New Search! Chief Community Officer with the B.A.A.!

CHIEF COMMUNITY OFFICER

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to continue its partnership with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) on the search for the B.A.A.’s new Chief Community Officer. This is an outstanding opportunity for a Boston-area community builder and leader.

ABOUT BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The B.A.A. is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision by organizing mass-participatory running events such as the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the CEO and serving on the organization’s leadership team, the Chief Community Officer will guide the B.A.A.’s community work to facilitate meaningful engagement and impact aligned with the organization’s mission and vision. They will collaborate internally and externally to lead the planning and execution of a successful, cohesive strategy; cultivating and establishing partnerships with diverse groups across all of their communities, including those who are underrepresented at B.A.A. events and the industry overall, while building trust and alignment toward a shared vision of equitable access and participation in our sport.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the community function at the B.A.A. and partner with other organizational leads to ensure the community strategy is embedded appropriately in all that they do. Help all staff understand this important piece of the organization’s work and how they can contribute to it.
  • Create and advance an inclusive community strategy and related programming across functions, in alignment with the B.A.A.’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities; gathering input and evolving the strategy, as appropriate.
  • Reach community members throughout Boston, the various cities and towns on and surrounding the Boston Marathon course, and beyond, through culturally competent and authentic ways.
  • Establish metrics for community work, monitor implementation and evaluate results of strategy and standard operating procedures. Support the creation and delivery of community impact reporting.
  • Serve as a primary contact, representative, and liaison for B.A.A. community actions / strategy with internal and external stakeholders. Play a leading role in community initiatives, and support community discussions and crisis management, as appropriate.
  • Explore, pilot, and implement new ways to partner with community organizations and partners.
  • Ensure there is an effective process to gather and utilize feedback from community organizations and partners.
  • Support and oversee community building through sport, e.g., by including, empowering, and celebrating people around their own health and wellness.
  • Oversee the effective management of and outcomes associated with the B.A.A. Volunteer Program, which is composed of 10,500 volunteers annually, and one of their larger communities. Support the internal staff members managing this program.
  • Sponsor the Head of Public Relations, overseeing the PR strategy, program and storytelling. Proactively create a productive image for the B.A.A., its work and its vision; ensuring that community engagement work is effectively shared externally.
  • Collaborate with the leadership team to make decisions on behalf of the organization; bring forth and balance your functional area’s needs and agendas, as well as the rest of the organization’s. Serve as an advocate and leader for the B.A.A. as a whole.
  • Champion diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), as is expected of all leadership team members. Develop and achieve measurable functional goals related to DEIB while modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias.
  • Manage the community function’s budget effectively in partnership with Finance.
  • Support the creation of an updated approach/model to staffing community events.
  • Oversee, coach, and develop B.A.A. staff who support community and volunteer programming and engagement, as well as community and public relations. Directly manage 3 employees in this space.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. The B.A.A. knows that people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. They, along with Pillar Search & HR Consulting, respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

  • 8 or more years of related work experience in a community (or comparable) role – with a record of achieving strategic outcomes and delivering on an organization’s mission.
  • 10 or more years preferred in the Greater Boston area.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the communities within the Greater Boston area and their various needs.
  • Passion for health and fitness and promoting active lifestyles through sport.
  • Knowledge and experience of the sport of running preferred.
  • Exceptional relationship management and influencing skills; able to build and maintain relationships with a diverse set of constituents. Skillful organizer who can manage and participate in generative conflict.
  • Strong communication skills; bilingual language abilities a plus.
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize and support team members with prioritizing effectively.
  • Demonstrated success in setting goals and strategic planning around diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging initiatives.
  • History of inspiring others and leading by example. Genuine enthusiasm for meeting, motivating, and involving people in community activities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience in Salesforce a plus.
  • Flexibility to attend night and weekend events.

