Open To Work
Jenny Plevin
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Professional program director and filmmaker with expertise in community arts engagement and collaboration, transitioning to arts philanthropy. Proven track record in supporting and mentoring artists, volunteers, and students. Successfully led creative teams and launched innovative programs, demonstrating strong problem-solving and leadership abilities. Extensive experience in developing and managing impactful arts initiatives.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Filmmaker, Photographer and Artist
First Dib
Milwaukee
01.2002 - Current
- Film director, cinematography, editing, and photography for a variety of nonprofit clients.
- Communication, research and coordination with community members and groups.
- Evaluation of projects through documentation and filming.
- Facilitate filmmaking and photography workshops to engage the community.
- Clients include the ACLU of Wisconsin, American Rivers, Black Arts MKE, The Chipstone Foundation, Common Ground, Milwaukee Public Library Foundation and Library System, Milwaukee Turners, Milwaukee Water Commons, Wisconsin Education Association Council, and Wisconsin Voices, among others.
Program Director- docUWM
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
10.2010 - 08.2021
- Directed a unique, self-funded university program, creating documentary films with students for local and national clients.
- Created over 200 films with more than 200 community partners.
- Directed and managed all aspects of the program, including client/partner relationships and outreach, financial oversight and budgets, producing, filming, editing, and teaching.
- Coordinated program promotion, press releases, media contacts, and social media.
- Communication and relationship-building with funders.
- Created budgets and reports. Researched and purchased film equipment, computers, and coordinated productions.
- Worked with administration, departments, staff, and students to ensure compliance with complex university policies and processes.
- Outreach and relationship-building with community partners, connecting with organizations and groups across all sectors resulting in a respected reputation in the community.
- Mentored and taught students and connected them to the community.
- Managed complex university academic policies and procedures, and coordinated with numerous departments. Coordinated, continual evaluation and streamlining of processes.
- Managed film budgets ranging from $5,000 to $250,000.
Program Manager- docUWM
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
01.2006 - 10.2010
- Oversaw organization startup and supported director in all aspects of the program.
- Supervised and coordinated diverse projects with national partners and local community groups.
- Produced collaborative initiatives to strengthen community engagement and partnerships.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders to ensure project alignment and success.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with organizations and community groups.
- Supervised students in all aspects of audio and film productions.
Education Coordinator
88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Milwaukee
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Led a collaborative educational initiative between the radio station and Milwaukee Public Schools.
- Instructed youth and trained teachers in audio production.
- Fostered strong ties with educators and administrators.
- Created a comprehensive audio curriculum for teachers, emphasizing audio production and media literacy.
Education Program Coordinator
Walker's Point Center for the Arts
Milwaukee
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Directed a year-round arts education program with over 10,000 youth visits annually, as well as artist workshops and projects in schools.
- Managed the curriculum, budget, purchases, and hired guest artists to ensure program success.
- Expanded neighborhood and community partnerships to enhance program reach and impact.
- Innovated video residencies in the schools, focusing on production and media literacy education.
- Increased representation of diverse guest artist teachers in all programs.
- Contributed to fundraising efforts and program evaluations for continuous improvement.
- Facilitated gallery openings, and created an annual youth arts gallery show.
Program Assistant
Community Media Project
Milwaukee
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Supported director in all program aspects to ensure successful execution.
- Developed programming and coordination for the African Diaspora Film Festival.
- Cultivated relationships with local and national partners and artists.
- Coordinated promotional efforts, developed budgets, and facilitated fundraising initiatives.
- Taught youth in video workshops, enhancing skills and engagement.
- Boosted audience attendance and expanded community partnerships.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Film and Video
University of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI01.1998
Skills
- Community outreach and engagement
- Program development and management
- Production supervision
- Leadership and direction
- Relationship building
- Research and investigation
- Client support and relations
- Stakeholder engagement
- Effective communication
- Teaching and mentoring
- Racial equity advocacy
- Fundraising strategies
- Filmmaking and storytelling
- Project and budget oversight
- Strategic research and planning
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability to change
- Social media strategy
- Google Suite proficiency
- Adobe Suite proficiency
Additional Information
Founding member and member of the advisory board of The Milwaukee Water Commons 2012-2018, Member of Milwaukee Turners
Publications
"A Design Challenge for Transforming Justice", Published in GeoHumanities, Contributing Author, 12/01/21
Awards
- Alice's Garden (Director), Water Docs Film Festival, Best Short Film Award, Toronto, Canada, 01/01/19
- Alice's Garden (Director), Splice Film Festival, Best Short Documentary and Audience Favorite Award, Philadelphia, PA, 01/01/18
- My Way Home (producer), Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival (Hmong Film Festival), Best Film, Audience Award, MN, 01/01/11
- My Way Home (producer), Wisconsin Film Festival, Golden Badger Award, Madison, WI, 01/01/10
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Accomplishments
Alice's Garden (Director)- Water Docs Film Festival, Best Short Film Award,Toronto, Canada 2019
Affiliations
Founding member/ member of the advisory board of The Milwaukee Water Commons 2012-2018
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkGig WorkLocation Preference
RemoteOn-SiteHybridSalary Range
$80000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Program Director- docUWM
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
10.2010 - 08.2021
Program Manager- docUWM
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
01.2006 - 10.2010
Education Coordinator
88Nine Radio Milwaukee
01.2006 - 01.2008
Freelance Filmmaker, Photographer and Artist
First Dib
01.2002 - Current
Education Program Coordinator
Walker's Point Center for the Arts
01.2002 - 01.2006
Program Assistant
Community Media Project
01.1998 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Film and Video
University of Wisconsin