New Search! Vice President of Development with Sandy Hook Promise!

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is proud to partner with Sandy Hook Promise in the search for their new Vice President of Development.

ABOUT SANDY HOOK PROMISE:

Sandy Hook Promise is a nonpartisan organization that was founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012. Sandy Hook Promise is dedicated to preventing gun violence and creating a culture of inclusivity, safety, respect, and kindness in schools and communities across the United States.

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that offers a range of evidence-informed programs and initiatives designed to empower youth, educators, and community members to recognize the signs preceding violence and to take steps to prevent it. Their programs include educational resources for schools, youth leadership programs, and community-based campaigns to raise awareness of the impacts of gun violence.

Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) that champions a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization.

Through its work, Sandy Hook Promise aims to build a movement of individuals and organizations committed to promoting gun safety, mental health awareness, and social and emotional learning. The organization has received widespread support from educators, parents, and lawmakers, as well as celebrities and public figures, and continues to play a vital role in the national conversation around gun violence prevention.

Learn more about Sandy Hook Promise here.  

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Sandy Hook Promise seeks an innovative, mission-driven Vice President of Development (VP) to expand its fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the CEOs and C-Suite, the VP will lead and manage a development team, cultivate transformational, high-level gifts, and strengthen constituent relationships by increasing awareness and building constituent support for the organization’s 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) work. The VP will also identify, cultivate, and actively manage a donor portfolio through prospecting, qualifying, and cultivating high-level donors and collaborate with leadership to achieve fundraising goals. This role requires a strategic, hands-on leader with a track record of success in major gift development and experience leading fundraising for large national organizations. They will possess the ability to effectively operationalize and implement such strategies into actionable plans and tangible results. The VP will be a player-coach responsible for motivating and developing a cohesive team while building and maintaining strong relationships with donors and focusing their energies toward radically increasing and securing six and seven-figure gifts from individuals and foundations.

The ideal VP will be a visionary and strategic leader with a proven track record of ensuring support for a best-in-class national nonprofit organization, both building on the current strong foundations and through the stewardship of existing supporters and the identification of new funding sources to ensure continuous growth of support for the mission and vision of Sandy Hook Promise across both the C3 and C4.

