Open to opportunities

Travis Opocensky

@travisopocensky

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Strategic operations executive with 10+ years of transformative leadership.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters innovation and collaboration, allowing me to drive impactful change.

I am a strategic and systems-minded operator with over a decade of experience transforming mission-driven organizations across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. My expertise lies in operational innovation, program strategy, and sustainability integration. I have a proven track record of launching new initiatives and aligning execution with executive priorities, ensuring that complex operations scale globally.

As a Fractional Strategy & Operations Executive, I have developed frameworks and strategies that respond to market uncertainties and internal transitions. My role at Palladium International involved directing strategy across a $4B government proposal pipeline and spearheading sustainability initiatives adopted portfolio-wide. I have built and led public-private consortiums that resulted in over $750 million in awarded federal contracts, showcasing my ability to turn ambiguous challenges into concrete results through data and coalition-building.

Throughout my career, I have launched impactful ventures, advised on operational strategies for major organizations, and presented at global policy dialogues. My commitment to sustainability and operational excellence drives my passion for creating meaningful change in the world.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Fractional Strategy & Operations Executive

Current

Independent Consultant

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Developed a reusable market assessment framework for a global research firm to respond to shifting donor landscapes; aligned internal delivery models to emerging client segments. Supported proposal positioning and team operations for multi-million dollar RFPs in health systems, logistics, and governance portfolios.

Market Assessment Proposal Development Strategic Planning Client Management Workflow Design Transformation Initiatives

Senior Strategic Initiatives & Operations Manager

Palladium International

Jan 2022 - Jan 2024 (2 years)

Directed strategy and resource planning across a $4B government proposal pipeline; coordinated delivery and technical collaboration across three business units. Spearheaded the creation and rollout of a sustainability-as-a-service framework adopted portfolio-wide; developed carbon accounting platform used in 22-country health supply chain system.

Strategy Proposal Management Sustainability Frameworks Carbon Accounting Public Private Partnerships Thought Leadership

Founding Executive Director

RightBoot

Jan 2019 - Jan 2023 (4 years)

Designed operational strategies adopted by UN agencies and USAID to improve waste management in crisis logistics. Built and managed partnerships across government, multilateral donors, and the private sector; advised 10+ INGOs and bilateral programs.

Operational Management Partnership Management Waste Management ESG Integration Climate Forums Social Impact

Scaling Strategist & Interim Chief Operating Officer

Pulp Hot Sauce

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)

Scaled production 35x and cut per-unit costs by 56%; grew distribution to 20+ states within one year. Advised founders on pitch development, investor engagement, and acquisition strategy leading to successful exit.

Go To Market Strategy Distribution Pitch Development Acquisition Strategy

Business Development & Strategy Consultant

Optimum Percussion

Jan 2017 - Jan 2019 (2 years)

Launched the country’s first DrumLine Battle in partnership with Drum Corps International; grew it into a recurring, revenue-generating program. Doubled participation and increased revenue for Australia’s largest percussion festival by redesigning competition formats and adjudication systems.

Business Development Growth Strategy Revenue Competition Design Adjudication System

Program Manager, Education & Leadership

Motif Music

Jan 2015 - Jan 2017 (2 years)

Directed a 20-person multinational team with 100% on-time delivery of complex education programs. Designed and negotiated government contracts and partnerships, quadrupling institutional client base.

Program Management Operations Management Team Leadership Contract Negotiation Partnership Development Cultural Adaptation

Assistant Band Director

Glencoe High School

Jan 2013 - Jan 2015 (2 years)

Managed all logistics, budgets, and scheduling for indoor percussion, marching band, and ensembles. Composed award-winning original music; contributed to ensemble growth from last place to first in statewide competitions.

Logistics Management Budget Management Scheduling Composer Ensemble Direction

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Sydney

Masters of Peace and Conflict Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies

Undertook advanced studies in peace and conflict resolution, focusing on international relations and humanitarian efforts. Gained expertise in analyzing complex global challenges and developing strategic interventions.

Portland State University

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Completed a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on Psychology, developing a strong foundation in human behavior and cognitive processes. Engaged in coursework that provided insights into individual and group dynamics.