You started this for a reason. Somewhere along the line, the day-to-day got in the way.
I help small business owners and nonprofit leaders untangle operational challenges so they can get back to the why.
Operations Consultant, Missoula Montana
You built something real. And yet, you keep getting pulled back into the weeds.
The same friction shows up every quarter. The same questions find their way to your desk. You keep thinking that once things settle down you'll have time to fix it, but things never quite settle.
The challenge usually isn't a lack of effort. It's knowing which operational improvements will have the biggest impact.
You built something real.
The work is collaborative, practical, and built to last.
How I Think About Operations
I don't come in with a predetermined answer. I come in to understand what you've built, what’s creating friction, and where you’ll get the most relief. Then we figure out the right place to focus together.
Most of the time the work falls into one of three areas:
Processes and Systems Building or clarifying the workflows, tools, and structures your team uses day-to-day. SOPs, software configuration, templates, and trackers your team can actually use.
Roles and Responsibilities Making sure everyone knows what they own, what good looks like, and what decisions are theirs to make.
Communication Designing the rhythms and feedback loops that keep your team aligned and moving forward.
Sometimes it's one of these. Often, it's a combination. Part of what I do is help you figure out where to focus first so the work actually holds.
The right starting point depends on what you're dealing with.
Operational Clarity Consulting
Ops-in-a-Day
$1,500
One working day, on-site
You have a clear area you’d like to improve. We spend a focused day building, clarifying, or implementing something specific together. SOPs, role clarity, workflow design, accountability structures. You leave with something your team can use the next morning.
Ops Clarity Sprint
$3,200
2 to 4 weeks
For organizations with layered, overlapping challenges. We start by understanding what's making work harder than it needs to be, then build the tools, processes, and agreements your team needs to move forward. Working sessions, interviews, and practical operational tools tailored to your organization.
Not sure where to start?
A focused conversation to look at what's feeling unclear or harder than it should be. Complete the Ops Assessment beforehand and we can spend the time going deep on your specific situation. You'll leave with a clearer picture of where to focus next.
Ops Clarity Call $150 | 90 minutes
Decisions don't all land on your desk. Team members have clearer ownership. Priorities become easier to communicate. The same problems stop resurfacing every few months.
Not because everything is perfect, but because your organization has the structure, communication, and systems it needs to move forward with more clarity.
Work starts to feel lighter..
What Changes
About Jennie
I've spent most of my career helping organizations work better.
I'm Jennie Vader, an operations consultant based in Missoula, Montana.
I bring 15 years of organizational leadership and operations experience to this work. I've served as a nonprofit Executive Director, an Operations Manager, and President of a global social impact company. I have experience working with nonprofits, startups, and small businesses.
I've seen firsthand how growth can create new challenges around processes, roles, decision-making, and communication. I also know that most organizations don't need more complexity. They need greater clarity around how work gets done.
That's the work I help clients do: identifying what's creating friction, prioritizing where to focus, and building practical processes, systems, and structures that work not just on paper, but on a Tuesday morning when things get busy.
If that's what you need, let’s talk.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Jennie brought structure, stability, and clear direction to DreamStart Labs during a pivotal time. She built systems that streamlined everything from product management and client onboarding to data analytics and payment processes, creating a stronger foundation for growth. Most importantly, she led the organization through the loss of our founding CEO to new leadership with exceptional grace, steady communication, and care for our team and partners. I would confidently recommend Jennie to any organization looking for a consultant who approaches every challenge with expertise, clarity, and integrity.
- Henrik Esbensen, CEO of DreamStart Labs
Working with Jennie from J. Vader Consulting on our move to a new facility was an absolute gift. From our introductory meeting to the first full day in our new location, Jennie’s attention to detail, clear and consistent communication, and thoughtful planning made what could have been a stressful, disruptive transition into one that was smooth and organized. She created a process that was inclusive of staff, residents, and clients, thorough in anticipating needs, and incredibly easy for me and the rest of the senior leadership team. Because of her work, our team felt informed, supported, and energized—not drained—by the move, and we started life in our new location feeling ready to jump in and resume services to our clients. I cannot imagine having navigated this without her.
- Caitlin Borgmann, Executive Director of Mountain Home Montana
Jennie Vader is exceptionally thoughtful and thorough in her approach to creating technological solutions for her clients. She has been a reliable partner for our organization, helping our internal processes and data management keep up with our growing portfolio of work.
- Farm Connect Montana
Sometimes a little clarity goes a long way.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to focus next, let's talk.