Jennifer Nelsen

As Executive Vice President, Partnerships & People, Jennifer Nelsen sits at the intersection of Arnold Ventures’ external and internal work. She leads both the Partnerships function, which brings together people, ideas, and institutions to advance the organization’s mission, and the People function, which fosters the strong, values-driven culture that powers it from within.

In her Partnerships role, Jennifer engages individuals across and beyond the organization to spark innovation, expand influence, and unlock opportunities for high‑impact initiatives that improve the lives of Americans. She drives change through convenings and relationship‑building efforts that translate big ideas into actionable programs, policy outcomes, and networks bound by shared goals. 

As the leader of Arnold Ventures’ People work, Jennifer shapes the organization’s people strategy, forging an aligned, high-impact culture that spans 3 offices. She oversees internal communications and engagement activities and drives initiatives that reinforce the organization’s core values of respect, collaboration, depth of thought, audacious action, and clear communication. Jennifer also leads recruiting, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, and total rewards, ensuring Arnold Ventures attracts, sustains, and nurtures a high‑performing, mission‑driven team.

Jennifer previously served as chief of staff to Arnold Ventures’ president and CEO, as well as assistant general counsel at the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. Before joining the organization, she practiced litigation at Winston & Strawn and Weil, Gotshal & Manges. Jennifer began her career as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Melinda Harmon, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. She holds degrees from Washington and Lee University and New York Law School.