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.

Announcing Harvard Extension School’s First-Ever Nonprofit Human Resource Management Course

I am excited to announce that I am creating and will be teaching Harvard Extension School‘s first-ever Nonprofit Human Resource Management course this fall.  This course will provide an introduction to the practices, policies, and theories related to nonprofit human resource management. Designed for those who are now or will be an HR practitioner or executive for a nonprofit organization, museum, school, or foundation, this course will prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage human capital in a nonprofit setting.

Classes begin on Monday, September 9th.  This is a live, web-based course running through mid-December, and will include several nonprofit executive guest speakers.  Registration opens on Monday, July 29th.  Learn more here!  

A woman-owned company based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides nonprofit executive search and human resources 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.

Art + Small Biz for #BostonRacialEquity 2019

#bostonracialequity

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is a proud sponsor of ART SMALL BIZ 4 #BOSTONRACIALEQUITY in conjunction with the 2019 Stand Against Racism campaign. The event will be hosted by YW Boston in partnership with BBSquared and SoWa friends.  This engaging and inspiring event brings together a diverse group of attendees to gallery hop, connect with new and old faces, and pledge to do their part to eliminate racism.

This year five art galleries in the beautiful SoWa district have generously donated their space:

Racism impacts all of us, and this evening gathers our community friends together to provoke thought around what each of us could do and will commit to fight racism and make a positive difference into the future, for all of our communities.

Event details: 

Wednesday, May 8, 2019, 6:00pm – 9:00pm at SoWa Galleries, 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118.  To register, email Meredith Lynch, Associate Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, YW Boston at mlynch@ywboston.org.

Chief Operating Officer, Grads of Life with Year Up!

Executive Search Boston

Pillar Search has partnered with Year Up on their search for a Chief Operating Officer, Grads of Life.

OVERVIEW:

The Chief Operating Officer, Grads of Life (Boston, MA) reports directly to the Principal, Grads of Life and will assist in building and leading Grads of Life’s work to help employers build Opportunity Youth talent pipelines.

Grads of Life was incubated by Year Up and is a separate program and team focused on influencing the human capital strategy and processes of large employers.  As a result of the Grads of Life media campaign and public service announcement, which has garnered $90M in donated media support and attracted more than 800,000 visitors to its accompanying website, employers of all sizes and industries are coming to Grads of Life for tools, solutions, and support in tapping into the Opportunity Youth talent pool. This new employer demand represents a critical opportunity to engage business in closing the Opportunity Divide, which separates 6 million young adults from accessing stable, viable careers. Employers want to find their next great talent – and they need the help of Grads of Life to find, grow, and retain Opportunity Youth.

The Chief Operating Officer, Grads of Life (Boston, MA) is part of a three-person executive leadership team of Grads of Life. This position will work to operationalize the strategic vision for Grads of Life.  In order to be successful in this role, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires you to triage myriad new opportunities and lead across multiple large-scale projects at once.  You will have a strong business focus and decision making skills that enable effective allocation of talent and resources to maximize learning through corporate pilots. Given the need to lead across diverse innovation pilots in an emerging market, you’ll also be a veteran leader who can predict and problem solve skill or resource gaps to ensure success.

We understand that people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications below. If you believe you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Opportunity Optimization

  • Optimize staff and resource allocation to drive success across Grads of Life deploying a clear decision framework for making tough trade-offs
  • In partnership with Grads of Life executive leaders triage new opportunities against investor commitments, system change potential, and available resources
  • In partnership with Grads of Life executive leaders, cultivate strategic vision for scalable and sustainable business practices for Grads of Life and/or other market players thus driving systems change
  • Refine Grads of Life business model based on market learning and pilot experiences
  • Optimize marketing and communication activity as an effective tool for systems change and business development
  • Assess opportunities for potential skill or resource gaps that could impede success and then problem solve to fill gaps
  • Keep abreast of market innovations and other players to inform system change thinking, marketing strategy, product direction, and potential collaboration and partnership opportunities

Performance Management

  • Work closely with Grads of Life team to ensure all ongoing activities are moving forward in alignment with strategic direction
  • Lead team to deliver against Grads of Life investor milestones and internal annual goals, deploy lead and lag indicators of progress to avert surprises
  • In consultation with pilot leaders, create corrective plans for pilots that are off track
  • Manage internal burn rate of capital and steward financial and human resources to maximize number of quality pilot opportunities
  • Oversee building, or modifying of existing, administrative systems and processes to enable efficient workflow and management across Grads of Life
  • Oversee performance reporting to key investors, Year Up corporate, and other key stakeholders
  • Work closely with team to manage and monitor external evaluation process

