ABOUT US The Jane Group is a communications firm that specializes in crisis management consulting, and provides crisis preparedness and media training to independent schools, colleges, universities and small companies. Headed by Jane Maxwell Hulbert, The Jane Group works with leading consultants who are brought in as the crisis warrants. Jane Maxwell Hulbert Background Jane Maxwell Hulbert has been in the communications field for 25 years. Today she is one of the top experts in the United States and abroad to offer independent school crisis management. She began her career in corporate communications and public relations, holding management positions at Jordan Marsh/Macy's (MA), The Broadway/Macy's (CA), Marshalls (MA) and McDonald's Corporation (IL). Corporate At McDonald's Corporation, Jane held numerous communication management positions. With a global system of 25,000 restaurants in 110 countries, she managed global crises, developed strategic communication plans for country openings and national product launches, created third party partnerships, and served as media advisor to the CEO. Jane was the spokesperson for the corporation on national, international and high profile issues. As the liaison to the company's legal department, she advised outside firms throughout the world on McDonald's position in crisis litigation involving issues ranging from food safety to terrorist bombings to hot coffee. She co-authored the Global Crisis Blueprint, Rumor Guidelines and the Site Opposition Handbook. Her office media trained McDonald's top executives, partners and management throughout the world. Schools In 1998 Jane began crisis management consulting and media training with education institutions. On retainer to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) since 2001, NAIS refers schools in crisis to The Jane Group. Jane works with schools that are facing crises, potential or actual, or hostile and sensitive situations that can negatively impact the school's reputation. Available to clients 24/7, Jane has been called in on some the most high profile situations as well as sensitive internal matters. Speaking Presentations / Workshops Jane Hulbert is a dynamic and engaging speaker. Every year Jane Hulbert speaks at conferences, workshops, and at schools throughout the country. With topical, humorous and relevant video, interactive exercises and case studies, Jane is a sought after presenter on general crisis management. Depending on the audience she can cover a wide range of crisis topics (see below). Workshops can be part of a school's professional day or breakout sessions at larger conferences. The following is a list of topics that can be covered in a speech or separate workshops. • Crisis 101 — crisis basics, first steps in a crisis, crisis team, crisis planning • Managing the Media — how to stay in control • Communicating to Your Constituencies — when, how and what to say • Communicating in a Pandemic • The Board's Role in a Crisis • Message Development — knowing what you're going to say and how • Proactive Public Relations — know your local media, local law      enforcement, local health officials • Crisis Plan — is it user friendly, tested, practical James W. Hulbert Jim Hulbert is a founding partner of the law firm, Schiff & Hulbert, a Chicago-based firm specializing in employment law. He consults to The Jane Group clients on lawsuits, especially those dealing with employment issues including harassment, employee handbooks, contracts, disability issues, reasonable accommodations, leave of absence and return-to-work policies. An expert on The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act, Jim co-authored a written presentation for the National Business Institute addressing employment law issues including The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. He is a frequent lecturer and moderator on employment-related issues and has authored articles for the Council on Education in Management and other organizations. He is a member of the Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations, a member of the Trial Bar for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and a member of the State Liaison for Illinois for the Defense Research Institute (DRI). Originally from Barrington Hills, IL, Jim graduated from Culver Military Academy where he was the Regimental Commander. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina, magna cum laude, where he was a Morehead Scholar and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He obtained his law degree, cum laude from Boston College School of Law. [ BACK TO TOP ]