Open to opportunities

Alicia Tautfest-Tienda

@aliciatautfesttienda

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Experienced communications partner specializing in employee engagement and change management.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that values employee engagement and fosters a collaborative culture, with opportunities for strategic communication and change management.

I am a dedicated communications partner with extensive experience in employee engagement and strategic calendar management. Over the past decade, I have successfully led teams in corporate communications, focusing on enhancing employee recognition and community engagement. My leadership at Harbor Freight Tools has resulted in a 200% increase in career site visitors and consistent Great Place to Work certifications for three consecutive years.

My background includes developing communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and consistency across all channels. I have managed multi-million dollar budgets and have a proven track record in change management, having executed effective plans for major enterprise system rollouts. My passion lies in fostering a positive workplace culture and driving engagement through innovative programs and initiatives.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director of Associate Experience

Harbor Freight Tools

Jun 2021 - Jun 2025 (4 years)

Led a 22-person team responsible for corporate communications, employee engagement, recognition, community engagement programs, executive support, and employer branding. Developed and grew the team by 50% through process improvement and workload analysis, maintaining a 10% internal promotion rate with customized organization design and career plans.

Corporate Communications Employee Engagement Employer Branding Process Improvement Team Leadership Executive Support Community Engagement Organizational Design Budget Management

Director to Senior Director of Retail Operations & Communications

Harbor Freight Tools

Apr 2014 - Jun 2021 (7 years 2 months)

Led multiple teams across the Retail Operations organization, including communications, operations, store support, and a 100-person customer contact center. Developed and executed the communication strategy for all stores and field leaders, ensuring clear and accurate operational direction and consistent brand messaging for 25K frontline employees.

Retail Operations Communications Strategy Change Management Event Planning Budget Management Organizational Design Crisis Management Workforce Management

Director of Store Operations & Communications

Ross Stores

Sep 2004 - Mar 2014 (9 years 6 months)

Led a team responsible for creating and implementing all store and field communications, including operations manuals, online documentation, best practice rollouts, associate-facing messaging, collateral, and training. Gate-kept store and field communications, tasks, and workload, partnering cross-functionally with senior executives to prioritize initiatives and payroll.

Operational Best Practices Associate Experience Customer Experience Recognition Programs

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

San José State University

Master of Arts (MA), Applied Business Ethics-Philosophy

Focused on Applied Business Ethics-Philosophy, gaining expertise in ethical frameworks and their application in business contexts. Developed critical thinking and analytical skills relevant to organizational decision-making.

Sonoma State University

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Philosophy

Studied Philosophy, developing strong analytical, reasoning, and communication skills. Explored various philosophical concepts and their societal implications.