Born and raised in suburban Los Angeles, Jaye graduated from the University of Southern California in 1995, double majoring in English and the Study of Women & Men in Society. While at Southern Cal, Jaye spent a semester in Washington, DC interning with the Center for Public Integrity during the 1992 elections. After graduating, Jaye worked for a regional magazine in advertising sales, before moving on to work in corporate relations and major gifts for the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Jaye returned to Washington, DC, joining the staff of the Human Rights Campaign in the spring of 1999 as a fundraising event manager. Jaye joined the staff of ACS in June 2004.