What I Do
Solving Sticky Problems
Honing in on the root cause of a sticky problem and developing solutions together.
Strategic Planning
Developing a 3-5 year strategic plan that keeps your team energized, focused on results, and accountable
Organizational Assessments & Team Building
Assessing the organizational culture to develop improvements grounded in team cohesion
Program Planning
Defining and launching strategic initiatives and new programs
Communications
Writing annual reports, speeches, and case statements
Leadership Coaching
Coaching executive directors and other organizational leaders - developing growth goals and coaching for improvement
Coalition-Building: Learning & Acting Together
Building / supporting learning and action networks and unique peer-to-peer learning gatherings
Public Input Processes
Creative, meaningful, interactive sessions that gain input from people and organizations
What My
Partners Do
Partner consultants are available to support my products and processes.
Data strategy, dashboards
& storytelling
Creative direction
& graphic design
Web design
& development
Fund development strategies
How my work
is different
Helping organizations BUILD CAPACITY, not just building my next pipeline of projects
Keeping FLEXIBILITY in the process — process not feeling right? Let’s adjust together to get the best work done
Centering the voices and VALUING THE EXPERIENCE of the people who are proximate to the problem and /or central to the work
Being HUMAN-CENTERED and building good culture — building in coaching as an integral piece of the process, allowing your team to do their best work by tapping into their talents and passions
Intensity
Options
What level of intensity does your situation call for?
About Me
In business since 2005, I focus on building organizational capacity to create productive impact.
I work with a variety of clients ranging from city departments, established regional and national non-profits, start-up organizations, foundations, universities, hospitals, and non-profit coalitions. I value and require thought partnership with my clients to produce unique and meaningful deliverables.
I specialize in deep listening and productive dialogue that results in clear pathways for addressing complex problems. Robust project management alongside thoughtful and thorough facilitation of team members co-creates solutions that have the buy-in necessary for impactful implementation.
Prior to consulting, I had an eclectic career in the non-profit sector and was first introduced to community-based work as an AmeriCorps VISTA working for a community development corporation in Memphis, TN, just south of Downtown. That experience grew through subsequent positions, most notably as a program officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and as a project manager for the UrbanArt Commission, a non-profit that facilitates public art throughout Memphis neighborhoods. Along the way I also worked with arts organizations and voluntary disaster relief agencies.
I hold a B.A. in Sociology and a M.A. in City and Regional Planning, both from the University of Memphis.
Sector Experience
Community Development
Healthcare
Private Primary Schools
Public and Private Colleges and Universities
Public Sector
Philanthropy
Nonprofit Social Services
Churches
Environmental Organizations
Arts Organizations
Membership Organizations
Coalitions (local, regional and national)
Select Past
and Present
Clients
I am so thankful for the expertise Shannon brings to a project. She is flawlessly able to bring groups together, encourage collaboration, facilitate the process, and meet team goals all while strengthening the professional growth of the individuals involved. Our project would not be where it is without her guidance and support.
Director of Community Programs
Le Bonheur Community Health & Well-Being
Shannon Dixon is a thoughtful changemaker. She is planful and organized — critical and often overlooked components of operationalizing the goals of social movements. We worked with Shannon to plan Grassroots Grantmakers’ On The Ground, a national learning gathering in Brooklyn, NY in 2015. The time we spent together was productive and important; Shannon is uniquely able to dig into key questions around equity and inclusion while also moving the learning gathering forward on time. On top of all that, Shannon is relaxed and kind, making everyone she works with at ease. She is a joy to work with.
Founder and Executive Director, ioby
Shannon is the real deal! We have worked with many consultants and she is the one we will go back to whenever we need one in the future. She is a good listener and has excellent judgement as to when to step forward as well as when to step back.My favorite strength of Shannon’s—of which there are many—is her uncanny ability to glean the essence of the essence during a process and articulate clearly in writing where the process is leading. I encourage anyone who is searching for a client-focused, smart strategic planner to include Shannon among those under consideration.
President, ArtsBuild