Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Websites
Certification
Professional Development
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Ernest T. Jones

Fort Myers,FL

Summary

To apply my extensive coaching experience, leadership abilities, and unwavering dedication to excellence to a challenging leadership role. I am excited to contribute to a high-performing team, exceeding targets, nurturing client relationships, and driving revenue growth through effective communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Community and Engagement Specialist

David Lawrence Centers
Naples, FL
10.2024 - Current
  • Develop strong relationships with key referral services, with local businesses and community leaders
  • Collaborate with DLC staff to generate referrals
  • Educate clients, families, community and other referral sources on DLC services and programs
  • Represent DL in all professional forums and communicate the mission in all outreach interactions

President, and Founder

Jones Family Cares Foundation
Fort Myers, FL
08.2021 - Current
  • Guide students and families by providing a better understanding of the processes needed to transition from phase to phase (middle school, high school, college, real-world/professional)
  • Provide opportunities for youth to solve problems, explore ideas, rally for a cause, and learn new skills
  • Support marginalized students and community organizations around the country to enhance and support the growth and development of future leaders

Workforce Specialist

Urban Strategies
Fort Myers, FL
01.2024 - 10.2024
  • Develop a results-oriented action plan centered on economic mobility for targeted projects
  • Develop comprehensive community strategies for employment and career advancement
  • Work with employers to facilitate job opportunities
  • Provide ongoing counseling recruitment, and screen clients - employment education, and employment opportunities

Director, Field-Based Enrollment

Hodges University
Fort Myers, FL
02.2023 - 07.2023
  • Reporting to the VP of Enrollment Management, conducted presentations for high school students and administrators in surrounding counties to inform them of the various programs offered by Hodges
  • Built working relationships with community groups and organizations to assist in creating and developing internship and employment opportunities for graduates
  • Arranged campus tours for prospective students and families
  • Developed and implemented strategies and plan to attract new students
  • Member of Emergency Management for Large athletic or political events and catastrophic situations

Football Coach-Secondary & Special Teams Coordinator

Alabama A&M University
Huntsville, AL
09.2021 - 12.2022
  • Instructed basic skills, techniques, and position duties.
  • Organized and led practice sessions focusing on skills improvement, strategy, and teamwork.
  • Selected all Special Teams staff members, and final approval on all Special Teams player personnel.
  • Member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; member of the Emergency Management team for athletic, political, and catastrophic events.

Vice President for Athletics and Student Services

University of Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL
11.2020 - 08.2021
  • Directed policy development for the Athletics and Student Services Departments.
  • Defined specific expectations within the department regarding ethics, accountability, competitiveness, academic achievement, and student services.
  • Served as a member of the President's Cabinet.
  • Collaborated with University Advancement to develop, design, and implement initiatives and special projects for development and fundraising efforts.
  • Oversaw expenditures within the athletic department, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines.
  • Chairperson of Emergency Management for large athletic or political events, and catastrophic situations.

Athletics Director

Florida Memorial University
Miami Gardens, FL
02.2019 - 10.2020
  • Directed and oversaw a competitive NAIA athletics department with 12 programs, 40 staff members, and over 300 student-athletes.
  • Led strategic planning and policy development for the athletics program while maintaining a program committed to the university's mission and priorities.
  • Oversaw hiring of coaching and support personnel.
  • Monitored compliance with all relevant policies and regulations of the university, national associations, and conferences.
  • Served as a member of the President's Administrative Cabinet.
  • Served as FMU's delegate for the Sun Conference on the NAIA ADA Board of Directors.
  • Managed a $5.5 million athletic budget.
  • Generated over $500,000 through cooperative fundraising efforts.
  • Secured agreements for venue sections' naming rights, including the arena floor, training facility, and office spaces.
  • Led implementation of four new sports programs, resulting in a 279% boost in student-athlete enrollment.
  • Developed the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
  • Led the Sun Conference’s Eligibility Committee as chair.
  • Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Committee
  • Chairperson of Emergency Management for large athletic or political events, and catastrophic situations.

Interim Head Coach/Associate Head/ Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Coach

Morgan State University
Baltimore, Maryland
08.2016 - 01.2019
  • Created and implemented strategies to develop a competitive team regionally and nationally.
  • Recruited student-athletes from Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Beach.
  • Sourced top talent by scouting, attending tournaments, conducting home visits, and interviewing key community members.
  • Verified academic eligibility through transcript evaluation.
  • Coordinated seasonal plans encompassing competitive schedules and practices.
  • Oversaw hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of coaches and team managers.
  • Oversaw substantial program budget management and scholarship distribution.
  • Enhanced visibility of the football program through statewide, regional, and national public speaking engagements.
  • Executed the implementation of diverse programs promoting team members' and coaches' involvement.
  • Directed the successful implementation of fundraising projects, camps, and clinics for the Men’s Football Program.
  • Attended professional growth seminars and workshops.
  • Previously served as the Assistant Head Coach.
  • Member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
  • Member of Emergency Management for large athletic or political events, and catastrophic situations.

Head Football Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

ASA- Miami College
North Miami Beach, Florida
01.2015 - 01.2016
  • Led and directed all aspects of the college’s football program.
  • Hired, trained, evaluated, and supervised coaches.
  • Created and integrated complete offensive game plans.
  • Enhanced knowledge base and skill sets by coaching fundamental techniques.
  • Successfully forged an agreement with city officials in Hialeah to renovate the stadium.
  • Finalized and obtained game agreements.

