With heart, precision, and spark, Jess McDermott plays a central role in shaping the daily life of the Duxbury Student Union. As Assistant Director, she blends thoughtful leadership with joyful energy, creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, and genuinely excited to arrive each afternoon.

Jess’s professional foundation spans nearly two decades at The Boston Globe, where she led finance operations, managed the advertising order-to-invoice process, oversaw major systems implementations across several New York Times media groups and served on the Globe’s Diversity & Inclusion Council. Her work there sharpened the skills she is known for today: building reliable systems, solving problems, and creating environments where people can thrive. Those same strengths now power DSU’s day-to-day operations.

Her role at DSU is both broad and essential. Jess ensures the organization meets all Department of Early Education and Care regulations, and certifications; manages student registration; serves as a trusted liaison for parents; and oversees financial operations in coordination with an outside accountant. Her work extends beyond day-to-day operations, as she plays a vital role in supporting mission-driven programming, from early ideation through thoughtful execution.

In the middle of it all, she brings structure to the joyful energy of after-school life. Her operational expertise allows staff to focus on programming and connection, while her warmth makes her a beloved figure to students who look for her presence at the end of their school day. Jess moves effortlessly between left-brain and right-brain demands, balancing compliance and logistics with creativity and care, often within the same hour.

Beyond her professional roles, she has long been active in community service, including volunteer leadership with Cranberry Hospice, Scituate Animal Shelter, Rosie’s Place, Magic Dragon Parent Advisory Board and Duxbury Gradnite.
A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Sociology, Jess later completed the Emerging Leader Program at UMass Boston, deepening her commitment to mentoring young people and strengthening community organizations.

Now in her twelfth year at DSU, she is a vital force behind its mission and a champion for the kids who walk through its doors. Jess’s leadership helps ensure that DSU remains Duxbury’s Launchpad for Life, a place where every student feels seen, supported, and ready to soar.