RESPONSIBILITY OVERVIEW:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s strategic plan and budgetary goals for the C3 and C4
  • Oversee and manage the organization’s fundraising programs, including major gifts, annual giving, foundation relations, and special events.
  • Serve as the leader of the development team, fostering a collaborative and goal-oriented culture amongst staff. Enhance the team’s effectiveness and productivity by providing coaching and mentorship, motivating team members with energy, passion, and clear expectations.
  • Manage a team of 3 professionals currently, with two approved Director-level roles to be hired following the VP joining the Sandy Hook Promise team.
  • Position Sandy Hook Promise for long-term success, increasing SHP’s giving beyond the $10 million threshold with a goal to double our major gifts revenue in the next 5 years.
  • Creatively and strategically expand the donor base, with a heightened focus on major gifts and the creation and management of events.
  • Work closely with the Marketing Department to leverage and upgrade SHP’s grassroots base and mid-level donors.
  • Manage a portfolio of key supporters, including the cultivation of six- and seven-figure gifts.
  • Leverage and deepen the relationships between the Development department and the Programs, Policy, Marketing, Finance, and Operations Departments to drive fundraising that will support overall organizational goals.
  • Ensure best-in-class donor gratitude, recognition, and stewardship of SHP donors.
  • Develop suite of donor communications materials, including strong cases for support and pitch materials, that will attract and engage a broader donor audience, customizing needs for both our program and policy work.
  • Ability to lead strategic pitches with current and prospective donors, both in coordination with other team members and on their own.
  • Foster and leverage relationships of SHP’s leadership, including the Board of Directors, CEOs, advisory boards, senior leadership team, and current donors to meet fundraising goals and grow our prospects and strategic connections.
  • Work with the senior leadership team to define how the development team will support the Sandy Hook Promise strategic plan, building long-term goals with a growth mindset, creative ideas, and clear vision that supports both the C3 and C4.
  • Leverage technology to enhance systems, processes, and structures within the development department, while still maintaining a personal touch and donor-centric mindset.
  • Champion the SHP’s commitment to fostering REDI (Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) within the organization and with its partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The ideal VP candidate will have fifteen years or more of progressive experience in nonprofit development, including three to five years at the senior level and five+ years of experience leading a team of experienced professionals.
  • The VP will have experience creating a compelling vision and strategy, and delivering a plan against that vision, for a national nonprofit organization.
  • A proven results-driven approach to scaling and achieving fundraising goals over the near- and long-term.
  • A comprehensive understanding of various fundraising channels, including major gifts, corporate giving, foundations, planned giving, donor-advised funds (DAFs), special events, grassroots support, matching campaigns, and capital campaigns.
  • Direct experience and expertise with individual and major giving including a track record of securing 6- and 7-figure gifts
  • A balanced approach to leadership, with the ability to operate strategically and tactically, partnering with senior leadership and the board while managing both team members and a pool of donors.
  • Strong analytical and data-driven skills with a proven ability to drive development decisions and achieve strategic objectives using metrics.
  • A demonstrated enthusiasm and motivation in developing a forward-thinking vision for fundraising.
  • Skilled in comprehending, synthesizing, and articulating complex information into a compelling case for support that motivates prospective donors to contribute.
  • Possesses exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate with highly talented team members, donors, and other stakeholders to achieve fundraising efforts.
  • An inspiring leader who will manage a team with a mix of experienced development professionals and new developing talent and will build synergy and a unified vision.  The VP of Development will have a servant leadership mentality, focus on the continuous learning and growth of team members, be open and receptive to thought partnership, new ideas, and feedback.
  • The ideal candidate will be resourceful, adaptable, and has achieved results in past roles   through persistence and a “hustle” mentality.
  • Stands as an “agent for change” with an understanding of and passion for gun violence prevention and related social justice movements.
  • Exemplifies the values and mission of SHP, inspiring and motivating others, including staff and supporters, building on SHP’s mission and vision for the future, and think entrepreneurially to inject new ideas and energy.
  • In addition to experience with 501(c)(3) organizations, experience with 501(c)(4) organizations preferred.
  • Strong technical skills, including with donor management systems. Sandy Hook Promise currently uses Salesforce.

LOCATION:

Remote withing the U.S. with travel for in-person meetings/trainings as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $160,000 – $180,000.

SHP follows a strict internal rubric to help guide salary placement and ensure equitable pay amongst new hires and current staff. New hires should expect to be brought on at the start of the range, except in extenuating circumstances.

SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Unlimited PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • 10 days sick leave
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • 401k match
  • Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program.

Sandy Hook Promise operates within a distributed workforce, allowing for location flexibility across the country for most positions. They provide remote office support for all staff, which includes a laptop, home office reimbursement, monthly Wi-Fi reimbursement up to $40, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50.

TO APPLY: 

To apply or nominate a candidate, please contact Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting at cindy@pillarsearch.com. Those applying are asked to submit both a resume and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employment

SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. They strive to be an employer of choice where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. They are focused on promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion and believe deeply in having a workforce comprised of people of all beliefs and backgrounds who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. Members of all under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

New Search! Chief People Officer with UTEC

Pillar Search is honored to partner with UTEC on the search for their new Chief People Officer (CPO). This role is hybrid and based in their office in Lowell, MA. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Human Resources professional with experience building a strong organizational culture, scaling growing organizations, and who shares UTEC’s commitment to diversity and social justice.

