New Search! Director of Housing Development with ONE Neighborhood Builders

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.

Search Success: Griet Dehandschutter Joins Treehouse Foundation as Director of Development!

Treehouse Foundation and Pillar Search are thrilled to announce the appointment of Griet Dehandschutter to the position of Director of Development.

As the Director of Development, Griet will be a key member of the Treehouse Leadership Team, overseeing the organization’s fundraising and expanding its community of support across Massachusetts and nationwide. Griet will be responsible for setting fundraising strategy, managing the fundraising team, growing Treehouse’s resources by deepening engagement with individuals, corporations and foundations and raising the organization’s visibility in support of its big and bold vision. She will report to Treehouse Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director Judy Cockerton.

Most recently, Griet was the Executive Director of Acton-Boxborough United Way where she doubled the revenue in two years and engaged multi-stakeholder coalitions to address vital community needs. Prior to that, Griet was an international fundraising consultant, where she pioneered innovative and sustainable international major giving, corporate and foundation giving strategies with large and small nonprofits, museums, and universities across 15 countries and 4 continents. Earlier in her career, as East Coast Director for Flanders Investment and Trade, Griet partnered with Fortune 500 executives to locate their pan-European business operations in Belgium. Griet also co-founded the European-American Chamber of Commerce in the United States, today known as the Transatlantic Business Council (TABC).

Griet earned her Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and her Master of Law from Belgium’s University of Antwerp.

In addition, Griet has served on several boards, including the American Fund for Charities, SilverAqua, and iScale. As a volunteer, Griet co-chaired the Capital Campaign for the United Church of Christ in Boxborough, MA.

About the Treehouse Foundation: The Treehouse Foundation is an award-winning Massachusetts-based nonprofit that is working diligently to inspire a Re-Envisioning of Foster Care in America.

Since its launch in 2002, Treehouse has been investing in foster care, vital aging, and affordable housing innovation. Its mission: To inspire, implement, and support innovative child welfare practices that ensure our children who experience foster care find permanent families and supportive communities, allowing them to develop, heal and thrive. Its vision: Every child rooted in family and community. 

Nationally recognized social entrepreneur, Judy Cockerton, has provided her visionary leadership to the Treehouse Foundation since its inception. Cockerton, known as a highly collaborative leader, developed the award-winning intergenerational Treehouse Community model and leads the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) movement. In 2006, the first intergenerational Treehouse Community opened in western Massachusetts, where the largest percentage of children and youth experiencing foster care in the Commonwealth reside. The Treehouse Foundation partnered with Beacon Communities LLC to design, build and operate the first Treehouse Community in Easthampton, MA. Treehouse is now partnering with 2Life Communities to bring the successful intergenerational Treehouse Community model to the site of the former Boston State Hospital in Mattapan.

On November 3-4, the Treehouse Foundation will host its 9th national Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) conference in Boston. REFCA2023 will feature the wisdom, award winning ideas, and lived expertise of REFCA Champions – stellar changemakers who are using their firsthand experience and professional acumen to create new visions for child welfare.

To learn more about this visionary organization, please visit https://www.treehousefoundation.net.

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 about Pillar, 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.

Search Success: Aubey Church Joins Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance as Policy Manager!

Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Aubrey Church to the position of Fisheries Policy Manager. Aubrey joined the organization on February 6, 2023.

As Policy Manager, Aubrey will manage and execute all policy and campaign activities, working with the CEO to develop policy positions and strategize advocacy campaigns. Aubrey will attend state and federal regulatory meetings to monitor proposed changes and represent the local fleet, analyze fishery policy options, build relationships and credibility within the fishing industry and with elected officials, organize fishermen meetings to discuss fisheries issues, write comment letters on proposed regulatory changes (for the organization and for the fishermen), and organize fishermen and the public to participate in advocacy campaigns.

Most recently, Aubrey was a Research Biologist with the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation. Prior, she was a Data Debriefer with the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program and earlier in her career Aubrey was a Northeast Fisheries Observer and At-Sea Monitor with MRAG, Americas. In addition, she has consulted with Fishery Applications Consulting Team, LLC and Stoveboat LLC.

In December 2022, Aubrey completed her Professional Science Master’s degree from UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Franklin & Marshall College.

About Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance: The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance is a progressive leader that promotes stewardship of coastal ecosystems and community-based fisheries management through outreach, economic development, and policy programs. Started in 1991 by a small group of commercial hook and line fishermen from Cape Cod, the organization quickly developed into an effective voice for all local fishermen. The operating theory is straightforward: responsible fishing practices and conservative regulations will generate healthy fish stocks and revitalize the region’s fishing communities.

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance works closely with fishermen, public officials, scientists, and other non-profits to advocate for a sustainable small-boat fishing fleet while creating smart policies that promote habitat protection, community decision-making, and a viable fishery for the next generation. Learn more at www.capecodfishermen.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 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.

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.

Search Success! Naomi Dreeben Joins Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. as Program Director!

Pillar's Search Success

Pillar Search and HR Consulting is pleased to announce the placement of Naomi Dreeben as the new Program Director of Cooperative Elder Services, Inc., where she will be responsible for leading the Arlington, MA and Burlington, MA adult day health centers.

As Program Director, Naomi 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.

Naomi brings extensive experience in the adult day health field. Most recently, she was the Center Manager at Element Care/PACE. Prior, she was a Senior Master of Social Work Field Specialist and Adjunct Faculty member at Salem State University’s School of Social Work.

Naomi has also served as Chair of the Board of Selectmen for the town of Swampscott, MA.

Naomi received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and her master’s in social work with a focus on gerontology from University of California at Berkeley.

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.