Karris Jackson

About Karris Jackson

Karris is currently Chief Operating Officer at POISE Foundation, the nation’s only community foundation focused exclusively on supporting the African American community. Ms. Jackson’s responsibilities include managing the Foundation’s grant making portfolio, convening community stakeholders and advancing the foundation’s mission through public policy, leadership and advocacy. Ms. Jackson is a published author, blogger and lecturer on racial justice, leadership and philanthropy. She has a strong desire to push the boundaries of philanthropy to be more inclusive and effective at addressing issues impacting the Black community.

Experience

1. President & Chief Operating Officer

   Poise Foundation

   Jan 2025 — Present

Education

• Duquesne University

  M.S.ED., Education

  1997 — 1998

• Allegheny College

  B.A., Education

  1993 — 1997

• Harvard Business School Executive Education

  Certificate, Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management

  2007

• Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

  Master of Theological Studies (MTS), SCRIPTURE AND ITS INTERPRETATION

Skills

• Program Management
• Research
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Social Services
• Editing
• Coalitions
• Government
• Public Relations
• Event Planning
• Coaching
• Public Policy
• Conflict Resolution
• Staff Development
• Training
• Volunteer Management
• Higher Education
• Policy
• Policy Analysis
• Fundraising
• Workshop Facilitation
• Philanthropy
• Knowledge Management
• Proposal Writing
• Qualitative Research
• Curriculum Design
• Non-Profits
• Economic Development
• Program Evaluation
• Board Development
• Politics
• Teaching
• Event Management
• Capacity Building
• Non-Profit Administration
• Public Speaking
• Social Media
• International Development
• Grants