Niki Childers

Niki has served the education and non-profit world for the past 20 years teaching, training, and offering professional development to educators and non-profit staff.

For over 10 years, Niki has worked with Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) at the state and local level. She began her journey in the classroom working with high school youth, to leading staff as a Regional Director, to then creating a training and professional development process for all incoming JAG Specialists (educators) across Kansas. Niki’s work led her to the JAG National team where she co-developed a learner-centered approach to support young people obtaining employability skills.

Since 2020, she has led in JAG’s Development department, starting as Director of Partnerships, bridging relationships between JAG National’s employer partners and its 39 state affiliates. After evolving in this position, Niki moved into her current role as Director of Corporate Development where she oversees all private sector relationships, both current and future, working closely with JAG’s EVP & Chief Operating Officer on all fundraising efforts and developing strategies to expand its portfolio. Current corporate partner relationships include Hilton, SHRM, Honeywell, Lowe’s, Nike, IHG, Regions Bank, Synchrony Financial, Principal Foundation, AT&T, and ADM to name a few.

Niki received her Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics in Organization Development and her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership from Friends University.

Outside of JAG, Niki is an adjunct instructor at Wichita State University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She enjoys traveling, exploring new Vegan cuisines, and spending time with family that includes her husband and adult children.