With extensive leadership experience across the nonprofit and public sectors, Jean de St. Aubin helps civic and nonprofit organizations grow, adapt, and flourish. Her expertise is grounded in more than 30 years of collaboration with cultural and civic institutions—from emerging neighborhood organizations to established, world-class entities. Throughout her career, Jean has been dedicated to advancing the arts, culture, and civic vitality in Chicago and beyond.
Most recently, Jean served as Executive Director of the Gene Siskel Film Center, where she led the internationally recognized cinematheque for nearly two decades through transformational change in film exhibition, a global pandemic, and an economic downturn. In response to COVID-19, she launched a streaming service within two weeks of the facility’s closure, oversaw the transition to a new user-friendly website, created a virtual filmmaker discussion series, and raised more in individual donations than at any time in recent history. During her tenure, Jean developed and implemented a diversified revenue strategy; expanding private foundation support, facility rentals, and corporate sponsorship which resulted in a combined funding increase of more than 300 percent in her first 12 years.
At the Film Center, Jean also led a comprehensive rebranding initiative, reimagining print and digital communications and expanding electronic marketing efforts, which drove measurable growth in public awareness and participation. She guided a 35-member Advisory Board, increasing engagement and diversity while strengthening committee participation and annual giving. She oversaw an organizational assessment that led to staff restructuring and improved operational efficiency, and she cultivated strategic partnerships that advanced the organization’s mission while increasing earned and contributed revenue.
In addition to her executive leadership roles, Jean served as Chair of the Chicago Loop Alliance Board of Directors. In this capacity, she initiated the Loop Residential Impact Study to better understand resident needs which provided essential data for the CLA membership; launched the award-winning Sundays on State in 2021 to welcome people back to the Loop following COVID shutdowns; and led a strategic planning process establishing goals, benchmarks, budgets, and timelines for 2023–2028.
Previously, as Manager of Cultural Arts for the Chicago Park District, Jean led citywide cultural and environmental initiatives, securing more than $500,000 in government and foundation grants to support institutional priorities. She managed large-scale programming efforts, built creative partnerships, and supervised full-time and temporary staff. Her work advanced the quality and reach of cultural programming across Chicago through the development of 12 cultural centers, each anchored by a major museum or cultural organization.
Today, Jean brings this depth of experience to her consultancy, partnering with organizations during periods of transition and growth to strengthen operations, diversify revenue, engage stakeholders, and build sustainable futures.
LinkedIn: Jean de St. Aubin