WORK EXPECTATIONS AT B.A.A

The B.A.A. is a hands-on team and seek employees who are passionate about our work and service to their community. The Chief Community Officer is a 40 hours/week, exempt position. The role will require flexibility to work on some weekends and evenings in order to be present within communities and at events. Additionally, there will be longer work hours surrounding B.A.A. race events. Limited local travel required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is competitive and commensurate with lived and professional experience. The B.A.A. will promote your professional growth and development by providing access to:

  • Competitive health & dental insurance plans
  • Life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans funded 100% by the B.A.A.
  • 401(k) matching dollar-for-dollar up to 4% after one year of service, elective deferrals may begin upon hire
  • An annual allotment of professional development funding (up to $2,000 per calendar year)
  • Paid vacation based on years of service
  • 11 paid holidays, 9 scheduled and 2 floating

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to this position, please prepare a resume and cover letter to the attention of the B.A.A. Human Resources team and submit your materials to Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting at jobs@pillarsearch.com.

Please note that, due to the high volume of resumes received for this role, phone calls are not accepted, and Pillar is unable to have informational calls about the role. Only those candidates selected to move forward will be scheduled for introductory calls as part of the recruiting process.

The B.A.A. is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting:  A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. Pillar’s Founder, Cindy Joyce, is a Certified Diversity Recruiter. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

Search Success: Lorna Campbell Joins the B.A.A. as Head of Public Relations!

The Boston Athletic Association (the “B.A.A.”) and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are thrilled to announce the appointment of Lorna Campbell to the position of Head of Public Relations.  

As the founding Head of Public Relations, Lorna will be tasked with building a best-in-class Public Relations strategy and function for global impact and will be a key driver in advancing the effectiveness and vision of the B.A.A. Reporting directly to the B.A.A.’s Chief Executive Officer, Jack Fleming, she will be part of the organization’s senior leadership team.

Most recently, Lorna was Head of Communications for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Prior, she was the Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Public Relations & Sports Marketing with Hill+Knowlton Strategies based in Singapore. With more than 20 years’ experience in PR and communications in Asia, Europe and the US, Lorna has worked on some of the world’s largest sporting events including the London, Rio and Tokyo Summer Olympic Games; the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, the Wimbledon Championships, 2014 Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games from 2006-2018 with Team Scotland.

Lorna earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Sports Science & Geography from England’s Loughborough University and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional through the Digital Marketing Institute.

About the B.A.A.:  The B.A.A. is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision in a variety of ways, such as organizing mass-participatory running events like the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.

The B.A.A. believes that everyone—no matter their race, gender, or background—should be able to advance their well-being safely and without fear or discrimination of any kind. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace and community that is diverse, equitable, inclusive and promotes a sense of belonging for all. To learn more about this wonderful organization, please visit www.baa.org.  

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business and Certified Diversity Recruiter based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information about Pillar, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

New Search: Director of People and Culture with Volunteer Lawyers Project

Executive Search Boston

Pillar Search and HR Consulting is proud to partner with Boston-based Volunteer Lawyers Project in their search for a Director of People and Culture. The ideal candidate is a Human Resources leader with proven experience in Human Resources and promoting DEI initiatives, and an interest in helping Volunteer Lawyer’s Project to advance their mission of increasing access to justice by delivering high quality pro bono civil legal services to eligible clients in the Greater Boston area.

Pillar Search & HR Consulting

POSITION: Director of People and Culture

DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

LOCATION: Remote and 7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA 02110

STATUS: Exempt

SALARY: $100,000

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) has grown in the last several years. Since 2015, the organization has seen an increase in the number of employees from fewer than 20 to more than 40. The organization’s human resources management function has historically been combined with finance and administration.  With the organization’s substantial growth, VLP has determined a need for a dedicated human resources professional.

The Director of People and Culture will manage all aspects of the organization’s human resources function, including hiring practices, recruitment, employee retention, organizational and professional development strategies. The Director will partner strategically with VLP’s leadership team to shape employee relations strategies and practices and ensure appropriate employee development and opportunities for advancement. The Director will assess organizational needs, and champion, promote, and continue to guide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) processes and initiatives.