Talent & Culture

  • Foster a culture that attracts extraordinary talent and create team practices for coaching and developing talent in partnership with Grads of Life executive leaders
  • Create supportive processes and structures that scaffold a performance culture
  • Optimize staff roles and responsibilities and align activity against Grads of Life annual goals for all staff
  • Model an approachable and supportive management style that elicits full potential from staff
  • Solidify and promote a unique Grads of Life culture inside of Year Up that is defined by nimbleness, innovation and entrepreneurism in partnership with Grads of Life executive leaders

Influence Team Member

  • Participate as an Influence team member by engaging in team meetings and helping to onboard new staff

QUALIFICATIONS:

Business Focus & Strategic Thinking

  • Knowledgeable about financial issues and responsibilities and exposure to a range of business models
  • Start-up or innovation experience with a focus on delivering the best outcomes creatively using the resources available
  • Ability to proactively seek more efficient ways of doing business while balancing investments in systems or processes with current and potential future scale of work
  • A clear focus on the activities and projects that bring the best return on advancing system change in this emerging market
  • Predisposition to take a long term view and entertain a wide range of possibilities in developing a vision for the future

Leadership skills & Decision Making

  • Ability to inspire a strong desire to succeed across team members and lead others to successful goal/milestone accomplishment
  • Strong and calm presence and can provide the team with a clear sense of direction, especially in times of high stakes activity
  • Experience and comfort with making quick and sound decisions based on consideration of the (sometimes incomplete) data and alternatives available
  • Ability to predict future skill or resource gaps which could impede success for a pilot or Grads of Life and proactive address gaps
  • Commitment to promoting diversity of thought and experience on the team and in how members interact to achieve the best outcomes for Grads of Life
  • Belief in the power of diversity and excitement for working in a diverse culture and on diverse teams

Coaching & Developing Others:

  • Experience with improving other’s skills and talents by providing directly and creating culture and systems to encourage constructive feedback , coaching and training opportunities
  • Understanding of how to empower others by investing them with the authority and latitude to accomplish tasks effectively
  • Self-awareness of strengths and weakness and how that impacts decision making, comfort with proactively seeking additional experience or skills to guide work

Mission / Cultural Fit:

  • Passion for systems change activities (i.e. campaign organizing, advocacy and coalition building, media, and public relations)
  • A passion for working with urban young adults, an unshakable belief in their potential and a strong commitment to the mission of Year Up
  • Understanding of the Opportunity Divide and its drivers
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

  • Salary: Competitive and commensurate with education and experience
  • Benefits: Competitive package including 100% healthcare coverage, dental, and 401(k) match
  • Vacation: Three weeks paid vacation in first year of employment; four weeks after initial year
  • Professional development: Funds available to support staff in achieving career objectives

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Year Up is an award-winning national 501(c)3 organization striving to close the Opportunity Divide by providing young adults ages 18-24 with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. Through a one-year intensive program, Year Up utilizes a high support, high expectations model that combines hands-on technical and professional skills, educational stipends, college-level coursework, and corporate internships at more than 250 top companies.

Year Up currently serves young adults in Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, the National Capital Region, New York City, Philadelphia, Providence, Puget Sound, San Francisco Bay Area, South Florida, and Wilmington and will serve more than 3,000 students in 2017 nationwide.

Voted one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in the country by The Non-Profit Times for six consecutive years, Year Up is a rewarding place to work. Their staff is passionate, supportive, mission-driven, and live by a set of core values that reflect an unshakable belief in the talent and full potential of young people.

Year Up participates in E-Verify.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

Year Up actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. They are committed to embracing diversity within their organization because they firmly believe that diverse employee teams help to achieve the best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to young adults as they work to close the Opportunity Divide. They are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive work environment. Learn more about their commitment to diversity:http://www.yearup.org/about-us/careers/commitment-to-diversity/

As an equal opportunity employer, Year Up is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Pillar’s Founder & CEO, to cindy@pillarsearch.com.  Note that, per the client’s request, submissions without a cover letter will not be considered.

 

Another Successful Search for Year Up from Pillar Executive Search!

Pillar's Search Success

Pillar Search is proud to have successfully partnered with Year Up on the search for their new Associate Director of Partner Relations and to announce the placement of Deborah Matteson.

Year Up is an award-winning national 501(c)3 organization striving to close the Opportunity Divide by providing urban young adults ages 18-24 with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. Through a one-year intensive training program, these young adults complete a unique combination of rigorous, hands-on technical and professional skills training, college credit, and corporate internships.

Based in Year Up’s Boston office, Deborah will manage existing partner relationships, facilitating interactions between Year Up, interns and corporate partners to create mutually beneficial business relationships. As part of the Corporate Engagement team, Deborah will help to connect top corporations in need of talent with high-potential urban young adults, ensuring high levels of partner satisfaction.

Deborah has extensive experience in sales and account management, and has worked with companies such as Brafton, Aberdeen Group, Nth Degree Events, and Monster. Deborah earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Boston University.

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. To learn more about how Pillar can assist with your search needs, please contact Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

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

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.