Jennifer Nelson
Strategic Executive Leader
201-303-2910
Montclair, NJ
Professional Skills
Strategic Panning
Partner Capacity Building
Grantmaking
Cross-functional Team Leadership
Data Analysis & Visualization
Communication/Public Speaking
Project Management
Fiscal Management

Visionary nonprofit executive and innovative change agent with 20+ years of leadership, problem-solving, and relationship-building experience. Over 10 years working in social impact organizations, focusing on creating equitable access to services at a community level. Nonprofit management experience includes executive leadership, fiscal management, grant-making, partner engagement and capacity building, project management, metrics implementation, and team development.

Experience
Vice President of Partner Relations
Community FoodBank of NJ2020 - Present
  • Provide leadership, strategic direction, and management to a network of 750 partners that offer the communities and individuals we serve access to the resources and food they need.
  • Launched a granting initiative (more than $13.5M FY21 through FY24) to help partners build capacity, promote health and choice for neighbors, and address emergency partner needs.
  • Manage a budget of over $10 million, including executing corporate, foundation, and government grant programs.
  • Designed and implemented a data-driven distribution plan that increased geographic equity by 20%. This equity work has led to over $2.1 M in additional grant funding.
  • Inform CFBNJ’s advocacy agenda based on partner feedback that reflects community needs and the lived experience of neighbors.
  • Collaborate with the executive leadership team on strategic planning, short—and long-term work planning, and budgeting to fulfill the organizational mission.
  • Partner with Resource Development to identify grant opportunities and assist in proposal development, including research, program design, and budgets. Cultivate relationships with donors, including faith-based organizations and foundations.
Director of Food Sourcing and Operations
Table to Table2019-2020
  • Manage and deepen relationships with existing and new donors at the corporate and local levels.
  • Improved operational efficiency, exceeding target meal distribution by 3M meals.
  • Established new public and private partnerships to stabilize food distribution during COVID-19.
YMCA of Monclair2014-2019

Director of Data Analytics · 2018 – 2019

  • Designed and deployed dashboards that pulled data from multiple sources.
  • Developed and implemented HR policy for employee evaluations. Consulted with HR on change management, designed and conducted staff training and rollout.
  • Wrote the business plan for a new childcare facility.

Membership Director · 2016 – 2018

  • Developed and managed a budget of over $3.5 million to maintain fiscal stability.
  • Led a team of over 35 front-line sales, customer service, and childcare staff.
  • Leveraged relationships to recruit volunteers to participate in fundraising. Exceeded goal by 60%.

Project Manager · 2015 – 2016

  • Led cross-functional team through operations software transition and implementation of a new database to manage 12 summer camps with over 1000 registrants.

Digital Communication Specialist · 2014 – 2015

  • Responsible for social media and website, including content management and graphic design.
  • Wrote proposals and was awarded Google ($10,000/month) and Facebook Ad Grants ($1,500).
Internet Marketing Strategist and Owner
Lit Path Marketing2012-2015
  • Developed holistic internet marketing strategies to generate leads, improve customer engagement, and encourage referrals and positive online reviews.
Allstate Insurance Agency Owner
Nelson Financial Group2006-2012
  • Responsible for operations, budget and financials, sales, marketing, customer service, and retention.
Exelon2000-2006

Senior Engineer · Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station · Forked River, NJ · 2005 – 2006

Chemistry Supervisor · Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station · Forked River, NJ · 2004 – 2005

System Engineer · Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station · Forked River, NJ · 2001 – 2004

Design Engineer · Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station · Delta, PA · 2000 – 2001

Volunteer
St Mark's United Methodist Church

Freedom School Executive Director · 2024 – Present

Leadership Board Chair · 2024 – Present

Grant Writing Team Lead · 2023 - Present

Education
Drew Theological School
Master of Divinity in Progress

GPA - 4.0

New Jersey Institute of Technology
Major: Chemical Engineer