Jessica Krough

15+ years experience in nonprofit management, volunteer programming, and event planning focusing on educating and empowering others through accessible and engaging experiences. Seasoned volunteer engagement professional with experience recruiting, training, and monitoring long-term volunteers and leading effective short-term volunteer projects. Skilled public speaker with ability to advocate, promote programs, and build support.

Innovative, strategic thinker who can develop, analyze and implement budgets, timetables, and strategic plans for action and results, with a focus on collaboration and results.

Associate State Director of Outreach & Engagement, CO State Office at AARP (2024-01 – Present)

• Spearheaded 100+ annual educational workshops, outreach events, and volunteer-led initiatives, generating over 3,000 direct engagements through leveraging partnerships.
• Led community engagement initiatives across Colorado's Front Range by empowering volunteer Community Action Teams and aligning outreach programs with AARP's mission to support adults 50+ and strengthen local communities.
• Managed program budgets and evaluated initiative effectiveness ensuring strategic alignment, resource efficiency, and community impact.
• Recruited, trained, and supported a diverse statewide volunteer network with over 62% of events led by volunteers exceeding organizational goals

Program Manager, Fraud Victim Support Team at AARP (2016-01 – 2023-12)

• Recruited, trained, and managed over 100 long-term volunteers to run the AARP Fraud Helpline, which provided guidance to 500+ daily callers who are victims of fraud
• Educated a wide range of stakeholders on fraud prevention and recovery, speaking with audiences up to 600 people, to build awareness of community support programs
• Built rapport with individual victims of fraud via the Helpline, meeting them where they were to walk through the resources and recovery steps for fraud protection and identity security
• Co-designed and launched a virtual support group for fraud victims to support recovery and improve quality of life—adapting partner curriculum, recruiting and training 15+ staff and volunteers, and marketing via intentional presentations, networking, and e-marketing

Program Coordinator, The Mission at Volunteers of America – Colorado (2015-01 – 2016-12)

• Welcomed unhoused individuals by providing trauma-informed services, resource referrals, and safety supports to meet their immediate housing needs
• Managed 5-10 volunteers per night, including corporate groups and individuals, who created a safe space for relaxation and refreshment by serving meals to 50 guests, supporting guests in navigating the donation room, and providing evening services, programs, and spiritual enrichment

Project Manager, The Family Motel at Volunteers of America – Colorado (2014-01 – 2015-12)

• Hired, trained, and managed a team of 6 staff and additional episodic volunteers in the operation of 24-hour emergency 40-room motel serving 7,397 homeless families and individuals in 2015, leveraging data via weekly and monthly reporting to make improvements
• Managed the program budget and led efforts to maintain and secure grants and tangible donations, benefitting residents with consistent housing and staff with stable employment
• Oversaw high-quality crisis intervention and resource provision for 40+ guests/night, resulting in increased community stability, safety, and security, so guests can work with their social worker to address their basic needs and transition more quickly to long-term housing
• Built strong value-add partnerships with community agencies working with the unhoused to ensure and enhance well-rounded services, maximizing efficiency and reducing duplications

Program Coordinator, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program at Volunteers of America – Colorado (2013-01 – 2014-12)

• Matched volunteers age 50+ to the critical needs of partner agencies by leading a needs assessment and interviewing 60+ nonprofits to better understand their volunteer needs, expectations, and desires; listened to senior volunteers' desires and matched appropriately
• Planned and implemented large-scale volunteer projects, including determining space logistics, leading communications with partners, and developing marketing strategies to create the best possible experience for participants– ultimately leading to volunteer connections and social support, increased engagement, and deeper learning for volunteers

Veterans Employment Specialist AmeriCorps National Member (300 hour) at Rocky Mountain Human Services (2013-01 – 2013-12)

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program AmeriCorps State Member at Frontier Asset Building (2011-01 – 2012-12)

Service-Learning Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA at Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (2010-01 – 2011-12)

Master of Arts in Communication specialization – Regis University (2019-12)

Volunteer Management Specialist Certification – Des Moines Area Community College (2011-12)

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work; Family Services – University of Northern Iowa (2009-12)