Jay Gilman

Jay Gilman brings over 15 years of nonprofit experience to The Compass Group. As both an independent consultant and with CCS Fundraising, Jay has raised tens of millions of dollars in partnership with over a dozen organizations in arts and culture, pediatric health, higher and primary education, conservation, multi-institutional collaborations, and public-private partnerships.

In addition to his consulting work, Jay has experience in the arts and culture sector having previously served as the artistic director of Minnesota Fringe and several similar roles. This gives him a unique perspective informed by cross-functional work in both programming and fundraising. Jay led several innovative, growth-oriented strategies while at Fringe including launching a membership model to reinvigorate annual giving, funding and launching three new programs, and expanding accessibility services to better accommodate patrons with disabilities.

As a passionate peer-educator, Jay has led conference workshops for the League of American Orchestras, Folk Alliance International, the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at University of Missouri-Kansas City, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and National Guild for Community Arts Education. He supported 60+ mid- and senior-career professionals as a teaching assistant and grader at UPenn and its Center for Social Impact Strategy.

Jay is also a strong advocate for public arts funding, having served as a grant evaluator for the National Endowment for the Arts, Missouri Arts Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Twin Cities’ Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.

Jay holds a certificate from BoardSource in Nonprofit Board Consulting (CNBC) and is a member of both the National and Mid-American Charitable Gift Planners associations (NACGP and MACGP). He earned his M.Sc. in Nonprofit Leadership from UPenn’s School of Social Policy while cross-enrolled in Wharton MBA courses, and his interdisciplinary B.A. from Goucher College. Since graduating, Jay has been honored to serve in a variety of volunteer leadership capacities for Goucher including as president, vice president, and as a board member of Alumnae and Alumni of Goucher College.