Maria Garin Jones, MSW
Lovettsville,VA
Summary
- Versatile social work professional skilled in handling administrative, operational, and project management functions to accomplish organizational goals.
- Relationship-focused leader with a proven track record of building high-performing teams and managing multiple and competing priorities in fast-paced settings.
- Highly effective communicator known for wearing many hats to accomplish dynamic objectives.
- Ready to apply expertise to new professional challenges with a growth-oriented organization.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Programs
Keecha Harris and Associates
06.2022 - 07.2024
- Worked with CEO to lead strategic planning process and optimize performance and accountability across KHA’s core business functions
- Represented KHA with high-level strategic partners, supported business development activities, and engaged with external stakeholders and clients
- Advanced Black Reproductive Justice initiative and racial equity transformation projects for foundation and corporate clients
- Led fully remote project teams, tracked health of current projects and initiatives, ensured compliance with all contract deliverables, and maintained KHA standard of excellence
- Managed talent acquisition and retention efforts to include development of job descriptions, screening, interviews, onboarding, and ongoing supervision
- Coached and mentored staff and supported professional development (PD) plans to maximize utilization of firm's PD resources
- Revitalized communications strategy to strengthen KHA brand and leverage CEO’s thought leadership
Director, State Partnerships
Foster Care to Success
06.2015 - 05.2022
- Administered Education and Training Voucher (ETV) programs in AZ, CO, MD, and NC, served as liaison to state partners, and provided case management to students
- Oversaw day-to-day ETV program operations including disbursement of ETV funds in accordance with federal guidelines, supervision of staff, student crisis management, quarterly/annual reporting, and program audits
- Managed development of proposals for annual renewals state contracts
- Participated in state and national working groups on education and foster care
- Implemented new process for human resources management and coordinated FC2S efforts related to recruitment, screening, and hiring
Program Manager, Aim Higher
Foster Care to Success
05.2013 - 05.2015
- Developed Aim Higher (AH) Fellows Program to build academic, leadership, and communication skills for college students in foster care
- Managed AH recruitment, application, screening and selection of fellows, travel and event logistics, development of training materials, and facilitation of learning and leadership sessions
- Provided ongoing coaching, support credential completion, and assist with workforce transitions
Director, Education and Training
Foster Care to Success
06.2009 - 07.2010
- Designed/delivered training for social workers on higher education, financial aid, and strategies to support retention and completion
Assistant Director
National Foster Care Coalition
08.2006 - 05.2009
- Supported executive director and Board to carry out program and policy priorities and provide support to members
- Managed member-driven committees to carry out program and policy recommendations
- Coordinated programming and event logistics for quarterly membership meetings
- Fulfilled grant reporting requirements and coordinated with accountant to reconcile monthly financials
Director, Youth Services
Child Welfare League of America
01.2001 - 07.2006
- Managed multiple initiatives, including national training and technical assistance grants to support youth development
- Served as subject matter expert on services to older foster youth, positive youth development, and engagement of those with lived experience in policy/program development and decision-making
- Oversaw national working group tasked with revision of child welfare Standards of Excellence for Transition, Independent Living, and Self-Sufficiency Services
- In partnership with youth, established National Foster Youth Advisory Council, the first national advisory board for youth with foster care lived experiences
Education
Master of Social Work - Administration & Planning
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VABachelor of Arts - Education & Psychology
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PASkills
- Nonprofit management
- Executive leadership support and board engagement
- Talent acquisition and retention
- Mentoring of students and early career professionals
- Project and program management
- Team building and staff supervision (remote and in person)
- Child welfare expertise
- Grants and contract management
- Youth development and leadership development
- Academic and life skills development for college students
Certification
Birkman Signature Certification
Timeline
Director of Programs
Keecha Harris and Associates
06.2022 - 07.2024
Director, State Partnerships
Foster Care to Success
06.2015 - 05.2022
Program Manager, Aim Higher
Foster Care to Success
05.2013 - 05.2015
Director, Education and Training
Foster Care to Success
06.2009 - 07.2010
Assistant Director
National Foster Care Coalition
08.2006 - 05.2009
Director, Youth Services
Child Welfare League of America
01.2001 - 07.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Education & Psychology
Bucknell University
Master of Social Work - Administration & Planning
Virginia Commonwealth University
Similar Profiles
KHUSHBU PATELKHUSHBU PATEL
Account Assistant at John Harris AssociatesAccount Assistant at John Harris Associates
JOHNATHAN POWELLJOHNATHAN POWELL
Desktop Engineer (Contract) at Harris Oakmark & AssociatesDesktop Engineer (Contract) at Harris Oakmark & Associates
Savanna ManeritchSavanna Maneritch
Receptionist at Jim Harris and Associates, INCReceptionist at Jim Harris and Associates, INC
Bartholomew HartBartholomew Hart
VP of Sales, Worldwide at Arka360VP of Sales, Worldwide at Arka360
Kayla CarterKayla Carter
Steamfitter at W.E. BowersSteamfitter at W.E. Bowers