Janelle Duray
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Welcome to the Million Dollar Nonprofit Podcast! I’m Tom Kelly with Charity Auctions Today, and I’m thrilled to welcome Janelle DeRay, the President and CEO of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). With over 15 years of experience in education and nonprofit management, Janelle has transformed the lives of more than 1.6 million youth and currently serves 78,000 young people across 1,500 communities.
In this episode, Janelle shares her strategies for scaling nonprofit organizations, leveraging data for success, and creating lasting community impact.
Janelle’s journey into nonprofit management and education began with a passion for supporting something larger than herself. From a young age, she recognized the importance of finding a career aligned with her passions, leading her naturally into nonprofit work. For Janelle, nonprofit work is mission-driven rather than dollar-driven. However, she emphasizes the importance of fair compensation for nonprofit employees to maintain sustainability and effectiveness.
Janelle highlights the importance of understanding when to transition from volunteer work to paid positions within a nonprofit. She advises new nonprofit leaders to surround themselves with experienced individuals who can provide guidance and help determine when it’s the right time to make that leap. Calculated decisions and budget planning are crucial in this process.
Janelle discusses the challenges small nonprofits face, particularly regarding funding and administrative costs. She notes a growing awareness in philanthropy that supports the need for administrative funding to ensure effective data management and reporting. Foundations are beginning to recognize the importance of funding overhead costs to allow nonprofits to build capacity and scale effectively.
Janelle’s journey at JAG began 14 years ago as an intern. She quickly fell in love with the mission and took on various roles, eventually becoming the Executive Vice President and, later, the President and CEO. Her leadership has been pivotal in navigating JAG through significant disruptions and continuing to expand its impact.
Interns play a vital role in nonprofit organizations, offering untapped resources and potential for long-term involvement. Janelle emphasizes the importance of utilizing interns to bring fresh perspectives and skills to the organization. She encourages smaller nonprofits to actively seek interns to help in various areas, from marketing to program development.
JAG is undergoing a robust strategic planning process to ensure maximum impact for the youth they serve. By engaging stakeholders, analyzing market needs, and balancing local and national perspectives, JAG prioritizes its resources effectively. This strategic approach allows them to remain competitive and focused on their mission.
Capacity is a significant challenge for scaling nonprofits. Janelle stresses the importance of assessing how time is spent and delegating responsibilities to build capacity. Identifying the right people to take on new roles and focusing on strategic growth are essential steps in this process.
Data is integral to JAG’s operations, providing the backbone for demonstrating impact and securing funding. Janelle underscores the importance of data in measuring success and guiding decision-making processes within the organization.
One memorable success story involved a young man who achieved second place in a national competition. His pride and joy in this achievement exemplified the transformative impact of JAG’s programs. Such moments highlight the importance of celebrating individual wins and meeting young people where they are.
Janelle’s advice for nonprofit leaders looking to scale includes working on personal growth, understanding biases, and fostering collaboration. Leaders must also be willing to step back and delegate responsibilities to focus on strategic priorities.
Janelle DeRay’s journey from intern to CEO of JAG offers valuable insights into scaling nonprofit organizations, the importance of data, and the need for strategic planning. Her emphasis on collaboration, fair compensation, and leveraging interns provides a comprehensive guide for nonprofit leaders aiming to increase their impact.
To learn more about JAG and support their mission, visit their website at jag.org and follow them on social media at @JagNational. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, your support can make a difference in empowering the nation’s young people.
Janelle Duray has over fifteen years of experience in education, workforce development consulting, and nonprofit management. In October 2023, she became the second President & CEO of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), a national nonprofit that has served 1.6 million youth and currently supports over 75,000 young people in 1,500 communities. Janelle is dedicated to expanding JAG’s impact through innovative strategies and a commitment to service.
Since joining JAG in 2012, Janelle has held various roles, including Executive Vice President in 2020, where she led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing key investments in technology, student engagement, and organizational development. Her leadership resulted in the adoption of JAG’s Youth Opportunity and Outcomes 2024 Strategic Goals, the most ambitious in the organization’s history.
Before her tenure at JAG, Janelle consulted for leading Fortune 500 companies and national nonprofits, such as ADM, HCA, United Way Worldwide, the AARP Foundation, and the National Urban League. She holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
In her personal life, Janelle enjoys traveling, attending concerts, contemplating the cosmos, and playing the piano.