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Stuart Siegel Joins Schooner Adventure as Executive Director!

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Schooner Adventure and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Stuart B. Siegel to the position of Executive Director. Stuart joined Schooner Adventure on April 4, 2022.  

As Executive Director, Stuart will be responsible for the overall management of Schooner Adventure, working together with the Board of Directors to further their mission. He is charged with leading efforts to position Adventure as a focal point for education focused on themes of fisheries, maritime history, and the ocean environment. Building off of Schooner Adventure’s successes, he will drive program development and growth, enhance community awareness of Adventure’s programs, and activities, and develop diversified revenue streams.  

Stuart remarks, “When my wife and I decided to settle our family in Gloucester, I was determined to find work that connected me deeply to the city, in which I could promote Gloucester’s unique history and appeal. In my wildest dreams I couldn’t imagine a more exciting and compelling opportunity than with Schooner Adventure. Like the city she represents, she stands tall, resilient and beautiful. I am eager to see how we can work with local organizations and individuals to tell the story of Gloucester and ensure a bright future for our harbor.”

A new resident of Gloucester, MA, Stuart brings significant experience to the Executive Director role. Most recently, Stuart and his wife Emily wereirectors of the Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center in Ajo, Arizona. There, Stuart managed all aspects of this education-focused non-profit inn and event space including marketing, staff development, event/educational program planning and implementation, fiscal oversight, community partnerships and daily operations. Stuart was instrumental in the development and implementation of high-quality education programs, retreats, and cultural experiences.

Prior, Stuart was the Director of New Initiatives with the Brandeis University Office of High School Programs, where he designed and directed nine residential summer education programs serving hundreds of teens from across the U.S. and around the world. Stuart guided university professors and experiential educators in the development and implementation of program curriculum and service learning.

Stuart earned his Master of Hebrew Letters from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion and bachelor’s degree in Film and Television from Boston University’s School of Communications. He lives in Gloucester with his wife Emily, the E.D. of the Gloucester Education Foundation, and their children Jonah and Bayla.

About Schooner Adventure: Schooner Adventure (d.b.a. The Gloucester Adventure) is a 501(c)(3) maritime historic preservation and educational organization. They are the proud stewards of the 1926 Schooner Adventure, one of the last surviving Grand Banks dory-fishing schooners. When Adventure was built in 1926 in the salt marshes of Essex, MA, no one thought that she would survive into the next century. Indeed, only a handful of the more than 4,000 wooden schooners built in Essex exist today.

Adventure is a national treasure that has, following an extensive, two decade-long, nearly $6 million restoration to ensure her preservation, resumed active sailing as an icon of the American fisheries and as a floating classroom for maritime history and environmental education programs. Adventure is operated at sea, primarily along the New England coast, as a living monument to Massachusetts’ fishing heritage. As such, Adventure is important not only to Gloucester, but also to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and all of America. In 1994 Adventure was awarded National Historic Landmark status in recognition of the significant role of the vessel in the nation’s history.

The mission of Schooner Adventure/The Gloucester Adventure, Inc. is to:

  • Restore and preserve the Schooner Adventure for the enrichment of future generations and their love of the sea
  • Enable the Schooner Adventure to serve as a community resource for educational programming focusing on maritime, cultural, and environmental issues
  • Operate the Schooner Adventure at sea as a living symbol of America’s maritime heritage

This is an exciting new chapter for Schooner Adventure. With an extensive historic restoration of the vessel now complete, the organization is poised to launch its next chapter, focused on a robust offering of programs and educational opportunities.

Learn and see more about Schooner Adventure here.  

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. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

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New Search! Executive Director of Schooner Adventure!

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Pillar Search & HR Consulting, a nonprofit-focused, woman-owned recruiting firm based in Boston, is proud to partner with the board of the Schooner Adventure in Gloucester, MA on the search for their new Executive Director.

About Schooner Adventure:

Schooner Adventure (d.b.a. The Gloucester Adventure) is a 501(c)(3) maritime historic preservation and educational organization. They are the proud stewards of the 1926 Schooner Adventure, one of the last surviving Grand Banks dory-fishing schooners. When Adventure was built in 1926 in the salt marshes of Essex, MA, no one thought that she would survive into the next century. Indeed, only a handful of the more than 4,000 wooden schooners built in Essex exist today.

Adventure is a national treasure that has, following an extensive, two decade-long, nearly $6 million restoration to ensure her preservation, resumed active sailing as an icon of the American fisheries and as a floating classroom for maritime history and environmental education programs. Adventure is operated at sea, primarily along the New England coast, as a living monument to Massachusetts’ fishing heritage. As such, Adventure is important not only to Gloucester, but also to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and all of America. In 1994 Adventure was awarded National Historic Landmark status in recognition of the significant role of the vessel in the nation’s history.

