Maria Lavi

Hold full accountability for the planning, control, and execution of an annual program budget of 4M NIS, ensuring alignment with financial targets, corporate guidelines, and strict cost control. Lead interface management and strategic collaboration with senior academic figures, lecturers, and key influencers to drive program alignment and operational excellence Coordinate and collaborate closely with senior academic figures, lecturers, and thought leaders, managing diverse stakeholders to guarantee operational excellence.

Operations & Budget Manager (The Mandel Leadership Program in the North) at Mandel Foundation (2022-01 – Present)

• Hold full accountability for the planning, control, and execution of an annual program budget of 4M NIS, ensuring alignment with financial targets, corporate guidelines, and strict cost control.
• Lead interface management and strategic collaboration with senior academic figures, lecturers, and key influencers to drive program alignment and operational excellence
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with senior academic figures, lecturers, and thought leaders, managing diverse stakeholders to guarantee operational excellence.
• Draft, negotiate, and monitor vendor contracts, manage payments, and maintain ongoing professional relationships with external service providers.
• Champion the integration of digital tools and advanced methodologies to streamline administrative workflows, increase logistical efficiency, and modernize program management.
• Assist in the end-to-end recruitment, screening, and onboarding processes for program fellows.

Office & Operations Manager (S.S.O) at Daynix Computing Ltd (2017-01 – 2021-12)

• Managed company cash flows, handled invoicing and billing for global clients and vendors, and prepared financial data for monthly and annual reports.
• Formulated business and marketing plans, and identified, analyzed, and characterized government and institutional funding sources to support business growth.
• Maintained sole responsibility for the HR lifecycle, including talent acquisition, interviewing, onboarding, employee welfare, compensation & benefits, and offboarding processes.
• Handled calendar management, international travel arrangements, and ad-hoc business needs for the company's owners and senior executives.

Educational Consultant & Operations Supervisor at Berlitz (Israel) Ltd (2015-01 – 2017-12)

• Supervised the branch's daily income and expenses, monitored ongoing student payments, and managed administrative workflows to hit KPIs.
• Managed teacher scheduling and timetables, and took ownership of recruiting, training, and mentoring new educational consultants at the branch.
• Analyzed student needs to tailor customized educational programs, consistently meeting and exceeding branch sales and conversion targets.

Patrol Officer at Israel Police – Jerusalem District (2012-01 – 2015-12)

• Commanded a community operations center, holding full operational and administrative accountability for a workforce of approximately 100 personnel. Managed recruitment, tactical training, safety, and field execution in alignment with organizational standards.
• Handled high-stakes, life-threatening emergencies and critical incidents in the field. Operated under extreme physical and mental pressure during non-standard hours, performing rapid risk assessments and strategic decision-making.
• Executed ongoing tactical patrols, secured high-risk border crossings and settlements, and deployed reinforcements dynamic to real-time security threats.
• Mentored, on-boarded, and supervised new officers, improving organizational effectiveness, high-stress adaptability, and community trust.
• Managed complex interfaces with highly diverse populations and civil/criminal legal matters, leveraging exceptional judgment and conflict-resolution skills under pressure

M.A. in Women and Gender Studies – University of Haifa (2023-12)

Certification in Product Management – Technion – Institute of Technology (2019-12)

Certification in Accounting (Level 1+2) – The College of Management Academic Studies (2018-12)

B.A. in Service Organizations Management (HR Specialization) – Hadassah Academic College Jerusalem (2014-12)