I help tech startups build + scale their people operations.

Fractional HR | People Ops Advisory

I'm Jessica Donahue, your modern-day fractional HR leader, advisor + coach.

For the past 5+ years, I’ve helped tech startups & early-stage companies build & scale their people operations as a fractional HR leader.

After years of leading HR teams at large companies, I realized that startups needed well-designed People programs just as much as the big names did, and they needed them sooner than later. But most startups aren't ready / can't justify hiring a full-time Chief People Officer. At least, not yet.

As a fractional HR leader or advisor, I bring my clients proven HR expertise from years leading in-house teams, minus the unnecessary corporate complexity. The results are practical, effective People programs that scale alongside your business.

My goal is always to ultimately work myself out of a job by helping the business scale to a point where it needs a full-time, dedicated People leader. At that point, I help my clients interview, hire, and onboard my replacement.

  • I am well-versed in SOC 2 compliance and have helped several clients get their SOC 2 certification.

  • I approach my work through a trauma-informed lens and have the training to back it up.

  • Building workplaces where all people feel safe, seen, and supported isn't just a goal — it's the foundation of everything I do.

Why Work with Me

  • I've spent 15 years in HR — the last 6 building & scaling People programs at Seed-Series B startups.

  • As a solopreneur, I intentionally take on fewer clients than firms to provide high-touch, on-demand support.

  • Unlike working with a firm, you'll get direct access to the person building your People programs—me!

  • I know which People programs investors look for as part of due diligence and can help you secure funding.

Ways to Work With Me

As your fractional HR Leader:

  • I become an embedded leader serving as an extension of your leadership team, providing strategic guidance AND hands-on execution

  • I personally build and implement your People programs and processes

  • I serve as an employee-facing HR resource for your people leaders and their teams

Best for: Companies needing both HR strategy and execution support

Fractional HR

As your strategic HR Advisor:

  • I provide strategic HR guidance to the executive team, but your team handles implementation internally

  • I share expertise, frameworks, and recommendations for YOUR team to execute

  • I make targeted introductions to HR vendors and talent in my network

Best for: Companies with internal resources who just need expert direction

HR Advisory

Product Advisory

Building HR or People Ops tech?

Get feedback from someone who's actually used these tools.

I've implemented dozens of HR tools across industries and know what drives adoption versus what just sounds impressive in demos.

Things I Help Clients With

"If I could clone Jessica, I would! I rely on her for her sound judgment and ability to navigate any employee situation that comes her way. She understands how to balance creating a great employee experience while meeting the needs of the business. As a leader, she is practical, realistic, empathetic, and proactive. I would work with Jessica again in a heartbeat."

The Receipts

— Anna, Operating Partner | VC Firm

“Jessica has been wonderful to work with. She does not just complete something but takes the extra step to explain what she did, and why ensuring that you have the information for future reference or trainings. She is incredibly capable and able to work with minimal guidance. She is also very accessible and responds quickly to questions. We are very lucky to have found her to roll out our performance management process.”

— Jen, COO | Series B, Cybersecurity

"Jessica was a great addition to our team in a time where we needed People Operations leadership. She is a great communicator and passionate about people. Our People Ops functions would not be where it is today without her.”

— Kevin, CFO | Series B, EdTech

As a founding member of the Fractional People People community, if I’m not a fit for your needs, I’m happy to help you find someone who is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

Ready to get started?

Book a free consultation to see if I’m a fit for your team!

Building accessible and inclusive workplaces isn’t just a goal—it’s the foundation of everything I do.

It’s also just smart business.