Manager-Parks and Recreation-Department of Athletics

City of Deerfield
Deerfield Beach, Florida
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Organized and executed diverse recreational programs to cater to public needs.
  • Contributed to annual financial budgeting.
  • Managed maintenance, recreational services, and personnel.
  • Oversaw revenue collection from recreational programs, activities, special events, and admissions, and prepared related reports.
  • Conducted regular inspections of park areas and facilities.
  • Prepared and maintained various operational reports on attendance, inventory, revenues, and related information.
  • Reviewed and approved material requisitions for park operations.
  • Developed new programs by collaborating with various entities and improving public relations.
  • Participated in emergency management for large athletic, political events, and catastrophic situations.

Director of Player Development and Engagement, Football

University of Notre Dame
South Bend, Indiana
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • Coordinated with the campus community to organize and execute non-competitive student-athlete events.
  • Collaborated with Academic Services leadership on policies and procedures for athlete study halls.
  • Developed and executed event plans for 'Irish Around the Bend,' engaging football players in local service projects.
  • Cultivated connections with Student Welfare and Development to organize campus events aimed at student-athlete engagement.
  • Delivered interactive sessions on essential life skills, determined the specific needs of attendees, and devised innovative approaches.
  • Created and ran a program resulting in more than 20 jobs, internships, and shadowing opportunities for student-athletes.
  • Served as a representative for the football program at various public speaking and program fundraising events.
  • Member of Emergency Management for large athletic or political events, and catastrophic situations.

Associate Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator/Cornerbacks Coach

State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
01.2010 - 01.2012

Director of Player Services

University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
01.2009 - 01.2010

Head Football Coach

Alcorn State University
Lorman, Mississippi
01.2008 - 01.2009

Running Backs Coach

University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
01.2006 - 01.2007

Cornerbacks Coach

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
01.2005 - 01.2006

Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach

Oberlin College
Oberlin, Ohio
01.2003 - 01.2004

Instructor, First Year Experience and Defensive Backs Coach/Recruiting Coordinator

Kentucky State University
Frankfort, Kentucky
01.2002 - 01.2003

Defensive Backs Coach and Director of Multicultural Development

Concordia University
St. Paul, Minnesota
01.2000 - 01.2003

Running Backs/Director of Player Development

University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
01.2014

Education

Doctor of Arts - Human Services, Administration

Walden University

Master of Arts - Human Services, Leadership

Concordia University (MN)

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Alcorn State University

Associates of Science - Applied Science

Hinds Community College

Skills

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Brand Recognition Strategies
  • Strong Relationship Building
  • Community Engagement
  • Research proficiency

Affiliations

  • American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) /Black Coaches & Administrators (16 years; 2000-2013; 2016-Present)
  • AFCA Coach of the Year Committee (2000-2005)
  • AFCA Public Relations Committee Member (2000-2005)
  • Local Toastmaster International, (2005-2008)

Certification

  • National Incident Management System
  • IS-100
  • IS-200
  • IS-700
  • IS-800
  • IS-2200

Professional Development

  • Minority Internship/NFL-Buffalo Bills, 2010
  • Minority Internship/NFL-Houston Texans, 2007
  • Expert Coaches Academy/NCAA-National Headquarters, 2006
  • Coaches Academy/NCAA-National Headquarters, 2004

Accomplishments

  • United States Air Force- Honorable Discharge

Timeline

Community and Engagement Specialist

David Lawrence Centers
10.2024 - Current

Workforce Specialist

Urban Strategies
01.2024 - 10.2024

Director, Field-Based Enrollment

Hodges University
02.2023 - 07.2023

Football Coach-Secondary & Special Teams Coordinator

Alabama A&M University
09.2021 - 12.2022

President, and Founder

Jones Family Cares Foundation
08.2021 - Current

Vice President for Athletics and Student Services

University of Fort Lauderdale
11.2020 - 08.2021

Athletics Director

Florida Memorial University
02.2019 - 10.2020

Interim Head Coach/Associate Head/ Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Coach

Morgan State University
08.2016 - 01.2019

Head Football Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

ASA- Miami College
01.2015 - 01.2016

Manager-Parks and Recreation-Department of Athletics

City of Deerfield
01.2014 - 01.2015

Running Backs/Director of Player Development

University of Connecticut
01.2014

Director of Player Development and Engagement, Football

University of Notre Dame
01.2012 - 01.2014

Associate Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator/Cornerbacks Coach

State University of New York at Buffalo
01.2010 - 01.2012

Director of Player Services

University of Cincinnati
01.2009 - 01.2010

Head Football Coach

Alcorn State University
01.2008 - 01.2009

Running Backs Coach

University of Cincinnati
01.2006 - 01.2007

Cornerbacks Coach

Central Michigan University
01.2005 - 01.2006

Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach

Oberlin College
01.2003 - 01.2004

Instructor, First Year Experience and Defensive Backs Coach/Recruiting Coordinator

Kentucky State University
01.2002 - 01.2003

Defensive Backs Coach and Director of Multicultural Development

Concordia University
01.2000 - 01.2003
  • National Incident Management System
  • IS-100
  • IS-200
  • IS-700
  • IS-800
  • IS-2200

Doctor of Arts - Human Services, Administration

Walden University

Master of Arts - Human Services, Leadership

Concordia University (MN)

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Alcorn State University

Associates of Science - Applied Science

Hinds Community College
Ernest T. Jones