David Alonso Taylor
Communication Manager & Grants Reviewer at NJ Department of Education
MPA Graduate • 20+ Years in Public Service • Serving 650 School Districts
650+
School Districts
5,000+
Youth Hired
100+
City Ceremonies
20+
Years Service
20+ Years
Public Service
A Dedicated Public Servant
David Alonso Taylor is a proud East Orange native who has dedicated his career to serving his community at both the state and local levels. He's also a devoted father to his amazing 4-year-old son, who often joins him at community events.
David holds a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Network and Communications Management from DeVry University.
At the New Jersey Department of Education, David serves as a Communication Manager & Grants Reviewer in the Public Information Office and Office of Grants Management. He reviews State and Federal grant applications, manages ESEA, Perkins, and IDEA applications, and processes reimbursements for 650 school districts.
He oversees the Department's website, social media platforms, newsletters, and reports, and serves as the primary point of contact for public commissioner events.
Professional Accomplishments
From state-level education policy to local community development, David has made a lasting impact across New Jersey.
NJ Department of Education
Communication Manager & Grants Reviewer • 2018 - Present
Federal Grants Management
Reviews State and Federal Competitive/Entitlement grant applications including ESEA, Perkins, and IDEA
650 School Districts
Processes reimbursements and reviews applications for school districts across New Jersey
Communications Leadership
Oversees website, social media, newsletters, and reports for the Department of Education
Stakeholder Relations
Builds partnerships with stakeholders in the education community and serves as primary contact for commissioner events
City of East Orange Mayor's Office
Compliance Officer / Job Developer / Program Coordinator • 2001 - 2018
5,000+ Youth Hired
Coordinated summer youth job program, placing East Orange youth at worksites throughout the city
100+ Ceremonies
Organized over 100 ground breakings and ribbon cutting ceremonies for the city
Corporate Partnerships
Partnered with corporations like United Airlines for College Internship Program
Section 3 Compliance
Regulated developers according to Section 3 requirements as Compliance Officer
OSHA & EPA Training
Provided safety and environmental training for clients in Construction program
Education Partnerships
Partnered with local universities for city employees to continue their education
Board Positions
- •Essex County Workforce Development Board
- •Youth Investment Act Board
- •CJJDA Executive Board (Central Jersey Job Developer Association)
- •East Orange Democratic Party Delegate
- •Mayor's Youth Council Advisor
Additional Experience
- •Apple Inc. Specialist
- •Red Cross Rep (Missing Maps)
- •US Census Bureau Rep
- •Cisco Networking Academy
- •Boy Scouts of America
- •Model United Nations
- •Media Consultant Firm
Grant & Program Experience
10+ Years as a Drone Hobbyist
Passionate drone advocate specializing in DJI brand drones, capturing stunning aerial views of urban communities across Essex County, NJ.
Urban Landscape
Tiny Planet
David's unique perspective from the sky captures the beauty and character of urban neighborhoods, providing a different view that celebrates these communities. He also provides live streaming services for churches and organizations.
10+
Years Experience
100s
Videos Created
DJI
Specialist
Clients & Partners
Rooted in Faith
David is an active member of Messiah Baptist Church in East Orange, where he serves on the social media team, helping the church connect with its congregation and community online.
He's also a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (Iota Grad Chapter), continuing his commitment to brotherhood, scholarship, and service.
Messiah Baptist Church
Social Media Team Member
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Iota Grad Chapter Member
St. John's Lodge #43
Senior Warden • East Orange, NJ
Faith, Family & Service
The pillars of David's life
Community Service
As Senior Warden of St. John's Lodge #43 in East Orange, David leads numerous charitable initiatives throughout the year.
Book Bag Drives
Providing school supplies to children in need
Coat Drives
Keeping families warm during winter months
Food Drives
Fighting food insecurity in the community
Thanksgiving Baskets
Ensuring families have holiday meals
Toys for Homeless Kids
Bringing joy to children during the holidays
Easter Events
Celebrating with community children
Newark Cancer Walks
Supporting cancer research and awareness
Senior Tech Help
Helping East Orange seniors with gadgets
Men's Groups
Hosting fellowship and mentorship gatherings
Isaiah House Partnership
David and St. John's Lodge maintain a continued partnership with Isaiah House East Orange, demonstrating ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable community members.
This collaboration exemplifies David's belief that community service isn't a one-time event—it's a sustained commitment to lifting up those in need.
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."
— Muhammad Ali
Connect with David
Whether you're interested in drone videography, community partnerships, or just want to say hello, David would love to hear from you.