ABOUT UTEC

UTEC is a nationally recognized program for justice-involved young adults. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and intensive street outreach/gang peacemaking and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. The nature of their educational services, wraparound supports and counseling, social enterprise/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships creates a variety of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

Last year, UTEC served over 600 young adults including a range of outreach activities, and approximately 150 young adults intensively through their comprehensive program. During this fiscal year, 75% of young adults at UTEC avoided arrest. With over 20 years of experience, UTEC is a catalyst, innovating in the way they serve young adults (ages 17-25) who are criminally and/or gang involved in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley. Learn more about UTEC at https://utecinc.org.

UTEC values a strong, positive culture. Their organizational values are:

  • Assuming goodness behind everyone’s actions.
  • Show madd love, unconditionally accepting each person.
  • Offer everyone a clean slate, never giving up.
  • Carry out respectful curiosity, always seeking out moments to connect.
  • Be a sponge, actively seeking feedback.
  • Embody contagious passion in all they do.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Above all, the Chief People Officer will drive a joyful, mission-driven, and positive organizational culture!

The CPO is responsible for leading UTEC’s people and talent strategies, managing and mitigating organizational risks, and continuing the development of their human resource-related strategies, policies, and procedures. This role will be responsible for setting strategy, managing employee relations, workforce development, oversight of talent development and acquisition, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, staff and leadership training, policy development, benefits administration, and organizational compliance.

The CPO plays a key leadership role in supporting the agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of management and ensuring UTEC’ DEI vision is embodied in their work and workplace culture. This position acts as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on a variety of issues, including employee relations, leadership development, organizational culture, and talent management; therefore, strong expertise in executive-level management, communication, business process improvement, and DEI strategic planning with a social justice lens is required.

This position will report to UTEC’s incoming CEO.

The CPO will work to support and strengthen UTEC’s systems and culture with a customer service and growth mindset. They seek candidates with experience aligning their people and talent strategy to their business strategy. In addition, the CPO will bring expertise independently designing and executing human capital strategies and processes/process improvements across a large team, change management, leading an organization to implement new approaches to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion, ability to work across a dynamic and diverse set of relationships, managing complex and sensitive situations rounded in values and in accordance with HR best practices and the law. The PO will also focus on leading the administration of benefits, ensuring that he UTEC benefits continue to remain competitive and meet the needs of employees.

The new CPO will partner with Executive Management in fine-tuning a new performance management process and development of a system of alignment between compensation and performance management.

This role will lead and manage a talented team of HR professionals, including the Director of HR and HR Associate, providing ongoing feedback and coaching, annual review/goal setting, and serving as a strategic thought partner. This role will also oversee, as needed, recruitment consultants.

THE IDEAL CPO CANDIDATE

UTEC is seeking a values-driven CPO with experience as a senior organizational leader in human resources and recruitment with a strong background in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work, preferably in the nonprofit sector. The ideal CPO candidate will possess the following experiences and attributes:

  • Experience leading the HR function with a focus on employee experience.
  • Strong knowledge of current HR best practices, laws, and trends.
  • Deep understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and restorative justice as a steppingstone to transformative justice., the nuances of the topics aligned with it, and creating DEI initiatives.
  • Experience building inclusive and engaged workplaces, and cultural awareness and sensitivity with a lens on racial, gender, sexual identity, class, and all forms of oppression.
  • Ability to deal with conflict effectively and to manage difficult employee relations situations confidently and calmly.
  • A collaborative, influential, goal-oriented, and coaching focused style of leadership with direct reports, peers, employees, and leadership.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to find creative solutions to cultural, administrative, and organizational challenges.
  • A track record of successful change management.
  • Experience creating and/or implementing leadership development programs.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • A big-picture thinker who recognizes the impact of decisions and actions on the entire organization. Exhibits sound and accurate judgement and makes timely decisions.
  • Desire to be part of hardworking, collaborative, fun, and values-driven team.
  • At least 7 years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 3-5 years at the management/director level, and proven experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on transformative and social justice.
  • Bachelors/Masters degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.
  • PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP a plus

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for the CPO role is $130,000-$150,000 annually. This is a hybrid role, with 3 days per week in UTEC’s office in Lowell, MA.

