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.

New Search: Program Manager with Fab Foundation!

Pillar Search is honored to partner with Fab Foundation on the search for their new Program Manager.

The Fab Foundation is a US-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves an international community. The organization procures and installs fab labs (digital design and fabrication laboratories) globally, trains fab lab personnel in the operation and management of fab labs, trains and supports teachers in K-12 schools to teach digital fabrication as catalyst for learning STEM skills and disciplines, manages a portfolio of distributed education programs under the Academany and Fab Academy brands,  manages the SCOPES-DF global K-12 research and educator practice program,  engages in consulting, in teaching and training for all age groups, educators and learners, organizes and hosts an annual convening of the global fab lab network, and engages in other business and programs that support and enhance the global fab lab network’s ability to make good educational, social and economic impact. (http://fabfoundation.org)

The Fab Foundation is hiring a Program Manager immediately. This is a full-time position, and a remote role that will require some travel as needed within the U.S. and occasionally abroad.

Position Summary:

Fab Foundation is seeking a Program Manager to manage and implement educational outreach projects with corporate and private funding partners.  The Program Manager will serve as a liaison between Fab Foundation, relevant project funders, as well as local organizations that host the related educational outreach activities. The Program Manager will primarily be responsible for US-based projects but may be called upon from time to time to manage international projects.  In this role they will develop key stakeholder relationships for the various partnerships formed for the relevant outreach projects and manage the overall day to day operation of the program(s). They will develop schedules, coordinate resources, and ensure that daily operations of the program align with the overall goals and objectives of the project. The Program Manager will work closely with project personnel, such as instructors, lab managers, teachers and others to implement outreach projects.

The Program Manager will also assist in identifying innovative outreach opportunities to engage local partnering communities as well as new partners in our work.  To amplify outreach efforts, the Program Manager will support in communications efforts such as social media to promote our educational outreach activities.

Assessment and data collection will be a continuing part of our work in order to understand and to report to funders our impact. To that end, in collaboration with other members of the Fab Foundation staff, the Program Manager will be responsible for monitoring program metrics, and tracking, synthesizing and reporting data related to the project, and work in partnership with Fab Foundation leadership on meeting program grant requirements.

The first outreach project to be undertaken by the Program Manager will be to implement two K-12 STEM outreach fab labs and related programming in partnering Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the US.

This is grant-funded full-time position at the Fab Foundation. Employment beyond 24 months is contingent upon program funding. The Program Manager will report to the President and the Vice President of Operations at the Fab Foundation.

Position Title:

Program Manager, The Fab Foundation

Position time commitment:

Full-time employment, 40 hours per week.

Position Hire Date:

Position open, hiring now!

Position Requirements

  • 2-3 years of experience working in administration, and/or in teaching and instruction, especially to underserved communities. STEM education experience is highly preferred.
  • College degree in education or management with relevant on-the-job experience.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a team-based environment; demonstrated flexibility, initiative, and collegiality.
  • Must have strong general management, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills, as well as some technical knowledge, strong attention to detail, and highly developed customer relations attitude and competencies.
  • Experience with software and online collaborative tools such as: Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, Google Workspace, image and video editing software, etc.
  • Facility with social media platforms such as: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.
  • Experience with some web maintenance, programming and design tools a plus: i.e. WordPress, CSS, InDesign, html, xtml, etc.
  • Proof of strong writing capability

Factors for Success:

  • Patient, adept multi-tasker who likes to make things.
  • Leads as a proactive team-player & displays a passion for helping people learn through discovery.
  • Fab labs are multiple disciplinary learning environment. The ideal candidate will have an equally diverse background and be willing and able to embrace new concepts and technologies as needed.
  • Some experience with fabrication equipment such as a 3D Printer, vinyl printer/cutter, laser etcher/cutter, CNC mill, etc. will be highly valued.

Position Compensation: 

The salary range is $85K – $98K. Benefits available.

FAB FOUNDATION COMMITMENT:

Fab Foundation is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates and values employee differences and similarities. Fab Foundation 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. Additionally, Fab Foundation prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace. M/F/V/DV

TO APPLY: 

Fab Foundation has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for their new Program Manager. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

Announcing My New Course, Adult Learning Theories, at Harvard Extension School!

I am honored to be creating and teaching a brand-new online course for Harvard Extension School. Adult Learning Theories, will begin in September 2020. 

Learning opportunities for adults are often modeled after our classes in grade school and high school. However, adults learn much differently from children. Their motivation to learn is vastly different as well. This course explores adult learning theory and practice, how to engage the adult learner, and how to provide learning opportunities that both motivate and challenge. Human resources practitioners, leaders, and trainers alike benefit from this course, as will managers of teams in any functional area of the organization.

