Hi there! My name is Jordan Heiden (she/her) and I am currently serving as VPIRG’s Keep Vermont Cool Campaign Manager! In the past year, I’ve had the honor of developing and overseeing a climate action campaign that’s activated over 17,000 Vermonters through the execution of over 80 virtual and in-person events, VPIRG’s annual summer canvass, and a wide variety of digital engagement tactics. (Follow our Instagram page [@keepvermontcool] to see what we’re up to right now!)

Before my somewhat recent move to Vermont, I served as the Engagement Manager for the Gowanus Canal Conservancy for four years (2018 – 2022). I developed and oversaw all social media content for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; developed key promotional items for major events and programs; maintained and updated GCC’s website; developed digital newsletters and e-blasts; and assisted with any additional projects involving copy editing, graphic design, and event coordination. I also engaged and educated students in meaningful outdoor programming, with an emphasis on targeting students from high-need schools within the Gowanus Watershed and EJ area; developed critical educational resources, such as the Gowanus Field Guide, Gowanus Blue Schools Curriculum, and Citizen Science Report; supported a growing staff of program interns and volunteers; and worked to refine and further develop materials and program specifics on an ongoing basis.

After graduation (2017 – 2018), I served as the Philanthropy Coordinator for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, where I supported a team of seven with various projects, mailings, and events in the individual giving, institutional giving, major gift, prospect research, and database realms. In the absence of the Major Gifts Officer, I spearheaded the 2017 year-end appeal and raised nearly $170,000. I also planned and executed various major donor and special events including “Meet the Scientists”, “ACT UP Portraits: Activists & Avatars”, and “The Fabulous Fund Fair”, an event in which I sold more than $100,000 in carnival tokens.

I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology from Hofstra University in May of 2017. I worked and interned in various industries, including Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), VH1 and Logo, Slightly Mad Marketing Agency, Six Flags New England, and The Mill On The River Restaurant Group. I also served as a selected Social Media Volunteer for the 2016 Hofstra Presidential Debate and hosted a “Before The Flood” and “LA 92” Documentary Screening on behalf of National Geographic.

During my college years, I was an active member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honor Society, and Zeta Phi Eta, Hofstra’s pre-professional communications fraternity, where I served as Recruitment Chair and Vice President.

Please feel free to contact me at any time! My email is Jordan.heiden4@gmail.com.