New Search! Senior Director of Programs with Families First

Senior Director of Programs

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with Families First on the search for their new Senior Director of Programs. This is a hybrid role based out of their office in Watertown, MA.

Parents have the power to shape their children’s futures and make their communities stronger.

Families First’s mission is to partner with parents to amplify their power so they can positively impact the lives of children and communities through their groundbreaking programs. Their model includes parenting education and support, parent leadership, and alumni opportunities.

For more than 30 years, Families First has been a leader in providing parenting education across the Greater Boston area. The organization was founded in 1988 with the goal of helping parents navigate the diverse challenges of raising children by providing research-based parenting education services.

Today, Families First provides Boston’s most comprehensive model for early childhood parenting education, family engagement, and parent leadership: The Power of ParentingTM program and The Ripple Program TM.

As a result of Families First’s high-impact, multi-tiered program model, parents will support the development of their children’s social-emotional and cognitive skills, embrace their role as the most important force in their children’s learning and well-being, and gain new skills and resources to support and advocate for their children as they grow.

Learn more about this amazing organization at www.families-first.org.

About the Senior Director of Programs Opportunity

This is an exciting time for Families First, as they are seeing incredible outcomes from their programs and are in the process of expanding across the state. With the launch of a 5-year business plan, the organization looks toward significant growth in the coming years.

The Senior Director of Programs is responsible for the oversight and implementation of Families First regional programming in Greater Boston and Western MA, utilizing a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to support the regions and its programming as the organization expands.

In addition, this position will oversee Families First’s alumni services, support the evaluation and quality strategy, and support the program curricula and training strategy.

The Senior Director of Programs will serve on the leadership team to advance organizational goals and cross-departmental priorities and will execute and monitor expansion plans as a part of the 5-year business plan.

Essential Job Functions

Lead and manage the Program team

  • Guide and inspire team with human-centered leadership.
  • Ensure continuous growth and development of staff through coaching, mentoring, and continuous feedback.
  • Create and maintain a team culture where everyone is valued and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are integrated into all aspects of the work.
  • Manage the Associate Director of Curriculum & Training, two Regional Directors, Family Engagement Manager, and Senior Evaluation Manager, which includes the creation and support of annual goals for each team member, completion of quarterly check-ins and annual reviews, regular meetings, and coaching and mentoring as needed.

Oversee implementation of Families First regional programming and alumni services in Greater Boston and Western MA

  • Guide and determine strategic goals and vision for regional programming, primarily including Power of Parenting, in collaboration with Regional Directors.
  • Develop and oversee strategy for alumni services across the organization with Family Engagement Manager.
  • Oversee the development and management of regional partnerships in collaboration with Regional Directors.
  • Develop and manage enrichment partners to support programming in collaboration with Family Engagement Manager and other staff.
  • Monitor and maintain appropriate staffing levels for program implementation.
  • Oversee the development and management of the program department budget for the regions, alumni, curriculum, training, and evaluation.

Oversee the overall strategy for program curricula and training of Program Facilitators who implement our programs in collaboration with the Associate Director of Curriculum & Training

  • Support the development and implementation of the plan for ongoing curricula updates and training needs, including plans related to future growth and expansion.
  • Oversee curricula and training quality management strategy.
  • Serve as a consultant for major curricula changes and amendments.
  • Attend Program Facilitator meetings and retreat.

Oversee evaluation and quality management strategy to ensure programming is implemented with quality and fidelity to the model and impact is captured and shared

  • Support and guide the development and implementation of the overall evaluation and quality management strategy and plan in collaboration with the evaluation team.
  • Participate in key evaluation meetings such as with research partners and evaluation consultants as needed.
  • Ensure all programmatic efforts meet and exceed the needs of partners and communities through regular evaluation and review.
  • Monitor program data in collaboration with program staff across regions and in central office with a lens on continuous improvement, quality, and consistency across programming and identify needed changes/adjustments.
  • Collaborate with evaluation and administrative staff to assess changes/updates to the evaluation and quality management plan and data systems/protocols as needed.

Execute other organizational and programmatic responsibilities

  • Manage overall program budget.
  • Report programmatic activities regularly to board, staff, and funders.
  • Review grant proposals and attend funder meetings to support the organizational development work.
  • Identify programmatic and system needs and collaborate with administrative staff to build and update systems and protocols across regions to ensure programs are implemented with quality and field staff are supported appropriately.
  • Serve on the leadership team to advance organizational goals and cross-departmental priorities.

