With over six years in nonprofit leadership, Jordan Budnik is a tenacious grant writer whose passion for conservation and education inspires and motivates them to craft dynamic fundraising narratives. In their current role, Budnik leads the cultivation of funding from foundation and government sources. They are responsible for writing major grant applications, pre-award coordination of all grant applications, post-award budget development, supporting staff in charge of grant-funded projects, grant prospecting, and general oversight of grant development, among other duties.
Budnik received a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Education with a minor in Environmental Science from Georgia College and State University. Alongside their academic degree, they completed training as a Search and Rescue Technician Level III through the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Master Educator through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
Prior to joining Frost Science, Budnik served for six years as the executive director of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center (FKWBC), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation focused on the conservation of native and migratory wild bird species. They now apply that same expertise in nonprofit fundraising and strategic planning to pursue programmatic and operational grant opportunities on behalf of Frost Science.
Budnik has over 20 years of experience training non-releasable birds of prey as ambassadors for their species, educating the public on the importance of respecting wildlife and conservation. They have trained avian and reptile species with zoos, state wildlife agencies, and nonprofits, developing protocols and facilitating staff workshops on animal training.
Budnik is a proud Rotarian and former board member of the Upper Keys Rotary Club, as well as a graduate of Leadership Monroe County Class 28. Outside of work, Budnik is an avid outdoorsperson who spends their time birding and learning about native wildlife, with a special place in their heart for all creatures with feathers and scales.