New Search: Major Gifts Officer with JVS!

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with JVS on the search for their Major Gifts Officer. This is an exciting new role, and a great fit for an experienced development professional looking to make a significant impact with an outstanding organization.

ABOUT JVS:

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 workforce development 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. JVS’s unique education and career pathway model has been widely recognized by funders, policy makers, and practitioners in Massachusetts and nationally.

ABOUT THE MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER OPPORTUNITY:

The Major Gifts Officer will play a critical role in increasing major donor support, and acts as an ambassador for JVS Boston across the community.  Responsibilities include: new donor identification, cultivation and stewardship of existing donors to increase overall retention and giving, and relationship management between donors and others on the board and staff who work with them. The Major Gifts Officer will also be responsible for formalizing and growing the organization’s planned giving program.

The Major Gifts Officer reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and will work closely and collaboratively with the CEO, Mid-Level Gifts Officer, board members, and other external stakeholders.

Essential Functions

Donor Management

  • Maintain a personal portfolio of 50+ major donors and prospects (defined as those giving a gift of $10,000+), as well as those donors and prospects that have the capacity to give at this level or higher.
  • Serve as the primary relationship manager for this portfolio of prospects, developing and implementing a written donor strategy and relationship record (using Salesforce) of all interactions.
  • Communicate with portfolio through face-to-face cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings, as well as verbal and written strategies; ensure that each major donor and prospect has a clear strategy and timeline for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Develop solicitation strategies for donors / prospects in support of the organization’s annual fund, planned giving, and growth campaigns; ensure strategies are compatible and maximize opportunities with other existing campaigns.
  • Support the fundraising efforts of the CDO and CEO in securing new and renewed gifts.
  • With the CDO, create and manage individual giving revenue targets across streams; track and report on progress to goal to CDO, CEO, and CFO including contracts, gifts, and pledges.
  • Work with the Mid-Level Gifts Officers to screen and prepare profiles of current and prospective donors; establish and refine benchmarks for department research processes as needed.

Campaign Strategy

  • Work with the CDO to manage revenue projection and expense budget, as well as pledges and pledge fulfillments.
  • Work with CDO to plan and execute major gifts campaigns.

Events

  • Work with the Communications Manager and Mid-Level Gifts Officer to strategize and help execute cultivation events for major donors and prospects.
  • Be a visible presence at development department special events, such as major donor cultivation events and fundraisers.

Volunteer Liaison

  • Work collaboratively with the Volunteer Manager to ensure that volunteer opportunities meet the needs and expectations of current and prospective donors, while serving the immediate needs of JVS.
  • Serve as primary point of contact for corporate groups interested in connecting with JVS through volunteering.
  • Create feedback and improvement loop with all volunteer groups with a goal of ensuring positive experience, continued engagement, and moves management of volunteers toward making a financial commitment to JVS where and when possible.

Planned Giving

  • Working with the Chief Development Officer, develop a strategy for outreach to and stewardship of planned giving prospects and donors.
  • Develop all print and web-based supporting materials for planned giving program.

Additional Functions

  • Supervise the Mid-Level Gifts Officer
  • Manage Major Gifts Task Force in collaboration with the CDO
  • Manage Resource Development Committee with the Mid-Level Gifts Officer
  • Provide analysis and recommendations based on reporting.
  • Provide detailed prospect reports for solicitors.
  • Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience plus a minimum of 5-10 years (direct or equivalent) experience managing high level donor relationships with demonstrated success in closing gifts of $10,000 and above.
  • Ability to conceive, plan, and execute a major gifts program, including annual giving, special events, and special projects/campaigns.
  • Excellent grasp of Salesforce database software.
  • Willingness to be hands-on in a role that is demanding and requires a high level of energy and professionalism.
  • High level proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Teams, Word, and Excel, and a working knowledge of search functions for donor research purposes.
  • Superior interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally with a culturally diverse group of volunteers, co-workers, and donors.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to prioritize workload in a timely manner to complete assignments with many deadlines and competing requirements.
  • Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check.

JVS COMMITMENT:

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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.

M/F/V/DV

TO APPLY: 

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

New Search! Executive Director of Schooner Adventure!

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

About Schooner Adventure:

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

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

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

Learn and see more about Schooner Adventure here.  

Mission:

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

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

Job Description/Responsibilities:

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

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

Job Duties:

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

Skills & Qualifications:

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

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

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

Other:

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

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

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

To Apply:

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

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.