Ideal Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in managing programs and leading teams responsible for similar types of programs.
  • A master’s degree in social work, public health, public administration, nonprofit management, education, or related, may be substituted for two years of the required
  • Experience working in culturally diverse environments and a deep understanding of issues related to diversity and cultural responsiveness are
  • Strong management/leadership
  • A visionary, big-picture thinker who is able to engage team members and key constituents in pursuit of goals.
  • Experience managing a budget.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and strong communication.
  • Knowledge and experience with curriculum development, training, facilitation, and quality control of programs.
  • Skilled in strategic management of partnerships and/or collaborations.
  • Strong technical skills.
  • Excellent planning and organizational
  • Attention to detail and
  • Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Requirements

  • Must be able to travel regularly throughout Greater Boston, Western MA, and other areas as the organization grows. Valid drivers license is required.
  • Available to work evenings/weekends as required.

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary range is $100,000-$110,000, with the opportunity for growth over time. Families First offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off (including 12 paid holidays), health, dental, FSA, and 403(b).

Schedule

This is a full-time, 40-hour/week, exempt, hybrid position, working two days in-person at the central office in Watertown in addition to some regular travel to regional locations in Greater Boston, Western MA, and other locations as the organization expands. This position also requires availability to attend occasional evening and weekend events/meetings. This position reports to the Executive Director.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

Families First has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We aim to attract qualified candidates who hold these same values and help us further recognize and celebrate the diversity among us.

Search Success: Sher Omerovic Named JVS’ New Chief Program Officer!

JVS Boston and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, the appointment of Sher Omerovic to the position of Chief Program Officer.

This is a well-deserved promotion from Sher’s most recent role with JVS as Senior Vice President of Programs. Sher joined JVS in 2016.

Reporting to JVS’ CEO, Kira Khazatsky, Sher will lead the core of JVS’ work – the development, quality, and delivery of JVS’s services. Sher will provide strategic leadership to the programmatic Vice President team to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and goals, and support and develop the programmatic VP team to achieve programmatic outcomes. She will collaborate with other principal executives to ensure long-term strategic planning and board management align with the organization’s mission and goals.

Sher brings extensive program, workforce development and leadership experience to the Chief Program Officer role. Prior to JVS, she worked at the Fish Family Foundation, where she developed and implemented a statewide citizenship initiative partnering with multiple community organizations, immigration attorneys, and volunteers to organize large-scale citizenship events across the commonwealth, and held roles in immigration and employment with Catholic Charities of Boston and in grants with United Way. Sher earned her master’s degree in nonprofit project management from Northeastern University and her bachelor’s degree in international relations and modern languages from Beloit 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.

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: Tanesha Gibbons Joins JVS as Controller!

JVS Boston and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Tanesha Gibbons to the position of Controller. Tanesha joined JVS on November 29, 2021.

In this leadership role, Tanesha will be a thought partner to the CFO, and will be responsible for oversight of finance, accounting and reporting activities, as well as managing a team.

Tanesha brings extensive accounting and finance experience to the role with JVS. Most recently, Tanesha was the Senior Accountant of Boston’s Trinity Church, where she managed accounting and benefits. Prior, she was the Senior Staff Accountant with Roessel Joy. Earlier in her career, Tanesha was a Staff Accountant with CPC America, a private agency organization, where she was responsible for all accounting functions.

By the end of this year, Tanesha will successfully complete studies for her Master of Science in Management and Accounting from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts Boston. Tanesha is a member of the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).

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.

Successful Search: Kevin Parham Joins JVS as Senior Director, Career Center Operations!

JVS Boston and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Kevin Parham to the position of Senior Director, Career Center Operations. Kevin joined JVS on November 1, 2021.

As a member of the Career Services management team, will be responsible for the management, compliance, and operating functions at the MassHire Career Center to ensure that high quality, workforce development and labor exchange services are provided to Boston employers and job seekers.

Kevin brings extensive workforce development and leadership experience to the role with JVS. Most recently, Kevin was the Manager of Workforce Development Programs at Community Work Services, where he was for their workforce development programs. Prior, Kevin was the Executive Director of the Career Collaborative. Earlier in his career, Kevin was in senior roles with the cities of Quincy and Lawrence, also focused on career readiness and workforce development.

Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree from Salem State College. He is a published author and professional musician.

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.

