Jan Feest

Why this persona fits the audience

She manages outcomes reporting for a 4-person program team at a nonprofit and tracks grant metrics in Google Sheets because the budget is tight. Board updates go into Word and PowerPoint, and she often reconciles figures from multiple spreadsheets before each meeting.

• Age: 30
• Location: New York, NY, USA
• Occupation: Program Manager
• Income: $74k salary
• Education: Master's degree
• Company size: Small (under 50 employees)
• Years in role: 4

“The real challenge isn't just collecting the data; it's making sure it tells a compelling story that honors the work we do and the people we serve.”

Jan Feest, 30, has dedicated the last four years to her role as Program Manager at a New York City-based nonprofit focused on community development. Holding a Master's degree in Public Administration, she possesses a strong academic foundation that she applies daily to the practical realities of nonprofit operations. Her current position involves overseeing a small, dedicated team and, critically, managing the intricate process of outcomes reporting. This responsibility is amplified by the organization's tight budget, forcing Jan to become exceptionally adept at leveraging free tools. Google Sheets is her primary workspace for tracking grant metrics and program performance, a tool she navigates with a high degree of conscientiousness and detail-orientation. She meticulously reconciles figures from multiple spreadsheets, a process that often consumes significant portions of her workweek, especially as board meeting dates approach. Her communication with the board relies on well-crafted Word documents and polished PowerPoint presentations, which she compiles after hours of data wrangling. Jan's commitment to the nonprofit's mission is unwavering; she sees her role not just as a job, but as a vital contribution to social impact. This deep-seated value drives her to find efficiencies and clarity wherever possible, even when faced with resource limitations. She lives a relatively modest lifestyle, prioritizing her career and personal development over material possessions, reflecting a pragmatic approach to her finances and a strong sense of accountability to the organization's stakeholders. Her decision-making is characterized by thoroughness and a desire for clear, actionable insights, always with an eye toward maximizing the impact of every dollar spent.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Jan's weekday typically begins around 7:00 AM with a quick breakfast and checking emails. She commutes via subway to her office in Manhattan, often listening to a podcast. Her workday is a mix of team check-ins, responding to program staff queries, and deep dives into data. She spends a significant portion of her day in Google Sheets, updating metrics, analyzing trends, and preparing figures for upcoming reports. Lunch is usually a packed meal eaten at her desk while reviewing documents. The afternoon might involve drafting a section of a board report or creating slides for a presentation. She often stays until 6:30 PM, ensuring all urgent tasks are completed before heading home to prepare dinner and unwind.

Lifestyle

Jan lives a focused, somewhat frugal life in Brooklyn, prioritizing her career and personal growth. Her one-bedroom apartment is tidy and functional, reflecting her organized nature. She enjoys quiet evenings reading or working on personal writing projects, occasionally meeting friends for a casual dinner or a walk in Prospect Park. Health-wise, she tries to walk or bike to work when possible and cooks most of her meals to save money and eat healthier. While she values her friendships, her social life is not extensive, often taking a backseat to her demanding work.

Work life

As a Program Manager, Jan is deeply invested in her nonprofit's mission. Her days are a constant juggle of program oversight, team coordination, and, crucially, meticulous reporting. The tight budget means she's the de facto data analyst, wrestling with multiple Google Sheets to track grant metrics and program outcomes. Preparing board updates involves significant time spent cross-referencing figures and ensuring accuracy before translating them into Word documents and PowerPoint slides. She feels the pressure to demonstrate impact clearly, even with limited resources, and often works late to ensure everything is perfect.

Relationships

Jan is close with her parents, who live upstate and offer quiet encouragement. Her core group of friends consists of a few like-minded individuals met through university or previous volunteer work; they share a similar commitment to social causes. Her program team, while small, is a source of camaraderie, though she feels a responsibility to guide their reporting efforts effectively.

How they decide

Jan is a cautious and research-oriented decision-maker. She weighs options carefully, seeking clarity and evidence before committing. She values practicality and efficiency, often looking for solutions that offer the best return on investment, especially given her nonprofit's budget constraints. Peer recommendations and demonstrable results are important, but she ultimately relies on her own thorough analysis.

How they sound

Speaks clearly and deliberately, with a professional but approachable tone. Avoids jargon unless explaining technical concepts. Her cadence is steady, reflecting her methodical nature. She uses precise language, especially when discussing data or program outcomes. Can sound slightly weary when discussing reporting burdens but remains optimistic about the mission.