Hi, I’m
Jennifer Romano
Providence,United States
Summary
Experienced leader with 15+ years of expertise in operations, program management, and leadership development. Skilled at cultivating relationships with federal agencies, philanthropic leaders, and nonprofits to advance effective partnerships. Proven problem-solver, adept at navigating complex situations, mitigating risks, and identifying opportunities to build lasting relationships. Strong track record of gathering input and building consensus to implement policies and initiatives. Ready to drive results as Director of Federal Partnerships at the Council on Foundations.
Overview
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Paolino Properties
VP Corporate Initiatives & Strategic Partnerships
09.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Lead and organize COVID-19 initiatives in collaboration with Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), identifying state's needs and utilizing available resources and properties. Develop comprehensive education campaign for stakeholders, providing guidance and support to vaccine clinics and testing centers, showcasing foresight and resourcefulness. Successfully set up and managed six COVID-19 testing locations across RI, as well as vaccination clinics at charter schools.
- Propose innovative protocols to RIDOH that were later adopted, as part of their business outreach strategy, demonstrating commitment to public service and problem-solving during critical times.
- Strengthen relationships between Governor's office, state agencies, and tenants, including corporations, foundations, and nonprofits, to drive economic development, enhance community engagement, and revitalize downtown.
- Launch pioneering initiative for women and minority entrepreneurs, partnering with philanthropic foundation and nonprofit organization, featuring vibrant café and marketplace to celebrate diversity and resurgence of downtown.
Brown University
Associate Director of Academic Engagement
03.2018 - 07.2019
Job overview
- Launched University's first credit-bearing domestic study away program in DC, placing 70+ students in impactful federal internships. Established and maintained federal agency and legislative office relationships to increase student participation and alumni engagement, utilizing federal and political contacts to advance University goals.
- Designed and implemented community engagement program with George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) to attract top talent to social justice-related organizations in Tulsa, OK. Acted as primary liaison to GFKK, developing Foundation reports and managing program budgets to contribute to organizational goals.
- Created DEI initiatives to enhance program accessibility for underrepresented groups.
- Represented University to federal agencies and legislative offices, staying up-to-date on government affairs initiatives that impact experiential learning and educating federal personnel on University priorities.
President's Commission On White House Fellowships
Deputy Director; Associate Director
02.2014 - 08.2016
Job overview
- Managed operations of White House Fellows program, overseeing $90k grant and providing strategic personnel counsel.
- Implemented education curriculum featuring policy trips, retreats, and 85 annual events, including speaker series, leadership development, and workshops.
- Cultivated partnerships for external engagement, represented program at events and alumni gatherings, and increased stakeholder engagement with quarterly newsletter.
- Developed strategic plan for presidential transition, ensuring clear, comprehensive, and organized standard operating procedures.
- Leveraged expertise in federal departments/agencies to build network of federal and political contacts, enhanced program quality, and expanded alumni engagement.
- Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills, strategic planning, and teamwork.
U.S. Department Of State
Protocol Officer
06.2011 - 02.2014
Job overview
- Provided protocol guidance and support for seamless execution of events for top U.S. officials both domestically and abroad.
- Developed official materials, including memos, photo books, and talking points, to support successful diplomatic initiatives with exceptional project management and crisis response.
- Developed unique diplomatic gift ideas and collaborated with top companies and artists to acquire in-kind donations or purchases within budget, showcasing exceptional creativity, resourcefulness, interpersonal skills, and procurement expertise.
- Managed communication with National Security Council, embassies, and ambassadors to ensure gift selections met diplomatic standards.
- Coordinated high-level events, such as State Visits, Kennedy Center Honors, and Ambassador credentialing ceremonies, with exceptional attention to detail and teamwork.
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
Manager of Green Economy Initiatives
10.2008 - 04.2010
Job overview
- Facilitated development of first state-coordinated green economy plan in U.S. and successfully hosted Renewable Energy Roundtable by bringing together stakeholders, showcasing exceptional coalition-building and networking skills.
- Managed $2.5M RI Renewable Energy Fund, publishing five-year strategic plan with clear objectives and leveraging project management and regulatory expertise.
- Secured $8M+ funding from 78 applications in year one by establishing strong partnerships and raising program awareness.
- Developed and implemented Green Track for RI Business Plan Competition, expanding program impact as judge and demonstrating expertise in identifying trends and fostering innovation.
Hillary Clinton For President
Volunteer Coordinator and Internship Manager
10.2007 - 01.2008
Job overview
- Recruited, trained, and organized 1.5K-2K volunteers and 60 interns across 17 regional offices, achieving record-breaking voter turnout and first female candidate to win delegate-binding primary.
- Coordinated national volunteer recruitment, travel, lodging, and collaborated with regional field officers for efficient deployment, resulting in impactful out-of-state volunteer support.
- Managed 5 interns tracking daily data with exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills that aided in successful GOTV efforts.
- Managed volunteer program for campaign ambassadors with effective engagement strategies, fostering ownership, visibility, and support from influential community members.
- Organized outreach events to promote volunteer opportunities and enlist new volunteers.
Education
Brown UniversityProvidence, RI
Master of Arts from Public Affairs And Public Policy Analysis
05.2007
Brown UniversityProvidence, RI
Bachelor of Arts from Public Policy And American Institutions
05.2006
University Overview
- Governor Frank Licht Scholarship Recipient
Skills
- Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workplace
- MS Office
- Fundraising Software
- Social Media
- Relationship-Building
- Communication
- Strategic Thinking
- Project Management
Affiliations
- Providence Preservation Society, Planning and Architecture Review Committee, Feb 2020 - Present
- Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Board Of Directors, Oct 2021 - Present
- Joe Biden for President, Raiser and GOTV Volunteer, 2020
- Brown Alumni Association, Vice President of Class, 2022 - Present; Reunion Co-Chair, 2016 - 2021
- Generation Citizen, Advisory Board Member, Jul 2018 - Jul 2021
Timeline
VP Corporate Initiatives & Strategic Partnerships
Paolino Properties
09.2019 - Current
Associate Director of Academic Engagement
Brown University
03.2018 - 07.2019
Deputy Director; Associate Director
President's Commission On White House Fellowships
02.2014 - 08.2016
Protocol Officer
U.S. Department Of State
06.2011 - 02.2014
Manager of Green Economy Initiatives
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
10.2008 - 04.2010
Volunteer Coordinator and Internship Manager
Hillary Clinton For President
10.2007 - 01.2008
Brown University
Master of Arts from Public Affairs And Public Policy Analysis
Brown University
Bachelor of Arts from Public Policy And American Institutions
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