Jonathan Werle

Mission-Driven Operations Leader | Scaling High-Growth Nonprofits | Finance, People & Systems Expert
New York, US.

About

Operations executive with 20+ years of experience scaling mission-driven organizations through periods of rapid growth and complexity. Proven ability to build robust operational infrastructure, oversee multi-million dollar budgets, and lead high-performing cross-functional teams. Expert in finance, HR, compliance, and organizational systems, consistently enabling research and program teams to maximize impact by translating strategy into execution and integrating emerging AI and tech tools.

Work

JW Consulting
|

President

Summary

Leads strategic consulting for education and nonprofit organizations, driving performance, operational effectiveness, and technology integration.

Highlights

Advises education and nonprofit leaders on operational strategy, finance, and compliance, directly enhancing organizational effectiveness and performance.

Conducts comprehensive operational audits to pinpoint bottlenecks and designs scalable systems, supporting client growth initiatives.

Integrates emerging technologies and AI tools to streamline workflows, improving efficiency and fostering team collaboration for diverse clients.

Global Cities, Bloomberg Philanthropies
|

Vice President of Operations

Summary

Directed internal operations for a large-scale education initiative spanning three continents, ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration.

Highlights

Led internal operations for a large-scale education initiative across three continents, adapting systems to diverse global contexts while maintaining strong compliance.

Managed and directed a $7M+ budget, overseeing finance, HR, and partnership operations with meticulous attention to fiscal responsibility.

Coordinated annual audit preparation and comprehensive compliance documentation, collaborating with external finance teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

Hebrew Public
|

Chief Operating Officer

Summary

Directed all network operations for a system serving 4,000+ students across multiple campuses, leading a remote team and ensuring strategic alignment.

Highlights

Directed network operations for a system serving over 4,000 students across multiple campuses, leading a remote team to align operations with strategic objectives.

Rewrote the network-wide operations handbook, clarifying expectations and improving communication to support inclusive leadership practices.

Spearheaded the organization's comprehensive COVID-19 response strategy, achieving an exceptional 99% family satisfaction rate upon reopening.

Streamlined procurement, HR, and compliance systems, collaborating with the CFO to implement improvements in overall financial operations and reporting.

New Classrooms
|

Senior Director of Business Operations/Director of Program Initiatives

Summary

Orchestrated the scaling of internal systems and infrastructure to support exponential organizational growth and national program expansion.

Highlights

Orchestrated the scaling of internal systems and infrastructure, supporting growth from 8 to over 150 staff members and expanding a national program to 40+ schools.

Directed all facets of operations, including vendor management, compliance with regulations, and comprehensive oversight of budgeting processes.

Established and led a cross-functional Project Management Office (PMO) to enhance collaboration, clarity, and culture across departments during rapid expansion.

NYC Department of Education
|

Director of Administration, School of One

New York, New York, US

Summary

Managed administrative operations for a high-profile innovation program, overseeing HR, budget, and transition to independent nonprofit status.

Highlights

Managed all administrative operations for a high-profile innovation program, including HR and budget oversight.

Successfully managed the program's transition to independent nonprofit status, ensuring continuity and operational stability.

Implemented streamlined administrative processes that supported the program's innovative educational model.

NYC Department of Education
|

Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Division of Operations

New York, New York, US

Summary

Directed a citywide restructuring initiative, achieving significant cost savings and successfully implementing federal stimulus funding.

Highlights

Directed a citywide restructuring initiative that achieved $30M in cost savings, optimizing operational efficiency across multiple divisions.

Spearheaded the successful implementation of federal stimulus funding, ensuring critical resources were deployed effectively.

Oversaw key administrative functions during a critical transitional period, maintaining operational continuity and strategic alignment.

NYC Department of Education
|

Deputy Chief Executive, Office of School Support Services

New York, New York, US

Summary

Led the reform of a $150M facilities program, strengthening vendor oversight and providing crucial operational support to citywide services.

Highlights

Led the reform of a $150M facilities program, significantly strengthening vendor oversight practices.

Provided crucial operational support to multiple departments, including SchoolFood, Facilities, and Busing.

Enhanced accountability and improved delivery of citywide services through strategic operational interventions.

Education

Rutgers Business School
Newark, New Jersey, United States of America

mini-MBA

Artificial Intelligence

University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, United States of America

Master

Public Policy

Wesleyan University
Middletown, Connecticut, United States of America

Bachelor of Arts

History

Skills

Strategic Operations

Organizational Scaling, Strategy Development, Operational Planning.

Financial Management

Multi-Million Dollar Budgeting, Financial Oversight, Fiscal Responsibility.

Leadership & Development

Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Talent Development, Team Building.

Risk & Governance

Risk Management, Nonprofit Governance, Compliance.

Human Resources

HR Management, Benefits Administration, People Systems.

Process Improvement

Process Optimization, Infrastructure Design, Workflow Streamlining.

Reporting & Communication

Board Reporting, Executive Communication, Data Presentation.

Technology Integration

AI Tools, Operational Efficiency, Digital Transformation.

Jonathan Werle