Jessica Shao oversees all finance functions at Ending Pandemics and manages contracts and budgets. Jessica brings nearly 15 years of experience in strengthening non-profit organizations including project implementation, program evaluation, and grants management. While serving as the Program and Grants Associate at the Skoll Global Threats Fund, Jessica managed the grant budget for the Ending Pandemics Program, and oversaw the grantmaking cycle. She designed a comprehensive grant approval process, and implemented metrics and tools to improve the grantmaking process for the program team and grantee partners. Jessica spent three years at the James Irvine Foundation facilitating grantmaking activities for the California Democracy program and the Leadership Awards program. Prior to her work Philanthropy, Jessica led program evaluation initiatives for social impact organizations based in California. She is a global citizen and intercultural communication specialist with experiences living and working on three continents. As an intercultural communications trainer, she has trained business managers on how to communicate effectively in the Chinese and the U.S. culture. She is an experienced researcher and facilitator, guiding cross-functional stakeholders to maximize the impact of social programs in global health, women’s empowerment, youth development, and economic development. Jessica is passionate about advancing racial equity and justice in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector.
Jessica has a Master of Arts degree in Sustainable International Development at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Japanese from the University of Pacific.
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