Hi! My name is Jordan and I am currently serving as the Engagement Manager at the Gowanus Canal Conservancy. On the communications side, I post social media content for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; develop key promotional items for major events and programs; maintain and update GCC’s website; develop digital newsletters and e-blasts; and assist with any additional projects involving copy editing, graphic design, and event coordination. Relating to education, I engage and educate students in meaningful outdoor programming, with an emphasis on students from high-need schools within the Gowanus Watershed and EJ area; develop critical educational resources, such as the Gowanus Field Guide, Gowanus Blue Schools Curriculum, and Citizen Science Report; support my growing staff of program interns and volunteers; and work to refine and further develop materials and program specifics on an ongoing basis. 

I am extremely passionate about my work in the environmental field, with specific interests in climate change mitigation and adaptation, water quality, green infrastructure, and environmental justice and advocacy.

After graduating from Hofstra University in May 2017, 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.

Upon graduation, I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology. I worked and interned in various industries, most recently for marketing team at Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). In months prior, I worked 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. Additionally, I spent a full year at Viacom with VH1 and Logo, beginning as an intern and leaving as a freelance press coordinator. My other previous internship positions include working with Slightly Mad Marketing Agency, the Six Flags New England Marketing Department, and The Mill On The River Restaurant Group. 

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. Additionally, I have completed more than 40 hours of public relations related volunteer work. Some of these volunteer assignments include assisting with the Hofstra Long Island Spelling Bee, LIA Luncheon with Jeb Bush, and Fair Media Council Folio Awards.

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