Jenkins joined AARP in 2010 and has been leading it since 2014. Previously, she served as COO for the Library of Congress. She began her career with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, later moving to the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Agriculture in a variety of leadership roles with increasing responsibility. In addition to her public service, she served in several private consulting firms, advising major corporations regarding development and implementation of diversity and organizational strategies.