Candidate must be able to commute into the office when we return to in-person operations and must have access to a secure internet connection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Serve as the DEI subject matter expert on internal and external best practices and lead the culture change
  • Lead the development, implementation, and evolution of DEI initiatives across the organization
  • Manage organizational hiring practices, recruitment, and employee retention
  • Manage training and development, compensation, and employee benefits programs
  • Oversee performance evaluations to ensure merit-based, equitable compensation
  • Serve on the DEI Committee as the liaison between staff and DEI efforts
  • Develop and deliver content for diversity and inclusion education programs that will drive culture change
  • Develop metrics and reporting mechanisms to effectively measure, track and report progress to goals
  • Plan, organize, and implement various diversity outreach efforts and strategies
  • Manage onboarding and offboarding employees, including reference checks, new employee orientation, exit interviews, and ensuring appropriate coordination of continuing benefits
  • Manage hiring committees to ensure compliance with approved hiring process and attention to DEI
  • Manage communication of DEI content for VLP materials (website, recruiting materials, etc.)
  • Develop and foster positive relationships across the organization
  • Serve as reporting person for staff concerns, specifically related to DEI, hiring, or other related issues
  • Develop restorative conflict resolution process and other organizational processes, as determined necessary
  • Manage staff professional development programand make budgetary recommendations to the Executive Director for employee investment
  • Other program duties as needed or assigned by the Executive Director

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 8-10+ years of leadership and management experience in HR, DEI, consulting, or related functions, with a demonstrated success designing and delivering DEI programs
  • Comprehensive knowledge of human resources management
  • Extensive understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices
  • Experience with HR compliance and employment laws
  • Experience designing and/or managing internal grievance programs
  • Experience with progressive discipline and termination of employees

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) Certification
  • Certification in Mediation
  • Law degree from an accredited law school and admission to state bar

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong facilitation and presentation skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to manage stress and identify self-care as needed
  • Ability to balance multiple objectives
  • Ability to make informed decisions

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Their ideal candidates is respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in the organization reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Volunteer Lawyers Project has partnered with Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the Director of People and Culture search. Please submit your resume and cover letter (required) in confidence to Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

ABOUT PILLAR SEARCH & HR CONSULTING:  

A woman-owned business founded in Boston in 2015, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations across the country, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization.

Search Success! Ashley J. Oguadimma, M.Ed. Joins JVS Boston as Vice President of Academic Services

JVS Boston and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Ashley J. Oguadimma, M.Ed. to the role of Vice President, Academic Services. Ashley joins JVS on March 1, 2021.

As Vice President of Academic Services, Ashley will be a member of the Leadership Team and will lead a team that provides JVS clients with academic pathways and services necessary for economic independence. This crucial work includes a high school diploma program through JVS’ partner, Boston Public Schools Central Adult High School, and multiple Bridges to College pathways that provide students with the knowledge, academic skills, and guidance they need to succeed in college and on the job.

Most recently, Ashley was the Academic Director at Year Up, where she provided vision and leadership for the Academic team, working closely with national and local program and academic staff to shape and implement national academic program goals. Ashley collaborated with higher education providers to help establish Year Up as a dynamic educational partner while also ensuring quality staffing, curriculum, professional development, and student assessment data. Prior roles included teaching at Codman Academy Charter Public Schools and Dean of Students at Conservatory Lab Charter School.

Ashley has a master’s degree in education from Boston College focused on education through an urban and special education lens and a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College.

