Darren Jones, MPA

About

As the founder of Jones Strategy and Consulting Group, I specialize in helping startups and growth-oriented organizations achieve sustainable success through strategic market entry and operational excellence. My work has led to quantifiable results, such as a +35% profit increase and a -75% expense reduction for my clients. I am currently open to new opportunities, including long-term retainer partnerships with ambitious startups or a full-time leadership position where I can apply my expertise in business strategy and operational efficiency. I'm passionate about the entrepreneurial journey and am seeking a role where I can make a significant, measurable impact.

Experience

• Principal Consultant · Jones Strategy and Consulting Group, LLC2023-06-01 –

  • Developed and executed a comprehensive brand identity and messaging strategy that defined the company's mission, target audience, and unique value proposition for startups and growth-oriented organizations. • Led client engagements to deliver strategic solutions in business strategy, market entry, and operational efficiency, resulting in quantifiable outcomes such as a 35% profit increase and 75% expense reduction for over 5 businesses. • Authored and managed all key messaging and content, including website copy, LinkedIn profiles, cold email campaigns, and grant applications to secure funding from key organizations. • Orchestrated strategic initiatives to drive business growth, including the creation of a 3-tiered sponsorship package for a "Founders Week"event and the development of messaging for a product partnership with Asili's Boutique. • Generated new business leads by brainstorming and implementing five creative, brand-aligned fundraising ideas to raise $5,000 in two months.

• Adjunct Instructor · NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service2022-09-01 –

  • Increased student engagement by 15% and exam scores by 7% by leading and facilitating recitations for 10-20 students. • Mentored five international students on academic writing skills, achieving a 90% success rate in their transition to the U.S. academic writing style.

• Operations Manager · The Bark Shoppe2023-04-01 – 2023-12-01
• Operations Manager · myFace2022-06-01 – 2023-03-01

  • Spearheaded strategic planning by facilitating weekly team meetings to align on goals and implementation, improving project execution. • Managed procurement for four business lines with over $2 million in assets, assisting with proposal writing and ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery. • Reduced operational expenses by analyzing financial data and implementing cost-saving measures, leading to an 18% reduction in errors and a 13% decrease in vendor costs. • Streamlined organizational processes and expense management, resulting in increased efficiency and enhanced data reporting for the Executive Leadership Team.

• Senior Manager Pantry Capacity and Operations · United Way of New York City2022-03-01 – 2022-05-01

  • Developed and presented business strategies for potential acquisitions, contributing to the organization's growth planning of selling the Plentiful App. • Worked with the company to assist with the acquisition of the Plentiful App.

• Pantry Capacity and Operations Manager · United Way of New York City2020-08-01 – 2022-02-01

  • Directed the implementation of a reservation system for over 400 food pantries, which reduced client wait times by 1 hour and 20 minutes and increased operational efficiency by 20%. • Oversaw a $500,000 project to expand the capacity of 150 food pantries by 25%, ensuring on-time and on-budget completion despite supply chain disruptions. • Implemented a data-driven client needs analysis that resulted in a 30% increase in targeted food distribution and a 10% reduction in client dissatisfaction.

• NYC Client Adoption Lead for Plentiful App · United Way of New York City2018-07-01 – 2020-08-01

  • Conducted in-depth needs assessments to identify client pain points and opportunities, influencing the product roadmap and securing funding for key app features. • Collaborated with external developers to create custom client-facing modules, driving long-term app adoption and exceeding client expectations. • Provided data-driven insights to inform strategic marketing decisions and improve the user experience by tracking key app usage metrics and analyzing user feedback.

• Food Pantry Outreach (Client Adoption Specialist) · United Way of New York City2017-09-01 – 2018-07-01

  • AmeriCorps | City Service Corps Member • Modernized over 50 food pantries check-in procedure and trained over 200 community members, including a case workers from Health Plus Hospitals, on how to fully utilize Plentiful features and increase client usage • Created an on-boarding procedure to recruit, train, and manage various food pantries throughout all five boroughs • Worked with a team to significantly increase the daily usage of Plentiful throughout New York City • Reduced client waiting times in food pantries by up to 195% • Eased the process to obtain food for over 40,300 clients to serve over 137,500 family members

• Lead/Head Teaching Assistant · NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service2021-08-01 – 2022-05-01

  • Managed multiple cross-functional projects (curriculum updates, technology integration) with faculty and staff, ensuring 100% on-time delivery and achieving a 12% reduction in labor costs. • Directed the transition to a new educational CRM system, training 15 teaching assistants and ensuring consistent implementation across all classes.

• Writing Center Admin/Graduate Teaching Assistant · NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service2021-01-01 – 2021-08-01

  • Orchestrated three critical projects to optimize scheduling for writing consultants, resulting in a 7% boost in productivity and a 3% reduction in labor expenses. • Managed the design and development of a user-friendly website for the Writing Center, collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring all accessibility requirements were met.

Education

• New York UniversityMaster's of Public Administration, Public Administration
• Wesley College, DelawareBachelor of Arts (B.A.), Philosophy and Religious Studies

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