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Search Success! Emma Concepcion Joins UTEC as Chief People Officer

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UTEC and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are excited to announce that, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, Emma Concepcion has joined UTEC as their new Chief People Officer.

Reporting to UTEC’s CEO, Emma will be responsible for leading UTEC’s people and talent strategies, managing and mitigating organizational risks, and continuing the development of their human resource-related strategies, policies, and procedures. She will be a strategic advisor to senior leadership on a variety of issues, including employee relations, leadership development, organizational culture, and talent management, and will be play a key leadership role in supporting UTEC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of management and embodying UTEC’s DEI vision in their work and workplace culture.

Emma joins UTEC from Bay Cove Human Services, where she was their Vice President of Human Resources and earlier was the organization’s Director of Human Resources. As a member of the Bay Cove leadership team, she established the workforce development team, was Co-Chair of the DEI committee, designed and implemented HR initiatives, enhanced staff retention and engagement, and aligned HR strategies with organizational objectives. While Emma was Bay Cove’s Vice President of Human Resources, the organization achieved recognition as one of Boston’s Top Places to Work for five consecutive years. Prior to her tenure in Human Resources at Bay Cove, Emma spent a decade as their Director of Housing. In addition to her human resources and human services expertise, Emma also has extensive mediation experience, as she spent several years participating in court mediation and mediation training as a member of the Harvard University Mediation Program, handling cases related to civil, housing, and harassment prevention orders.

About UTEC: UTEC is a nationally recognized program for justice-involved young adults. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and intensive street outreach/gang peacemaking and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. The nature of their educational services, wraparound supports and counseling, social enterprise/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships creates a variety of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

Last year, UTEC served over 600 young adults including a range of outreach activities, and approximately 150 young adults intensively through their comprehensive program. During this fiscal year, 75% of young adults at UTEC avoided arrest. With over 20 years of experience, UTEC is a catalyst, innovating in the way they serve young adults (ages 17-25) who are criminally and/or gang involved in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley. Learn more about UTEC at https://utecinc.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.

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New Search! Director of Housing Development with ONE Neighborhood Builders

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POSITION SUMMARY

Pillar Search is honored to partner with ONE Neighborhood Builders on the search for their new Director of Housing Development. This position is based in Providence, RI.

The Director of Housing Development is one of three directors in ONE|NB’s housing division, all reporting to the Vice President of Housing. The Director leads the department’s housing development activities, supervising three project managers who advance projects through pre-development, construction, and into leasing. The Director represents ONE|NB and its interests externally, collaborating with consultants, project partners, financing entities, and others to successfully build high-quality housing. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, entrepreneurial, highly skilled financial analyst with verifiable real estate development acumen.

ABOUT ONE|NB

ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) is a nonprofit community development leader in Rhode Island that is expanding its work to the broader Greater Providence area while maintaining its deep roots in its historic home of Olneyville. ONE|NB’s mission is to develop affordable housing and engage neighbors to cultivate healthy, vibrant, and safe communities. Since its founding in 1988, then as Olneyville Housing Corporation, ONE|NB has developed 466 affordable apartments; 130 for-sale homes for low- to moderate-income homebuyers; and nearly 35,000 square feet of commercial and community space—totaling more than $135 million of investments. ONE|NB is the convening entity of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone (CPO-HEZ), which brings together residents, more than five dozen community-based organizations, health professionals, local businesses, elected officials, and others to address root causes of health disparities and to improve neighborhood conditions. As the convener, ONE|NB is the backbone organization of this collective-impact initiative to increase economic mobility for residents in Central Providence. ONE|NB also created the first free community wireless network in Rhode Island, providing high-speed broadband to nearly 3000 unique users in the Olneyville neighborhood.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

In June of 2020, ONE|NB established the following strategic direction. ONE|NB is poised to soon reveal its 2023-2028 updated strategy. This new strategy builds on the organization’s recent successes and will not reflect a significant departure.

Robust Housing Development and Quality Real Estate Management

ONE|NB will expand the availability of affordable, high-quality homes through the production, preservation, and acquisition of residential and mixed-used properties within their historic home of Olneyville and across Greater Providence.

Addressing Root Causes of Health Disparities

ONE|NB will engage residents and community-based organizations in their nine Central Providence neighborhoods to generate the social and economic conditions that prolong life expectancy and work to eradicate systemic barriers that lead to health disparities.

