller Certification

Timeline

Project Coordinator

Diversify Pro
09.2022 - Current

Sales Associate

Kohl’s
09.2020 - 12.2020

On The Money Entrepreneurship Program
01.2017 - 01.2020

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Elmhurst University
JAMAL A. RAY