Jennie Dawes has been with H C Smith Ltd since 2003. As a search consultant and project manager for the firm, she has coordinated nearly 100 search assignments. Her role encompasses original research, the identification and evaluation of candidates, coordination of client activity such as search committees, and candidate and administrative support. In addition to significant experience on searches for fundraising professionals, she has been a key contributor on senior level assignments in marketing, operations, finance, education, and executive administration. Clients over the years have included The New Jersey Symphony, the Salvation Army Greater Cleveland, The Cleveland Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Pittsburgh Symphony, Carnegie Mellon University, Dana Corporation, The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, The Charlotte Symphony, The Newark Museum, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Western Reserve Historical Society, Positive Education Program, Center for Community Solutions, Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Workforce Investment Board, and others.

Prior to joining H C Smith Ltd., Jennie served as publications director and communications manager for the Federation for Community Planning (now the Center for Community Solutions), overseeing production of all internal and external publications, producing a series of workshops for nonprofit communications professionals, managing media relations for the organization, and acting as editor and project manager on all book projects. She played a significant ongoing role working with program staff to develop and execute public information strategies around public policy and funding issues facing the health and social services community, such as the impact of state and local budget cycles and ballot issues.

Jennie is a graduate of Denison University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in voice performance. Early in her career, Ms. Dawes worked at The Cleveland Orchestra, first as grants coordinator and then in the publications department. The mother of two school-age children, Ms. Dawes serves on the board of the Cleveland-based Earth Day Coalition, and has an interest in nonprofit organizations, history, sustainability, and music.