Embracing Innovation and Building the Community Development Field

ONE|NB will emerge as a thought leader in the field by distilling the lessons learned from developing and managing housing and convening residents and community organizations. They will participate in local and regional community development conversations, produce research and case studies, and amplify the impact of their community partners.

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY

ONE|NB has developed 598 affordable rental and for-sale homes in historically-disinvested neighborhoods since 1990 – of which 187 have been developed in the last five years alone. The organization presently owns 454 apartments, providing high-quality, affordable housing for Rhode Island families. ONE|NB has completed 11 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects, totaling over $136 million of investment.

ONE|NB’s housing development pipeline includes projects in four municipalities (Providence, East Providence, Central Falls, and Cumberland), totaling 433 rental apartments and 20-for sale homes. These projects utilize the 4% LIHTC, 9% LIHTC, HOME, CDBG, and a variety of RI state and municipal “soft second” sources, and debt. These new projects will begin coming on-line in winter 2023, with the last development having an anticipated completion date of spring 2027. When completed, this influx of new housing will represent a near doubling of our existing portfolio.

ONE|NB’s pipeline projects include the development of service-enriched housing for persons experiencing homelessness, medically frail older adults, and youth aging out of foster care. ONE|NB develops these service-enriched projects in concert with social service partners. The development and integration of service-enriched apartments in larger mixed-income projects (serving <30%AMI to market-rate) is an important element to ONE|NB’s approach to housing development.

While ONE|NB’s real estate work is not exclusively affordable residential development – commercial development as well as moderate-income and market-rate residential development are also components of our work – this is the primary focus of the position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This full-time position is charged with leading ONE|NB’s Housing Department’s housing development activities in close collaborative with the Vice President of Housing and the President & CEO.

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead and manage the housing development team in developing and maintaining an active project pipeline.
  • Develop project proposals, determine feasibility, and seek project financing, including LIHTC, New Markets Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, and the range of other state and municipal “second soft” sources, as well as equity and debt.
  • Select and manage project teams in conjunction with Vice President of Housing and housing development team.
  • Engage, build, and maintain partnerships and on-going communication with lenders, investors, and other financing partners.
  • Collaborate with the Vice President of Housing and other team members to engage other local organizations, government officials, and community stakeholders in efforts to support affordable housing development.
  • Coordinate with the Directors of Asset Management and Resident Services to ensure interdepartmental information flow and collaborate as needed to advance the organization’s goals.
  • Remain attuned to emerging ideas in the affordable housing development field and contribute to the exploration of novel financing approaches.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be an experienced, results-oriented professional with an exceptional work-ethic, committed to racial equity and advancing anti-racism practices, and to the vision and values of ONE|NB. In addition, the following attributes will generally define the successful Director of Housing Development:

  • Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree in a related field is a plus (business administration, real estate finance, or public administration)
  • Minimum of 10 years of related professional experience including experience managing all stages of the development process. Experience with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit deals required.
  • Experience managing a team of high performing professionals in the real estate and/or nonprofit arena required;
  • Proven ability to build strong relationships with external stakeholders and partner with internal teams to lead to successful outcomes;
  • Enjoys fast-paced and challenging work environment and collaborating with a broad diversity of staff and partners;
  • Adaptable, highly organized, and skilled at multi-tasking;
  • Mission-driven and passionate about ONE|NB and related constituencies;
  • Good sense of self and strong personal presence;
  • Willingness to work hard and creatively solve problems for which the answers are not always obvious; and
  • Knowledge of Rhode Island community development field and key stakeholders desired.

Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

The Director of Housing Development will be required to work a full-time schedule with some flexibility required on nights and weekends. This role offers flexibility to work remotely an estimated two times per week initially and greater flexibility once established in the role.

ONE|NB offers a robust benefits package (including health, dental, and vision insurance), a retirement plan with matching contribution, a generous allotment of paid holiday and personal/vacation time, and an inspiring and innovative organizational culture. The salary range for this role is $100,000 – $125,000 annually. Compensation range is competitive and is commensurate based on experience.

Candidates are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, though vaccination is strongly recommended.