This is an exciting new chapter for Schooner Adventure. With an extensive historic restoration of the vessel now complete, the organization is poised to launch its next chapter, focused on a robust offering of programs and educational opportunities.

Learn and see more about Schooner Adventure here.  

Mission:

The mission of Schooner Adventure/The Gloucester Adventure, Inc. is to:

  • Restore and preserve the Schooner Adventure for the enrichment of future generations and their love of the sea
  • Enable the Schooner Adventure to serve as a community resource for educational programming focusing on maritime, cultural, and environmental issues
  • Operate the Schooner Adventure at sea as a living symbol of America’s maritime heritage

Job Description/Responsibilities:

The Executive Director is responsible for overall management of Schooner Adventure, working together with the Board of Directors to further the mission pertaining to preservation and operation of the vessel and position Adventure as a focal point for education focused on themes of fisheries, maritime history and the ocean environment.

The Board is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to maintain Schooner Adventure’s successes, drive program development and growth, enhance community awareness of the mission, programs, and activities, and develop diversified revenue streams. This unique opportunity will allow the new Executive Director to advance the mission of this historic organization while strategizing for the future.

Job Duties:

  • Further organizational mission by developing and implementing a thoughtful and cohesive organizational strategy and goals
  • Work with key senior staff to encourage their capacity to manage and oversee day-to-day operations and people creating a supportive, diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Hire, train, develop and retain competent, qualified staff. The Executive Director, with board input, manages and hires all office staff and the Captain of the vessel
  • Work with the Board of Directors to establish and support the strategic priorities of the organization, and identify and assess opportunities and risk
  • Take a leadership position in furthering new ideas and initiatives for the organization
  • Participate in various board committees, including communicating necessary organizational information and delegating tasks and projects as appropriate
  • Ensure the financial wellbeing through continuous growth of donated support and earned revenue streams, and providing for the creation and monitoring of budgets and adherence to financial policies, bylaws, and guidelines
  • Work within the organizational model and culture to support the Captain as she/he oversees the operation of the vessel
  • Oversee program development, working with education staff, vessel crew, and volunteers
  • Work with the Board to establish a joint presence of The Gloucester Adventure in the community and among members, and donors and in professional organizations
  • Work with Board and key senior staff to build enduring, collaborative relationships with area cultural institutions
  • Execute and sign contracts and leases, with Board review and oversight as deemed appropriate
  • Speak publicly at events to promote awareness of Schooner Adventure
  • Oversee marketing and communications
  • Work with the Development Director to establish and achieve fundraising goals
  • Participate in meetings of the Board and assigned standing or ad hoc committees

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of nonprofit experience (this may be professional work experience or involvement with a nonprofit board or volunteer roles)
  • Minimum of 5-7 years managing a professional staff
  • Passion for and commitment to the mission of Schooner Adventure
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred
  • Experience overseeing, creating and/or executing high-quality programs
  • Experience with fundraising and/or speaking with donors
  • Strong leadership skills. A collaborative, high integrity, transparent, accessible leadership style is desired
  • Ability to oversee, collaborate with, and foster teamwork among staff and vessel crew
  • Experience working with a Board of community volunteers
  • Attend events, meetings, and donor tours on the vessel, both while docked and on the open water
  • Willingness to take on new program ideas
  • Ability to multi-task and meet challenges
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated skills in planning, delegating and program development
  • Ability to work with diverse groups of volunteers and staff
  • Comfort with public speaking
  • Strong computer proficiency
  • Able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and occasional weekends as needed for events/programs

Physical Demands of the Job (With or Without Reasonable Accommodation):

The office is in a historic landmark building, and the Schooner is a traditional, National Historic Landmark fishing schooner. This requires frequent standing, walking, and the use of stairs and ladders, as well as being on the open water frequently.

Other:

Adventure requires that all staff be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief). If moved forward to the phone screen stage, you will have the chance to ask the Executive Search Consultant about this requirement.

Schooner Adventure is an employment at-will organization and an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Please note that the hired candidate will be required to participate in a background check.

To Apply:

Schooner Adventure has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the Executive Director search. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

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New Search Announcement! President & CEO of NEACH (New England Automated Clearing House Association)

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Pillar's New Search

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

Pillar Search is pleased to have been selected to manage the search for the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New England Automated Clearing House (NEACH) and, its for-profit subsidiary NEACH Payments Group (NPG).

