Jarrett Jones

Lead and coordinate AMPT’s suite of capacity-building programs for BIPOC-led nonprofits across Chicago, empowering over 50 grassroots organizations with tools to scale their impact and sustainability. As a core member of the Programs Team, I oversee logistics, design facilitation, and relationship management for seven distinct initiatives while ensuring culturally responsive and trauma-informed engagement throughout.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

• Designed and executed “Build Your Board” Cohort, a 4-week experience for nonprofit Executive Directors, equipping them with tools to establish legal compliance, clarify board roles, and recruit mission-aligned members.
• Launched the “Digital Communication Cohort”, a 4-week hands-on lab supporting nonprofit leaders in brand strategy, Canva design, social media planning, website updates, and style guide creation.
• Manage AMPT’s Evaluation Cohort, a 6-month initiative supporting nonprofit organizations in building practical evaluation strategies. Provide coordination for coaching sessions, co-create resource materials, and ensure that each organization leaves with a clear, usable evaluation plan.
• Lead the design and execution of the Ampt Up Your Organization (AUYO) Workshop Series, a 4-month foundational series for grassroots nonprofit organizations covering strategic planning, legal compliance, fund development, program management, and board governance. Oversee all curriculum logistics, workshop facilitation, and participant communications while ensuring equitable access and application of tools.
• Create dynamic workshops on cultural competence, storytelling for advocacy, and program development, infusing values of racial equity, healing, and transformation.
• Coordinate session logistics, participant communication, registration, accessibility needs, and tech support for in-person and virtual programs.
• Serve as the main point of contact for facilitators, coaches, and nonprofit leaders, nurturing trust-based relationships rooted in mutual accountability and care.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager on storytelling, brand visibility, and digital engagement strategies that highlight participant voices.
• Track attendance, feedback, and cohort impact data to inform continuous program improvement.

Built and scaled a citywide parent leadership initiative to equip caregivers primarily Black and Latine mothers with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to advocate for equitable education.
Key Contributions:

• Created and facilitated the Parent Leader Team Program, including curriculum design, leadership coaching, public speaking training, and policy education.
• Trained 20+ parents annually on how to organize campaigns, engage CPS leadership, and tell their stories to drive systemic change.
• Facilitated workshops on school budgeting, resource equity, enrollment processes, and special education advocacy.
• Provided ongoing training and coaching to a team of Community Engagement Coordinators, building their capacity to support parents in advocacy, organizing, and leadership development.
• Guided staff in cultivating and sustaining meaningful community partnerships by fostering trust-based relationships rooted in shared equity goals.
• Fostered partnerships with local schools, community-based organizations, and city agencies to align on systemic changes and community-driven solutions.

Represented Chicago and Midwest voices as a youth ambassador on the national stage, advocating for increased economic, education, and justice opportunities for opportunity youth (young people aged 16–24 who are disconnected from school and work).

Key Leadership Roles:

• Co-designed national youth leadership trainings on storytelling, civic engagement, and systems change.
• Partnered with the Aspen Institute, Jobs for the Future, and Starbucks Foundation to speak at national conferences and roundtables.
• Developed onboarding strategies to expand youth hiring in national campaigns and philanthropic spaces.
• Conducted peer coaching, mentoring, and media training for incoming council members
• Collaborated with fellow council members to pass key legislation benefiting local communities.
• Served as a positive role model to staff, constituents, and fellow council members by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

Oversaw youth-led policy change initiatives focused on reforming Chicago’s juvenile justice system. Supported young leaders with lived experience in detention or probation as they proposed policy recommendations to Cook County leaders.

Key Impact:

• Facilitated weekly workshops on research, public speaking, policy development, and restorative justice.
• Helped youth analyze county budgets and criminal legal policy through a racial equity lens.
• Coached youth in presenting recommendations directly to Cook County Board commissioners.
• Cultivated strategic partnerships with community-based reentry programs and government departments.

Lead a team of BAM Counselors while leading CBT and social-emotional learning sessions for 60+ high school youth, primarily young Black men navigating trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers.

Key Functions:

• Implemented and led weekly CBT-based group sessions on decision-making, manhood, goal setting, and emotional regulation.
• Delivered personalized mentorship, crisis intervention, and referrals to wraparound services.
• Collaborated with school administrators to identify at-risk students and tailor intervention strategies.
• Assisted students in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
• Collected and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data on student progress and SEL outcomes.
• Maintained accurate documentation of student interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.

