My name is Cindy Joyce, and I am the Founder of Pillar Search & HR Consulting. I partner with nonprofit and mission-driven organizations as an Executive Search and Human Resources Consultant. My reputation was built on finding the very best candidates, building lasting client relationships, and promoting a strong organizational culture.  In my 25 years in recruiting and human resources, I have had the opportunity to work with amazing organizations and clients, first in investment management and then in the nonprofit sector, where I worked at Harvard Law School and City Year prior to working in nonprofit executive search and nonprofit human resources consulting.

Fast forward to 2015.  I was working in nonprofit executive search for a great firm focused on hiring fundraising professionals and loved my work. My clients would frequently ask me to partner on roles across areas of their organization or to help with their human resources needs. I wanted to be able to say yes, as I understood their culture, mission, and talent management needs.

At home one weekend, I came across the movie Jerry Maguire, and was struck by his famous line:  “The key to this business is personal relationships.  Suddenly, it was all pretty clear….more attention. Caring for them, caring for ourselves.” 

I had my Jerry Maguire moment, and with that, Pillar Search & HR Consulting began. 

In the more than seven years since launching Pillar, I have had the honor of working with many nonprofit and mission-driven clients on their recruiting and human resources needs. Be sure to take a look around the website to learn more about Pillar’s successful placements, nonprofit executive search process, and human resources consulting services. 

In addition to executive search, talent management and human resources consulting for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, I teach at both the graduate and undergraduate level. At Harvard Extension School, I created and teach their first-ever Nonprofit Human Resources Management course, for which I am a two-time recipient of the Dean’s commendation for distinguished teaching performance, and created and teach Adult Learning Theories. At eCornell, the online learning platform of Cornell University I am an instructor for classes focused on human resources, negotiation, and two courses in the Building a Diverse Workforce certificate, as well as a course for women entrepreneurs through Cornell‘s Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship.   

Speaking engagements have included Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) as both keynote and session speaker, Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA), Foundation for MetroWest, Lean In, PwC, Junior League of Boston, Massachusetts Municipal Association, Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources Association, Materials Research Society (MRS), Work Without Limits, and the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts.  My writing has been featured on Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global, LinkedIn Pulse, Insights Magazine (a publication of NEHRA, the Northeast Human Resources Association) and several blogs. 

Volunteering has always been important, as I am committed to helping nonprofits both professionally and personally. My volunteer roles have included: 

• President of the Alumni Council of Regis College  as well as Co-Chair of the Philanthropy Council. I have twice participated as a keynote and guest speaker at the Regis Career Conference on behalf of the Alumni Council.  
• Former board member of Revels. Revels is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Massachusetts. Revels engages audiences in theatrical and musical experiences that bring the world’s cultural traditions and celebrations to life. I served on the Governance Committee. 
• Co-founder of Boston Blanket Brigade, formed during the COVID pandemic to provide support and awareness for independent restaurants.
• A member of the Junior League of Boston for almost 20 years. The Junior League of Boston is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing women’s potential and improving communities with trained volunteers. Roles have included Annual Fund Manager, Nominating Committee, Provisional Leader, a mentor, and part of the team that wrote and sold the Junior League of Boston‘s award-winning cookbook, Boston Uncommon.
• Former Employer Advisory Board Member of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), which provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life in their own terms. Their programs focus on training and employment, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs.

I earned my master’s degree in Organizational Development from Lesley University, and my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Regis College. In 2020, I completed a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion, in 2021 a certificate in Executive Women in Leadership, and in 2024 a certificate in Conflict Resolution, all from Cornell University. I am currently working towards a certificate in Mindful Inclusion from Cornell University as well. In 2021, I also became a Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR). In 2023, I completed the Strategic Fundraising for Nonprofit Leaders course at Harvard Kennedy School.  

A woman-owned small business, Pillar Search & HR Consulting is based in Boston, MA and works on both a local and national level.  View my LinkedIn profile, and let me know how I can be of service with your hiring and human resources needs.

Pillar Search.  Hire the best!