Desiree Johnson
Yankton,SD
Summary
Strategic nonprofit and education leader with 17+ years of high-level experience directing complex programs, statewide initiatives, and multi-agency partnerships that advance youth empowerment and community impact. Former Executive Director with a proven record of leading cross-functional teams, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, overseeing full grant lifecycles, and developing scalable, data-driven programs that strengthen outcomes for youth and families. Experienced statewide program manager skilled in guiding agencies through financial management, governance, compliance, and strategic development. Accomplished communicator and relationship-builder, trusted by stakeholders across government, education, philanthropy, and community sectors. A trained educator with advanced credentials in the Science of Reading (AIM Pathways) and ELL instruction, bringing a deep understanding of youth development and evidence-based practice. Known for visionary leadership, operational excellence, and the ability to move initiatives from concept to execution while inspiring collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact. Seeking to bring strong program leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic execution expertise to advance youth empowerment initiatives within The Allstate Foundation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Stewart Elementary School
08.2022 - Current
- Designed and implemented engaging, standards-aligned learning experiences that support diverse learners, including multilingual students and students with additional needs, using research-based practices from AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading and ELL instructional training.
- Led classroom initiatives that empower youth to build leadership, collaboration, and community-service mindsets through project-based learning and social-emotional development.
- Analyzed student data to identify trends, monitor progress, and create targeted intervention plans that drive academic growth and equitable learning outcomes.
- Built strong relationships with families through consistent communication, progress updates, strategy videos, and supportive partnerships that reinforce student confidence and success.
- Integrated technology, digital tools, and multimedia platforms to expand access to learning, build digital literacy, and enhance instructional impact.
- Created a trauma-informed, inclusive classroom culture that promotes belonging, resilience, and student empowerment while utilizing positive behavior systems and restorative practices.
- Collaborated with grade-level teams, specialists, counselors, and administrators to develop cross-curricular units, share best practices, and align goals across the school community.
- Adapted instruction to support individualized learning needs, including students receiving special education services, multilingual learners, and students requiring enrichment or targeted skill development.
- Facilitated classroom events, family engagement activities, and student-led projects that strengthened school culture and encouraged youth voice and participation.
Technical Assistance
South Dakota Network Against Family Violence
09.2020 - 12.2021
- Provide technical assistance to State Membership Agencies (72 agencies) in the arenas of: agency financial management, grant management, Board of Director training, personnel coaching, agency leadership, and agency development.
- Grant manager for the Rape Prevention and Elimination Grant- working to promote Sexual Assault Prevention in the state of South Dakota with the partnerships of state agencies and educators.
- Assist on the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Project.
- Planning of the State Sexual Violence Institute.
- Management of agency grant outcome reports.
- Facilitate statewide Sexual Violence Prevention and Planning Taskforce meetings.
- Trained Shifting Boundaries Facilitator for grades 6-8.
Executive Director
River City Domestic Violence Center/ Family Visitation Center
06.2008 - 09.2020
- Provided strategic leadership and day-to-day management for two nonprofit organizations serving youth and families experiencing trauma, ensuring high-quality program execution and mission alignment.
- Led multiple program workstreams from concept through evaluation, developing strategies that strengthened youth services, increased safety, and improved long-term outcomes.
- Managed cross-functional teams including 15 staff and 150 volunteers, providing coaching, training, development, and clear communication to sustain a healthy organizational culture.
- Built and maintained strong partnerships with schools, courts, law enforcement, health systems, and community organizations to coordinate services and advance shared goals.
- Oversaw the full grant lifecycle, including prospect research, proposal writing, due diligence, budget development, reporting, and relationship management with funders and partners.
- Directed and monitored an annual operating budget of $780,000, ensuring responsible allocation, forecasting, reconciliation, and alignment with strategic priorities.
- Developed organizational policies, procedures, and systems to maintain compliance, improve efficiency, and support program excellence.
- Designed and led annual strategic planning processes to evaluate program impact, identify gaps, and establish long-term direction and measurable goals.
- Analyzed program data and client outcomes to identify trends, synthesize insights, and drive improvement across services for youth and families.
- Created presentations, reports, and communication materials for boards, funders, and community stakeholders to articulate program impact and strategic initiatives.
- Planned and executed large-scale community engagement events, awareness campaigns, and fundraisers to elevate mission visibility and strengthen public support.
- Delivered public presentations and trainings to audiences of varying sizes, representing the organization as a subject matter expert on youth safety, trauma, and community impact.
- Supported vulnerable youth and families directly through trauma-informed services addressing domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
- Cultivated a collaborative, innovative environment by motivating staff and volunteers, encouraging continuous improvement, and championing new program ideas.
Education
Master - Elementary Education
Western Governors University
01.2020
BS - Human Services
Upper Iowa University
12.2009
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- Strategic planning and innovation
- Effective communication and public speaking
- Curriculum design and implementation
- Student engagement and empowerment
- Advocacy for underserved populations
- Relationship building
- Growth mindset
- Public speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Child development
- Technology integration
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Staff management
Timeline
Teacher
Stewart Elementary School
08.2022 - Current
Technical Assistance
South Dakota Network Against Family Violence
09.2020 - 12.2021
Executive Director
River City Domestic Violence Center/ Family Visitation Center
06.2008 - 09.2020
BS - Human Services
Upper Iowa University
Master - Elementary Education
Western Governors University