Jennifer Mellen is responsible for designing and implementing Independent Sector’s fundraising and development strategy. In this role, Jenn brings more than twenty years of nonprofit fundraising expertise, with deep experience in foundation relations, major gifts, corporate partnerships, program management, and strategic planning.
Previously, Jenn led the development team at Human Rights First, where she worked with individuals, foundations, corporations, and state and local governments to support the organization’s international human rights portfolio. She also served as the Managing Director of Development and later as the Managing Director of Programs and External Relations for Truman Center for National Policy and Truman National Security Project. She also worked in development at PAI in support of global reproductive rights, and in the executive office of VSA arts, an international arts and disability organization.
Jenn holds a Bachelor of Science in Arts Management from Shenandoah University. In her spare time, Jenn can be found curled up with a good book or exploring new hiking trails throughout Virginia and Maryland with her husband, son, and rambunctious rescue pup.
