Jay Kotowski

Jay Kotowski started their career at American Jewish World Service (AJWS) in 2011 as a Development Operations Manager. In this role, they acted as a liaison between various divisions and offices, systematized acknowledgment and mail programs, helped create policies and procedures, managed donor relations, coded contributions, made remote bank deposits, and enhanced division procedures while minimizing costs and waste. Jay also served as the building's 11th floor Fire Warden.

Prior to working at AJWS, Jay co-owned and ran Starlight Cafe in Virginia from 2007 to 2011. Jay hired and managed staff, coordinated vendors, contributed to menu design, maintained health and safety codes, obtained licenses for alcohol, and oversaw all aspects of the business, focusing on community-building and sustainability.

Before that, Jay worked as an independent contractor and project manager at Lithic Construction from 2004 to 2007. Jay educated clients on eco-friendly building materials, hired and managed crews, bid on jobs, maintained budgets, and scheduled sub-contractors and personnel for renovations.

From 1999 to 2005, Jay worked as an Office Manager at Frosty Orange Records. Jay assisted with financial management, maintained filing systems, organized data entry, and managed small repairs.

In addition to their work experience, Jay was a Bassist in The Lilas band from 2000 to 2004, collaborating on Lauren Hoffman's musical journey.

Jay Kotowski attended Piedmont Virginia Community College from 2003 to 2006. However, they did not complete their formal studies at this institution. Jay was pursuing a degree in Sociology during their time there.