Kick your organization
into high gear.
High Gear Consulting provides interim leadership, change management, and hands-on strategic support to nonprofit leaders and boards.
I partner with nonprofits that need interim leadership or senior-level support during times of transition or growth. Combining management and governance expertise with steady, hands-on support, I help leaders and boards turn moments of change into opportunities for stronger, more effective organizations.
When capacity is stretched or leadership gaps emerge, I step in with the support you need.
Based in Philadelphia, I partner with organizations locally and nationwide, and specialize in working with small to mid-size organizations. Each engagement is tailored with clear deliverables and measurable outcomes, lasting from a few weeks to a year.
How I Help
About High Gear
High Gear Consulting Group is led by Jenn Richards, a nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, project and staff management, and program design.
I have a proven track record of securing funding from new and nontraditional sources, designing innovative programs, leading complex, multi-year efforts, and guiding teams through periods of change.
My experience includes work with organizations such as Teach For America, the Association for Public Art, and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. From 2021-2024, I served as faculty for the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia’s Business on Board and Designing Leadership Programs, and I am a partner consultant for the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University.
I am known for stepping into high-stakes situations and quickly bringing clarity, structure, and momentum. I take a hands-on approach, delivering practical, actionable solutions that organizations can realistically implement within their existing capacity. Rather than offering plans that sit on a shelf, I partner closely with clients to move work forward—building trust across stakeholders and giving leadership confidence that critical priorities are in capable hands.
As needed, I draw on a trusted network of nonprofit experts and contractors to provide additional capacity and specialized expertise.
Nonprofit Consulting Services
As a nonprofit generalist, I bring a deep understanding of how the core functions of an organization work together and take on projects across management, operations, communications, and governance. Typical engagements span 6–18 months, and I bring in trusted collaborators as needed.
Clients
Community Design Collaborative
Philadelphia, PA
Interim Executive Director
Provided strategic support to BWJP leadership following its merger with NCDBW – ensuring continuity in grant funding, developing a Standard Operating Procedures manual to align and onboard staff, and facilitating a multi-day retreat for the combined board and staff.
“As the CEO of a national nonprofit, I have worked with many consultants over the years — few bring the depth of executive experience, strategic clarity, and steady leadership that Jenn Richards does.
During a complex organizational merger, she was far more than an advisor; she was a true strategic partner. Jenn not only guided the high-level merger strategy, but also worked closely on the day-to-day integration of the merged organization with our operations and development teams, ensuring alignment across systems, people, and priorities.
I had complete confidence that every deliverable would be thoughtful, rigorous, and forward-thinking. She brought both calm and discipline, strengthening not only our organization but my own leadership in the process.”
— Amy Sanchez, CEO, BWJP
Community Design Collaborative
Philadelphia, PA
Interim Executive Director
Jenn Richards served as Interim Executive Director of the Community Design Collaborative during a leadership transition, overseeing daily operations while assessing organizational priorities and processes. She partnered with staff and board to secure new funding, launched a rapid-response design initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, and transformed a projected deficit into a budget surplus. Jenn also led the successful search, hiring, and onboarding of the organization’s new permanent executive director.
“Jenn’s natural leadership skills and ability to listen, learn, and engage quickly have been invaluable to the Collaborative through our transition period.
Her keen insight has enabled us to reflect on our past programs and she has encouraged us to envision new possibilities for growth and innovation. Jenn has positioned us, financially and organizationally, for success, as we move forward with new leadership in place.”
— Heidi Segall Levy, Community Design Collaborative
WOMEN’S LAW PROJECT
PENNSYLVANIA
BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Partnered with the Women’s Law Project to rebuild governance structures during a leadership transition, resulting in a more engaged board, more effective meetings, revitalized committees, and stronger board–staff alignment.
“Jenn’s nonprofit expertise and phenomenal coaching skills were exactly what we needed during a challenging leadership transition.
Under her guidance, our board created well-defined, active committees led by board members with a clear sense of mission. Jenn brought clarity to the line between board and staff responsibilities and nurtured a culture of openness, respect and trust.
— Sue Frietsche, Executive Director, Women’s Law Project
GERMAN SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
PENNSYLVANIA
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Led a nine-month strategic planning process with the German Society, including a member survey, focus groups, and two board retreats. The resulting plan outlined strategies for community growth, program refinement, and long-term sustainability, along with a detailed implementation roadmap for board committees.
“Jenn Richards guided our organization through a strategic planning process with retreats and several facilitated meetings. She brought valuable outside expertise and a steady, well structured approach that helped the board stay aligned and productive.
Jenn is an excellent facilitator and convener with very strong communication skills, clear structure, and precise language that helped bring people together and keep discussions focused. Her leadership took weight off my shoulders and helped us make real progress.”
— Christine Stenner, VP of Strategic Planning, German Society of Pennsylvania
national clearinghouse for the defense of battered women
national
interim executive director
As Interim Executive Director, Jenn Richards overhauled the NCDBW’s database and technology systems, negotiated the termination of an expensive lease, secured the renewal of a critical federal grant, and led the organization through a successful merger.
“Jenn brings a steady, solutions-oriented approach to leadership. She quickly assessed organizational priorities and implemented clear, actionable plans to address them.
She facilitates complex conversations with clarity and structure, using precise communication to align stakeholders and keep work moving forward. Her support significantly reduced my workload and enabled the organization to achieve meaningful, measurable progress.”
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Program Design and Management
Designed and launched Calling All Girl Bosses, an innovative leadership program for girls in grades 6–12, and led a comprehensive change management effort to redesign the organization’s Highest Awards process, making it more accessible, engaging, and equitable.
“Jenn has a strong ability to listen, synthesize diverse perspectives, and translate them into clear, actionable plans.
She is especially skilled at bringing stakeholders together, building alignment, and keeping work moving forward with purpose. Her leadership made our programs more accessible, engaging, and impactful for the communities we serve.”
The Impact Center
Washington, DC
Program Management
Managed two cohorts of its Women’s Executive Leadership Program.
“Jenn has a special ability to imagine future possibilities that’s helped me solve problems in more creative and inclusive ways.
She draws on her experience as both a manager and a leader across the non-profit sector to help others grow.”
— Sarah Labowitz, Policy Director, ACLU of Texas
A Book A Day - Board Development
American Council for School Social Workers – Board Development
Arts + Business Council for Greater Philadelphia – Faculty, Designing Leadership & Business on Board
BWJP – Project Management
Circular Philadelphia - Board Development
Clery Center – Strategic Marketing
Community Design Collaborative - Interim Executive Director
Cooperative Development Institute - Interim Executive Director
Esperanza United – Project Management
German Society of Pennsylvania – Strategic Planning
Current and Previous Clients
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania – Interim Girl Leadership Director & Calling All Girl Bosses Project Manager
Girl Scouts of the USA – National STEM Program Consultant
Grounds for Sculpture – Board/Staff Development
The Impact Center – Program Manager for Women’s Executive Leadership Program
National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women - Interim Executive Director
¡Presente! Media – Communications and Transition Advising
South Jersey Cultural Alliance – Strategic Planning
Women’s Law Project – Board Development
Contact Us
Ready to kick your organization into high gear? Let's get together and brainstorm how to take your project or organization to the next level.