Tara Bush

About Tara Bush

Multi-dimensional program manager with 15+ years of experience driving environmental and social impact initiatives. I specialize in designing, launching, and managing high-impact programs—with deep expertise in operations, marketing, and project implementation. I take initiative, work independently when needed, and excel at building new initiatives from the ground up, supporting special projects, and solving complex challenges with clarity and structure.Data is central to how I work—I love analyzing it, spotting patterns, and using it to inform decisions, refine systems, and amplify impact. I’m detail-oriented, highly organized, and known for my strong communication skills, ability to cut through complexity, and drive toward meaningful outcomes.Driven by impact, grounded in process, fueled by data, and powered by collaboration—I thrive in fast-paced environments that demand adaptability, purpose, and results. I derive satisfaction from productivity and find deep value in building strong, mission-aligned communities to collaborate for the highest impact.

Experience

1. Recruitment & Outreach Specialist

   Bay Area Community Resources (BACR)

   Mar 2023 — Present · El Cerrito, CA, US

   Lead strategy and execution for a statewide climate initiative in partnership with California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. Oversee program operations, recruitment, outreach, and data systems for a workforce development Fellowship of 400+ members placed across 110+ partner sites across California to implement high-impact climate action projects.Responsibilities and accomplishments:» Lead and manage relationships with 110 nonprofit and government host partners statewide, fostering capacity, resilience, collaboration, and shared learning across the network» Increased applicants by 228% and screened applicants by 431%—exceeding statewide goals by 50%.» Supervised up to 24 Fellows and 10 host organizations—providing coaching and oversight, resolving site challenges, and ensuring compliance through site visits, reporting, and evaluations» Developed and executed data-driven recruitment and outreach strategies—building our social media presence from scratch—growing LinkedIn following by 752%, Instagram by 69%, and Facebook by 103%—and held an average 10% engagement rate across all platforms» Co-led Salesforce infrastructure development as part of a collaborative team—partnering with an external vendor to build backend systems, while streamlining data reporting and reducing manual tasks by 75% through process automations and workflow improvements» Co-led DEI efforts to embed equity into recruitment, communications, and organizational practices—supporting a more diverse and inclusive Fellow experience

Education

• California State University - East Bay

  Project Management Certificate

  2019 — 2019

• Dallas College

  Associate of Arts, International Relations

  2005 — 2007

• UC Berkeley Extension

  Intro-Advanced Photoshop

  2016 — 2017

• San Francisco State University

  Certificate, Integrated Marketing

  2012 — 2012

• SUNY Geneseo

  Bachelors, Environmental Studies

  2007 — 2009

• San Francisco State University

  Certificate, Soical Media Marketing

  2017 — 2017

Skills

• Event Planning
• Spanish
• Carpentry
• Strategy
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Sustainability
• Welding
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Excel
• Public Relations
• Social Media
• Nonprofits
• Program Management
• Management
• Fundraising
• Strategic Planning
• Editing
• Training
• Volunteer Management
• Non-Profits
• Program Evaluation
• Microsoft Office
• Project Management
• Research
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Public Speaking