Hi, I’m Jen.

As a business leader, I organize people into action around a shared goal. I spend my days applying a multi-disciplined approach to problem solving and change management. I develop and foster teams that are empowered to do their best work, collaborative, both at the staff level and within volunteer leadership. I can easily zoom out to capture the wide-angle view of business goals, then zoom in to the details of execution. I am a leader and a learner, a thinker and a doer.

My current role focuses on:

  • Programming and professional development

  • Membership growth and retention

  • Non-dues revenue strategies

  • Event experience design and programming

  • Volunteer engagement and board relations

  • Communications and marketing strategies for membership communities

What I’ve been up to lately

Between 2021 and 2023, I led the AM&P Network’s association media member segment (known as Associations Council). From leading a suite of virtual and (finally) in person programming, to serving a highly engaged network of volunteers comprising 9 committees, my work led to increased membership and record attendance and engagement.

My record includes:

  • On average, 5-6 new member organizations monthly

  • Event registration up 130% year over year in 2022 and 2023

Selected creative projects

What people are saying

I’ve worked with a lot of talented people—clients and colleagues alike. Here’s what people have to say about working with me:

quotationmark.png

An association leader’s biggest challenge is always engagement – at the member level, but also with volunteers and the board. From well-timed messaging to lightening the load for volunteers, Jen consistently guides and manages the essential machine that is Associations Council volunteering. As a board member, I observed first-hand how Jen’s direct style of clear communication enables board members and volunteers of all levels to jump in and out quickly with what’s required of them, without ever slowing down a process. The broader Associations Council community is incredibly lucky to have such a thoughtful, dedicated and kind leader in Jen Smith.

quotationmark.png

She is a true leader in our industry, skilled at supporting people, facilitating teamwork and bringing out the best in people. She’s super smart, thoughtful, creative, enthusiastic—plus just fun and a joy to be around and work with.

quotationmark.png

They don’t come any better than Jen Smith. She is a great thinker and leader, highly organized in thought and action, and has an excellent work ethic. Jen’s experience and knowledge encompasses all aspects of publishing, communications, and association management, making her an incredible partner on any project.

I worked with Jen for many years on a creative team that she led, and throughout that time I always felt supported, trusted, and valued. That positive environment, fostered by her leadership, allowed us all to do our best work every day.

Jen has a keen editorial eye, provided thoughtful feedback with grace, and ran the creative team with care, precision, and humor.

My work has also been recognized by industry leading organizations:

recognition4.png
recognition.png
recognition3.png
recognition2.png

Let’s talk

I’m interested in exploring opportunities in the association, non-profit or education space. My energized and compassionate leadership style, project management skills and keen community-centric approach lend themselves to a variety of important roles and work. You can call me or email me.

I also spend a lot of time on LinkedIn.

You can request my resume below. Thanks in advance for reaching out!