New Search: Senior Director of Career Center Operations with JVS!

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with JVS on their search for a new Senior Director of Career Center Operations.

JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Their mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers; and to partner with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces.

JVS provides a broad range of services including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce.

POSITION SUMMARY: As a member of the Career Services management team, the Sr. Director of Career Center Operations is responsible for the management, compliance, and operating functions at the MassHire Career Center to ensure that high quality, workforce development and labor exchange services are provided to Boston employers and job seekers. The Director ensures that all performance goals and objectives as outlined by the Career Center Charter and State and Federal regulations are achieved. As a member of Career Services management team, the Director develops innovative plans and strategies to ensure the agency’s continued success in fulfilling its mission and achieving short- and long-term goals and objectives. Working closely with the Vice President of Career Services, the Sr. Director of Career Center Operations will provide direct supervision to JVS MassHire staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Promotes Agency
• Develop and maintain strategic alliances and collaborations with community-based organizations, training providers, supportive service referral organizations, and the employer and job seeker communities in order to sustain and support the Career Center vision
• Support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS MassHire both internally and externally.
• Actively serve on state-wide and Boston-based Career Center operating committees in order to coordinate among career centers, to plan for cross-system service improvement, and to maintain cross-system service standards.

Accountability and Results Focused
• Manage day-to-day career center operations
• Read, summarize and ensure compliance with all federal and state One Stop Career Center regulations
• Manage all aspects of funder monitoring including planning, report writing and arranging and facilitating visits and necessary follow up.
• Manage state database, MOSES, reporting
• Assist in the overall process and service delivery improvements to the Career Center, working from a customer centered approach.
• Demonstrate ownership of projects and assignments and respond to organizational requests by deadlines

Coaches and Develops Staff
• Hire, train, and supervise staff (functional or directly as assigned)
• Develop high performance standards and delegates responsibility
• Effectively communicate priorities and decisions to program staff.
• Ensure staff are accountable for meeting programmatic and contract requirements.
• Ensure program staff members work collaboratively with all JVS programs and services.
• Communicate to staff via regular meetings, developing performance expectations and performing annual performance evaluations.
• Monitor the achievement of performance expectations, in accordance with MassHire work plan and take remedial action where necessary.

Planning and Organizing
• Establish sound and systematic course of action to assure results
• Determine priorities and allocate time and resources effectively
• Know and work comfortably with both MassHire and JVS systems, processes, and procedures
• Maintain annual reporting plan, write and ensures data quality for reporting making systems or data collection changes as needed
• Ensure accurate, effective, timely MOSES database usage.

Builds Relationships, Collaboration and Teamwork
• Work collaboratively with and encourage collaboration between JVS departments and divisions to ensure agency performance goals are met
• Lead program planning meetings and team-based projects
• Communicate regularly with Supervisor to ensure successful program performance
• Provide leadership and exemplify resolving disagreements and conflict in a professional and productive manner

MINIMUM QUALFIICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
• 8 years of related work experience in workforce development, compliance, or employment services
• 3 years of program management and supervisory experience
• Proven financial management skills
• Proven program development and management skills
• Demonstrated presentation skills
• Demonstrated technical database skills
• Experience in grant and proposal writing
• Experience in review and creation of budgets
• High proficiency in Micro Soft Office Suite
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work as part of a team; experience in team facilitation preferred
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

BA/BS in Human Service, Education, Marketing, Business or equivalent.

KEY COMPETENCIES:
• Accountability and Results Focused
• Adapting to Change
• Building Relationships, Collaboration and Teamwork
• Cultural Competency and Respect
• Communication Skills
• Initiative
• Planning/Organizing
• Promotes Agency

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
• Coaches and Develops Staff
• Inspires a Shared Vision
• Manages Effectively
• Administrative/Systems Expertise
• Managerial Accountability

JOB COMPETENCIES:
• Strategic program planning
• Managing program budgets
• Quality Improvement
• Grant management

MENTAL DEMANDS:
• Reading
• Verbal communication
• Detailed work
• Written communication
• Confidentiality
• Multiple concurrent tasks
• Problem Solving
• External contacts
• Language
• Analysis of statistical and financial data
• Math

SPECIAL WORK CONDITIONS:
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required
• Occasional out-of-state travel required
• Frequent local travel required

JVS CULTURE:

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.

M/F/V/DV

TO APPLY: JVS has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for the Sr. Director of Career Center Operations. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy 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.