Jen Dean, Ma Email & Phone Number

United States

Leadership and Strategic Oversight: Directed Chicago Votes to achieve significant financial and strategic outcomes by collaborating with the Board of Directors to oversee daily operations and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Championed a shared leadership approach, fostering inclusive decision-making and building strong relationships with the Board, staff, volunteers, and key stakeholders.Initiative Supervision: Oversaw comprehensive communications strategies, implemented Unlock Civics policy work, globally scaled Chicago Votes' visibility and influence in civic engagement and advocacy.Financial Management: Supervised the Operations Director and Accounting team in maintaining accurate financial records using QuickBooks, including tracking receipts and expenditures, and preparing monthly financial statements such as Reconciliation, Profit and Loss, Bank Balances, and Cash Flow. Managed yearly financial audits with third-party auditors to ensure thorough examination and adherence to financial standards.Regulatory Compliance: Maintained rigorous adherence to federal, state, and local regulations to safeguard Chicago Votes' compliance and ethical standards. Ensured robust internal controls and full compliance with employment laws to uphold organizational integrity.Resource Management: Drove the advancement of Chicago Votes' mission by strategically securing and managing financial and operational resources crucial for sustainable growth and impactful community engagement.Partnership and Collaboration: Collaborated with external partners, governmental agencies, and community organizations to expand Chicago Votes' reach and impact. Leveraged strategic alliances and partnerships to enhance advocacy effectiveness and community engagement.Strategic Planning: Directed strategic planning processes, set clear objectives, monitored performance metrics, and implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize organizational effectiveness.

Chicago, Il

Developed and Advocated Civics Policy: Researched and drafted legislative proposals, aligned policy materials with organizational messaging, and represented Chicago Votes in policy coalitions. Successfully drafted, passed, and implemented SB2090, establishing Cook County Jail as the nation's first jail to serve as a polling location. Ensured that all individuals leaving CCJ received voter registration forms and were informed about their voting rights.Led Unlock Civics Grassroots Initiatives: Designed and executed the Unlock Civics program, spearheaded grassroots organizing efforts, and managed voter registration drives at Cook County Jail. Cultivated relationships with civic leaders and co-drafted legislation to provide civic education classes by peer educators for individuals in the Illinois Department of Corrections.Accounting: Managed financial oversight, including maintaining QuickBooks, tracking receipts and expenditures, and preparing monthly financial statements. Supervised transfers between 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) entities, coordinated annual financial audits, and developed a $2 million participatory budget.Human Resources & Operations: Ensured compliance with insurance policies, labor laws, and worker’s compensation audits. Maintained comprehensive staff files and assisted in recruiting senior staff.Business Management: Coordinated with the legal team on organizational changes, ensured registration with relevant state offices, finalized taxes, and managed bi-weekly lobby reporting.Communications and Marketing: Oversaw social media and online organizing, finalized press releases, and managed media relations to enhance the organization’s public presence, while online organizing to pass Unlock Civics policy.

Chicago, Illinois

Financial Management: Oversaw financial operations for both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, including audit coordination, payroll, budget management, and invoice payments. Budget and Logistics Planning: Collaborated with the leadership team to strategize budget and logistics for issue campaigns, field plans, voter education, and activation efforts.Internal Operations Development: Built and managed internal operational systems from the ground up to monitor financials, ensure legal compliance, and secure 501(c)(3) status. Implemented systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency.Operational Efficiency: Developed and implemented best practices to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Analyzed workflow processes and identified areas for improvement.Provided guidance on project management and operational challenges.Vendor and Partner Relations: Managed relationships with external vendors and partners to ensure service quality and adherence to contractual agreements. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensured organizational adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, including federal, state, and local laws. Developed and implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential liabilities.Data Management and Reporting: Oversaw data collection and analysis to support decision-making and strategic planning. Ensured accurate reporting and maintained comprehensive records for operational and financial purposes.

Chicago

Led a team of 18 field organizers in a 3-month, citywide non-partisan voter registration drive, successfully registering 15,000 new voters across the south and west sides of Chicago.Recruited and managed over 100 volunteers for three Get Out The Vote (GOTV) events across five Chicago college campuses, enhancing voter engagement and turnout.Engaged 5,000 young voters through diverse GOTV strategies, including phone banking, collecting pledge-to-vote cards, door-to-door canvassing, and providing transportation to polling stations.Developed and maintained partnerships with community organizations and staff at Malcolm X College, Harold Washington College, Chicago State University, and Kennedy-King College to foster youth political engagement through class presentations and campus canvassing.Planned and executed the Chicago Votes 2014 National Voter Registration Day After Party, driving awareness and celebrating voter registration efforts.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

We empower local community organizers who are leading change across the globe. Our mission is to provide cultural and educational exchanges, research, and storytelling opportunities that allow leaders to make the world a better place. Established Operations and Systems: Launched and set up all operational and administrative systems to become a 501c3, ensuring streamlined processes and effective management of resources to support global community organizing efforts.Empowered Global Leaders: Developing programs that empower local community organizers worldwide by providing cultural and educational exchanges, research opportunities, and storytelling platforms to enhance their impact and drive positive change.

Tanzania

The Hawega Foundation is dedicated to putting an end to Female Genital Mutilation within the Datooga tribe by empowering girls through education and community support. (501c3)

Tampa, Fl

Conducted in-depth research and analysis to identify effective strategies for engaging young parents in the Sulphur Springs community, providing actionable insights and recommendations.Performed comprehensive neighborhood canvassing to assess the needs and preferences of parents, aiming to enhance access to high-quality, safe, and supportive parenting resources.Executed a thorough needs assessment of local residents and designed a targeted program, “Baby University,” tailored for expectant parents. The program successfully contributed to a reduction in the infant mortality rate in Tampa by offering educational resources and support.Collaborated with community stakeholders and local organizations to implement and promote the program, ensuring alignment with community needs and maximizing impact.Evaluated program effectiveness through ongoing feedback and data analysis, making iterative improvements to enhance program delivery and outcomes.Showcased program success and community impact through detailed reporting and presentations to stakeholders and funding partners.

Tampa, Florida

Monitored and managed restaurant inventory to ensure efficient operations and accurate stock levels, contributing to smooth and effective service delivery.Provided exceptional guest service by adhering to established protocols and exceeding customer expectations, resulting in enhanced dining experiences and increased customer satisfaction.Trained new staff on service standards, restaurant procedures, and guest engagement techniques, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.Utilized strong problem-solving skills to handle customer inquiries, resolve issues promptly, and maintain a positive dining atmosphere, even during peak hours.Applied attention to detail in managing orders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, maintaining focus on delivering quality service and achieving operational goals.Developed effective communication and interpersonal skills through regular interactions with guests and team members, contributing to a supportive and cohesive work environment.Showcased a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in a role that often involves handling complex tasks and maintaining high standards, reflecting the ability to thrive in challenging and often overlooked positions.

Master'S Degree, Sociology

Activities and Societies: Honors: Graduated Cum Laude, Elected to Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Sciences..

B.A., Psychology

Activities and Societies: Delta GammaResearch Interest: Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology, Psychopharmacology &.