Before joining The Aubrey Group in 2022, Connor Schmiegel had established himself as an adept and agile communications and government affairs professional and active community member. His background in theatre influenced his path into politics and, now, professional services. Connor was promoted to the Vice President of Grants following his exceptional performance as a grants strategist, project manager, and leader.

He oversees more than 26 public and private entity clients — from local governments to nonprofits — and strategizes their grant-seeking/programming. Connor has developed over 100 grant applications with unique program narratives, budgets, and letters of support to help clients secure $10 million+ in federal, state, local government, and private foundation grants across various program areas. Along with grant strategy and writing, Connor confidently and reliably handles grant administration to ensure the proper execution of grant-awarded programs.

Prior to his work with The Aubrey Group, Connor served as Associate Director of Public Affairs for the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC). Connor managed the Food Council Committee for Good Government PAC, published public-facing materials for press and social media, authored NJFC’s Annual Report and weekly newsletter, and organized issue-specific Committee meetings and events. Before joining NJFC, Connor was a Research Assistant for Dr. Ben Dworkin, Director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship. Connor worked on several victorious campaigns before graduating college.

He has helped multiple Aubrey Group pro-bono nonprofit clients kick-start their grant-seeking efforts and develop programs. Connor also manages the Rahway Nonprofit Alliance, working with over 20 nonprofit organizational partners to collaboratively consolidate and streamline grant pursuit efforts. He also led a successful Bronze certification for Rahway’s Sustainable New Jersey pursuit, securing 240 points over the 150 minimum threshold.

Strengths and skillsets:

• Government affairs

• Public affairs

• State and federal research and legislation

• Policy analysis

• Strategic planning

• Campaign organizing

Noteworthy:

• Rowan University Excellence in Communication Studies Medallion Award

• Volunteer, Rowan University Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship

• Listed as a “Millennial to Watch” by InsiderNJ as an up-and-coming political influencer in the State