About JVS Boston: For 80 years, JVS has helped tens of thousands of individuals with barriers to economic success secure financial independence through training, education, and employment services.  As the largest provider of adult education and workforce development services in the region, JVS is a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, and is a key part of the poverty alleviation strategy for the greater-Boston area.  In order to reach people in need of assistance on their pathway to meaningful employment and financial independence, JVS targets most of its services to low-income individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and to low-wage workers in need of career advancement services.  Many have multiple support needs ranging from limited English proficiency and lack of education to disabilities, criminal records, lack of childcare and transportation.  JVS operates on annual budget of more than $15 million, of which is derived equally from public and private sources. For more information, please visit www.jvs-boston.org.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

Pillar Search Named to Non-Profit Top 60 Rankings

Pillar Search Named to Non-Profit Top 60 Rankings! I am proud to announce that Pillar Search & HR Consulting has been named to the Hunt Scanlon list of the Top 60 ranking of executive search firms partnering with nonprofits. Learn more here.  A woman-owned business founded in Boston in 2015, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. Pillar works with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. To learn more, please contact Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

Search Success! Kris Wuerdeman Joins Cooperative Elder Services as Program Director!

Search success! Pillar Search and HR Consulting is pleased to announce the placement of Kris Wuerdeman as the new Program Director of Cooperative Elder Services, Inc., where she will be responsible for leading the Groton, MA and Acton, MA centers.

As Program Director, Kris will be responsible for oversight of program operations, providing leadership to and management of the teams in both centers, and agency-wide initiatives and projects, including quality assurance and process improvement.

Kris brings extensive experience in the adult day health field. Most recently, she was the Founder and Managing Director of That Place You Know, LLC, a social adult day program specializing in memory care. Prior, she was a Life Enrichment Manager, Memory Care Specialist, and Certified Validation Teacher for Family Services at Sunrise Senior Living.

Kris received her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College of California and her master’s in Human Resources Management, Training and Organizational Development from Golden Gate University. In addition, she is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

About Cooperative Elder Services, Inc.: The mission of Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. (CESI) is to empower seniors and adults with medical or cognitive challenges to age-in-place by serving their health and socialization needs and providing support for families.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business founded in Boston in 2015Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. To learn more, please contact Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

Exciting News from Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) Boston and Pillar Search & HR Consulting

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) Boston and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Jim Santiago to the role of Chief Information Officer. Jim joins JVS on July 13, 2020.

As CIO, Jim will be a member of the Executive Team, and will establish the mission and vision of JVS’s technology organization to foster a value-added, user-focused mindset. He will implement technology, process, and engagement steps to optimize staff productivity, support consistent cross-program delivery, and foster an information-driven culture.

Jim was selected following an extensive search based on his unique qualifications. He was recognized as the 2012 CIO of the Year – Nonprofit by the Boston Business Journal / Mass High Tech. He brings extensive experience from positions with leading organizations, including The New England Center for Children, State Street Global Advisors, and FLIR Systems.

Notably, while CIO at The New England Center for Children, which is the global leader in providing effective, evidence-based educational services to children with autism, Jim successfully created business opportunities, improved the technology infrastructure, and updated technology to enhance traditional teaching methods and improve business processes.  

In addition to Jim’s impressive professional experience, he has a strong commitment to the JVS mission of empowering individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers, while partnering with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces.

“We look forward to Jim’s leadership as JVS evolves into an agency with a fully integrated, highly effective tech infrastructure and systems which will optimize staff, client and alumni success,” said Kira Khazatsky, JVS Chief Operating Officer.

About JVS Boston:

For 80 years, JVS has helped tens of thousands of individuals with barriers to economic success secure financial independence through training, education and employment services.  As the largest provider of adult education and workforce development services in the region, JVS is a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, and is a key part of the poverty alleviation strategy for the greater-Boston area.  In order to reach people in need of assistance on their pathway to meaningful employment and financial independence, JVS targets most of its services to low-income individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and to low-wage workers in need of career advancement services.  Many have multiple support needs ranging from limited English proficiency and lack of education to disabilities, criminal records, lack of childcare and transportation.  JVS’s annual operating budget of more than $15 million is derived equally from public and private sources.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting:

A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. To learn more, please contact Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.