Registration for the Adult Learning Theories course and Harvard Extension School’s other amazing educational opportunities begins on July 20, 2020 and may be accessed here

Harvard Extension School is the online learning/continuing education platform for Harvard University. I most recently taught at Harvard Extension School in the fall of 2019, when I created another new course, Nonprofit Human Resources Management. That course will be offered again in the spring 2021 semester.

A woman-owned company based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides nonprofit executive search and human resources consulting expertise, 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 contact Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

 

 

 

New Job Opportunity! Chief Information Officer for JVS Boston!

Executive Search Boston

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is proud to partner with Jewish Vocational Services (JVS Boston) on hiring their new Chief Information Officer.

Organization Overview: 

For 80 years, Jewish Vocational Service (JVS Boston) 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.

After completing a $6 million Capital Campaign and moving to a new Center for Economic Opportunity in 2015, JVS took on the first-in-the-nation Pay for Success project in workforce development.  In the coming years, JVS will continue to expand its impact, offer the high-quality programs that have shaped its reputation, as well as build innovative new initiatives to move into the next phase of its growth.

 

Position Overview: 

To support its ongoing growth in program development and infrastructure investments, JVS is seeking a highly strategic, forward-thinking, and experienced Chief Information Officer (CIO). Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CIO will be a member of the executive team. JVS’ strategic plan is focused on growth, including investments in infrastructure. The CIO will be responsible for updating agency hardware, transitioning the agency to a new central software, and defining and centralizing technology spending.

 

Responsibilities:

  • The CIO will establish the mission and vision of JVS’ technology organization to foster a value-added, user-focused mindset.
  • Implement technology, process, and engagement steps in order to optimize staff productivity, support consistent cross-program delivery, and foster an information-driven culture.
  • Implement a single, accessible, fully integrated business operations platform that will power the informed, end-to end, prospect to alumni journey of clients across JVS service segments.
  • Identify IT or technology commonalities across business lines and standardize methods while being mindful of the need for flexibility. These include, but are not limited to, case management, programs, and fundraising.
  • Develop and maintain an appropriate IT organizational structure to ensure appropriate support of the organization’s needs, define and communicate plans, policies and standards for system implementation; ensure continuous delivery of IT services.
  • Assume leadership role in the development and implementation of the JVS disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
  • Ability to recognize and define problems, invent and implement technology solutions, track and evaluate results against goals, and communicate metrics to senior leadership.
  • Manage the annual technology budget.
  • Manage all IT vendors

 

Qualifications:

  • Expert knowledge of information systems principles and best practices.
  • Ability to innovate, develop new strategies, and drive a best-in-class technology organization.
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Deep experience developing and implementing organization-wide information management strategies to support the achievement of strategic business imperatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically while executing tactically; strong project management and execution skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to become the subject matter expert and trusted technology advisor to senior stakeholders.
  • Exceptional relationship building and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong staff management skills, with the ability to foster inclusiveness, a sense of team accountability, and high performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex vendor/customer relationships.
  • Flexible and adaptive work style, with the ability to uphold a high degree of personal accountability, as well as exercise solid judgment and proactively address problems as they arise.
  • Understanding and past experience with workforce development issues preferred, willingness to learn essential.
  • Ability to translate complex technical issues into language and concepts that key stakeholders can use to make fully informed decisions.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven, and collegial culture, as well as model enthusiasm for an organizational shift to be more goal-oriented, forward-thinking, and innovative.

 

Additional Information: 

JVS is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates and values employee differences and similarities. By providing and supporting a work culture that fosters and builds upon diversity and its strengths, JVS will better serve our local communities and continue to provide quality services.

JVS 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.  Additionally, JVS prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.

 

To Apply to the Chief Information Officer Opportunity: 

JVS has partnered with Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the CIO search. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

LinkedIn’s Gender Insights Report: How Women Find Jobs Differently

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LinkedIn’s Gender Insights Report, How Women Find Jobs Differently has been published. 

Did you know women are:

  • 14% less likely to apply to a job after viewing it, and
  • 24% less likely to ask for a referral, yet…
  • 16% more likely to get hired to the jobs they apply to? 

This informative report is available at no charge and definitely worth reading as we all #BalanceForBetter!

Hire the best! A woman-owned consulting firm in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides human resources and nonprofit executive search expertise, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to find the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information, please contact Pillar’s CEO, Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.