 

 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to guide and implement the strategic direction of NEACH and its affiliates (“the organization”).  The primary objectives of the President and CEO are to provide leadership within the organization to achieve its’ short and long term mission, strategies, goals and objectives, and to advocate the use of electronic payments within the financial services arena and to enable the Board of Directors to fulfill its governance function.

 

NEACH description

 

The ACH Network is a processing and delivery system that provides for the distribution and settlement of electronic credit and debits among financial institutions. The ACH Network was developed in response to the astronomical growth of check payments and the many technological advances in the mid-twentieth century and functions as an efficient, electronic alternative to paper checks. Through a nationwide telecommunications network, each ACH Operator is able to communicate with other ACH Operators to exchange entries quickly and efficiently, regardless of geographic distances involved. The ACH network offers an assortment of technical formats that can be used for a variety of payment applications, products and services. The ACH network is governed by operating rules and guidelines, which are developed by the actual users of the system, and is administered through a series of agreements among financial institutions, customers, trading partners, and ACH Operators.

 

For additional information on NEACH, please click here.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Strategic Direction and Governance:

  • Ensures that the organization remains financially viable, and is an effective and efficient presence within the payments marketplace.
  • Aligns the organization with the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), Regional Payment Associations and other industry stakeholders to maximize opportunities for visibility and growth.
  • Ensures the organization aligns its products and services to provide maximum value to members.
  • Presents a strong, positive and uplifting image to members and payments industry stakeholders.
  • Remains keenly aware of the industry landscape for change/growth opportunities and keeps abreast of all industry trends and technology advancements.
  • Communicates current trends, issues and changes to the Board of Directors.
  • Works closely with the Board of Directors to develop, revise and implement a strategic plan, as appropriate. Serves as ex-officio member of the Executive Committee.

 

NEACH Membership:

  • Oversees design, marketing, promotion, delivery and overall quality of programs, products and services.
  • Oversees member outreach program to maintain member satisfaction and to increase overall membership.
  • Ensures the organization serves as a trusted resource for matters related to payments including, but not limited to, compliance, risk management, education, training and payments strategy.

 

Advocacy:

  • Ensures the organization’s vote on NACHA ACH Rules and other matters is submitted responsibly, seeking member/board input when deemed necessary.
  • Ensures members are aware of opportunities to utilize and benefit from the ACH network and other payment delivery channels.
  • Oversees the organization’s relationship with NACHA, other Regional Payment Associations, national councils, forums, committees, work groups and industry stakeholders.
  • Ensures members’ interests in payments are considered at all times, especially in matters relating to ACH rule changes and related regulations.

 

Administration:

  • Oversees the financial status of the organization including the development of long and short term financial plans, monitoring the budget and ensuring sound financial controls are in place.
  • Sets financial priorities accurately to ensure the organization is operating in a manner that supports the needs of all stakeholders.
  • Oversees the following functions: risk, human resources and facilities.
  • Manages staff of both direct and in-direct reports and ensures staff meets the needs of the organization.
  • Provides leadership and guidance to all organization staff to maintain a high quality and mutually rewarding working environment.
  • Demonstrates strong commitment to the professional development of staff.

 

Physical and Schedule Requirements:

  • Travels as needed to attend organization or industry specific conferences and/or meetings.

 

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

 

Possesses the following:

  • Sufficient technological skills to execute the requirements of this position in the most effective and efficient means possible.
  • Intimate knowledge of the payment system process, environment and marketplace.
  • Working knowledge of applicable trade associations and/or not-for-profit associations within the industry.
  • Exemplary member and client service skills.
  • Proven leadership skills in a similar business and/or non-profit environment.
  • Proven coalition building skills with an ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; a persuasive negotiator able to achieve consensus amongst differing opinions.
  • Outstanding presentation and communication skills and the experience and proclivity to be an outgoing spokesperson and relationship builder.
  • Ability to work within and manage a multi-level budget process.
  • Ability to think “strategically”.
  • Adept at creative problem solving.
  • Excellent interpersonal and people management skills.

 

Education and Experience:

  • Minimum of 7 to 10 years of senior leadership experience at a trade association, not-for-profit association or financial institution.
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.
  • Master’s Degree from an accredited university or college. (Can be substituted for demonstrated equivalent work experience.)

 

For immediate consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Founder of Pillar Search, at cjoyce@pillarsearch.com.

 

With personalized service and proven results, Pillar is your partner in executive search and human resources consulting. With over 20 years of experience, Pillar provides retained search services for exceptional non-profits and foundations and early-stage or rapid growth for-profit firms. A woman-owned business, Pillar is based in Boston, MA, and works on both a local and national level.