ONE|NB works to dismantle all forms of discrimination. We fight the systems that oppress people from a vast range of identities and experiences. Cultivating a team that embodies the diverse experiences of Central Providence communities is essential to these aspirations. We strongly and sincerely encourage applications from people of color; immigrant, bilingual, and bicultural individuals; people with disabilities; members of LGBTQQ+ and gender non-conforming communities; and people with other diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, via email to cindy@pillarsearch.com.

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Search Success: Anusha Venkataraman Joins ONE Neighborhood Builders as Managing Director of Central Providence Opportunities!

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ONE Neighborhood Builders and Pillar Search and HR Consulting are excited to share that Anusha Venkataram has joined ONE Neighborhood Builders as their new Managing Director of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone. She brings nearly two decades of experience in community development, policy, and organizing, to state’s leading community development corporation.

PROVIDENCE, RI – ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) named Anusha Venkataraman, the former executive director of the New York City Racial Justice Commission, as the organization’s first Managing Director of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone (CPO-HEZ), an initiative focused on advancing health equity and economic mobility in the 02908 and 02909 zip codes in Providence.

“Anusha is a seasoned expert in community development, policy, and organizing, and we are thrilled that she has returned to Providence. As ONE|NB looks to further strengthen our foundation as a community-centered impact organization, we knew we needed to find a leader with a track record of building community trust and getting results,” said ONE|NB President and Executive Director Jennifer Hawkins.

With a background in urban planning, Venkataraman’s work has focused on community development, public policy, civic engagement, political organizing, and the arts. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the NYC Racial Justice Commission, where she steered a public process of reviewing the city’s charter, resulting in three successful ballot initiatives advancing racial equity.

“Across my career in grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and in city government, I have seen what is possible when community members are empowered to drive action,” said Venkataraman. “I am excited to make my return to Providence—a city I am deeply passionate about—and help lead this initiative with ONE|NB in addressing the systemic barriers to health and economic equity in Central Providence and collectively building a stronger future.”

Before leading the NYC Racial Justice Commission, Venkataraman held positions in the NYC Office of the Mayor, including Chief Service Officer and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Mayor for Housing & Economic Development, as well as in the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development. She also worked with the community organization El Puente in Brooklyn on a neighborhood-wide health and sustainability initiative. Venkataraman started her career in Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector, including as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at the Steel Yard in Providence.

The Managing Director provides strategic leadership and capacity to Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone, which brings together residents, more than five dozen community-based organizations, health professionals, local businesses, elected officials, and others to address root causes of health disparities and to improve neighborhood conditions.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) established Health Equity Zones (HEZs) in 2015 to improve community health in areas that need it most. HEZs are collaboratives of residents, community organizations, health professionals, and others who come together to address the root causes of health disparities. The HEZs work to ensure every neighborhood has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier. This work requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, racism, and their consequences, including insufficient access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education, affordable housing, safe environments, and healthcar

As Managing Director of CPO-HEZ, Venkataraman will oversee ONE|NB’s work with community partners and residents who have been working for nearly a year to develop a vision for Central Providence. ONE|NB and its partners will culminate this planning work on Monday when they unveil the Central Providence Roadmap, with a vision to ensure that all residents of Central Providence will live healthy, stable lives and be empowered to impact the conditions in their community.

Venkataraman earned a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Pratt Institute and a bachelor’s in international relations from Brown University.

ABOUT ONE NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDERS:

ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) is a nonprofit community development leader in Rhode Island that is expanding its work to the broader Greater Providence area while maintaining its deep roots in its historic home of Olneyville. ONE|NB’s mission is to develop affordable housing and engage neighbors to cultivate healthy, vibrant, and safe communities. Since its founding in 1988, then as Olneyville Housing Corporation, ONE|NB has developed 466 affordable apartments; 130 for-sale homes for low- to moderate-income homebuyers; and nearly 34,000 square feet of commercial and community space—totaling more than $135 million of investments. ONE|NB is the convening entity of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone, which brings together residents, more than five dozen community-based organizations, health professionals, local businesses, elected officials, and others to address root causes of health disparities and to improve neighborhood conditions. As the convener, ONE|NB is the backbone organization of this collective-impact initiative to increase economic mobility for residents in Central Providence. ONE|NB also created the first free community wireless network in Rhode Island, providing high-speed broadband to nearly 3000 unique users in the Olneyville neighborhood.

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.