Selected as a returning Corps Member to take on a senior leadership position supervising a team of AmeriCorps members delivering targeted academic and social-emotional interventions to students in a high-need Chicago Public School. Served as a bridge between site leadership, school partners, and service teams, ensuring high-quality service implementation, professional growth for team members, and collaborative relationships across all stakeholders.

Key Contributions & Achievements:

• Leadership & Coaching: Managed a diverse team of 13 AmeriCorps members, providing individualized coaching, skill development, and performance evaluation to improve team cohesion, professional growth, and student outcomes. Fostered a culture of accountability and mutual support.
• School Partnership Liaison: Acted as the primary point of contact for school administrators, teachers, and staff. Facilitated regular check-ins and data reviews with school leadership to align interventions with school goals and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Monitored and analyzed team-level data on student attendance, behavior, and coursework. Used insights to support AmeriCorps members in adapting their approaches to meet student needs and increase intervention impact.
• Operational Excellence: Oversaw team operations, including daily schedules, service reporting, and stakeholder communications. Supported back-end operations such as event planning, family engagement activities, and school service days.
• Conflict Resolution & Support: Provided crisis support and resolution guidance for Corps members navigating challenging classroom situations or interpersonal issues. Cultivated a positive, growth-minded environment that empowered Corps members to build resilience and leadership capacity.

Led the successful planning, coordination, and execution of a summer youth camp program serving over 75+ children and teens from Chicago’s South Side. Designed a safe, structured, and dynamic environment that fostered youth development, spiritual growth, and community connection.

Key Contributions & Achievements:

• Program & Curriculum Development: Designed and implemented an 8-week camp schedule featuring age-appropriate activities that supported social, emotional, and spiritual development. Activities included daily devotionals, team-building games, arts & crafts, academic enrichment, and leadership challenges.
• Staff Management & Coaching: Supervised a team of 10+ counselors, junior counselors, and volunteer staff. Provided onboarding, daily guidance, and mentorship to ensure youth-centered care, smooth daily operations, and strong team morale.
• Youth Empowerment: Created a nurturing and empowering environment for campers aged 6–17, promoting positive behavior through restorative discipline practices and tailored support. Provided direct mentorship to youth navigating personal or emotional challenges.
• Crisis Management & Safety: Maintained high safety standards by developing emergency protocols, facilitating drills, and ensuring compliance with all health and safety guidelines. Responded effectively to behavioral incidents and medical needs.
• Family Engagement: Cultivated strong relationships with parents and guardians through regular updates, newsletters, and family events. Encouraged family involvement in camper development and end-of-summer celebrations.
• Logistics & Operations: Managed daily operations including transportation coordination, supply inventory, meal distribution, field trip planning, and budget tracking. Ensured all logistics supported a smooth and impactful camp experience.
• Cultural & Spiritual Leadership: Integrated faith-based practices into camp culture, promoting character building, community service, and a sense of purpose. Led morning devotions and reflective group circles to build trust and deepen peer relationships.

Served full-time in a 3rd–6th grade elementary school classroom to deliver high-impact academic and behavioral interventions aimed at improving student performance in underserved Chicago communities. Contributed to the broader mission of educational equity by creating a strong classroom presence, building relationships with students, and collaborating with teachers to ensure holistic student success.

Key Contributions & Achievements:

• Individualized Student Support: Delivered daily academic interventions in reading and math to a focus list of students at risk of falling behind, using progress monitoring data and weekly goal-setting to track outcomes and improve achievement.
• Attendance & Behavior Coaching: Supported students facing chronic absenteeism and behavioral challenges through daily check-ins, incentive plans, restorative practices, and communication with families. Helped reduce absenteeism rates and improve classroom engagement.
• Whole-Classroom Support: Collaborated closely with lead teachers to support lesson delivery, co-create classroom routines, and facilitate small-group activities. Designed culturally relevant materials to enhance student engagement.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Implemented SEL curriculum aligned with City Year’s Whole School Whole Child model. Supported development of students’ self-awareness, empathy, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills through intentional dialogue and modeling.
• Community Engagement: Participated and led schoolwide events, family nights, and community service initiatives. Strengthened relationships between school staff, students’ families, and City Year service teams.
• Professional Development: Completed over 300 hours of training in classroom management, lesson planning, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), trauma-informed care, and leadership. Engaged in reflection practices to enhance self-awareness and team collaboration.