UTEC offers a competitive benefits package that starts with 4 weeks of vacation (3 standard for all new employees and week of agency-wide closure between the Christmas and New Year holidays), 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, an annual cost of living increase, 457(b)-retirement plan, and up to $4,000 per employee of professional development support annually. With time, benefits increase to 6 weeks of vacation, increased coverage of health and dental insurance costs, and availability for a 3-week sabbatical.

UTEC stresses the importance of work-life balance and offers several wellness opportunities including additional time off (i.e., for the past two years they have closed at 3:00 p.m. on summer Fridays), an employee assistance program, down payment assistance for first-time home buyers, parental leave, bereavement support, and unlimited free coffee!

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

UTEC is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. You can read more about their commitment to diversity at https://utecinc.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion.

TO APPLY

UTEC’s Chief People Officer search is being managed by Pillar Search & HR Consulting. Please submit your materials via the UTEC website at https://utecinc.applytojob.com/apply/R0J0CAPtZY/Chief-People-Officer

New Search! Chief Development Officer with UTEC

Pillar Search is honored to partner with UTEC on the search for their new Chief Development Officer (CDO). This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced development professional with expertise in growing support for an organization and leading a high-performing team.

ABOUT UTEC

UTEC is a nationally recognized program for justice-involved young adults. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and intensive street outreach/gang peacemaking and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. The nature of their educational services, wraparound supports and counseling, social enterprises/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships creates a variety of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

In 1999, UTEC was founded as the result of an organizing movement driven by young people to develop their own teen center in response to gang violence. In 2010, after ten years in operation as a drop-in center and safe space for young people of all ages, UTEC staff engaged in a Theory of Change process that led to a programmatic restructuring to provide intensive, integrated services for the most disconnected youth ages 17-25. UTEC decided to continue the organization’s gang prevention work and education programming, as well as expand its employment and transitional coaching services.

In 2011, UTEC began construction to expand and renovate its youth center in downtown Lowell to accommodate increased enrollment and grow their social enterprises. By 2016, UTEC had expanded its social enterprises into three industry areas: mattress recycling, woodworking, and food services. In 2017, the 2Gen Center @ UTEC opened its doors to provide onsite early education for young children of UTEC’s enrolled young adults.

Since 2019, UTEC has celebrated the grand opening of new program sites in Haverhill and Lawrence. In the same year, UTEC was selected as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ provider for a Gun Violence Prevention Training Center for Excellence, which is now the premier training facility in the state for addressing gun violence through both a public health and racial equity lens.

In FY22, UTEC served over 600 young adults including a range of outreach activities, and approximately 150 young adults intensively through their comprehensive program. During this fiscal year, 75% of young adults at UTEC avoided arrest. With over 20 years of experience, UTEC is a catalyst, innovating in the way they serve young adults (ages 17-25) who are criminally and/or gang involved in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley.

UTEC values a strong, positive culture. Their organizational values are:

  • Assuming goodness behind everyone’s actions.
  • Show madd love, unconditionally accepting each person.
  • Offer everyone a clean slate, never giving up.
  • Carry out respectful curiosity, always seeking out moments to connect.
  • Be a sponge, actively seeking feedback.
  • Embody contagious passion in all they do.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

UTEC is seeking a talented Chief Development Officer who is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and can act as an ambassador for UTEC and the important work they do, demonstrating a personal commitment to the organization’s values and imparting them to others, both within and outside the organization.

Reporting to the CEO, this position will lead an eight-person development team, carry a portfolio of high net-worth prospects, and create a vision and strategy for doubling UTEC’s philanthropic revenue over the next several years.

The CDO will be a member of UTEC’s senior leadership team and work closely with the Board and the Advisory Committee.

UTEC has had success closing 6 and 7-figure gifts from individuals and has a strong individual pipeline that needs to be cultivated. This will be an area of focus and opportunity for the CDO.

Leadership and Management

  • Lead an overall team of six professionals, which includes three direct reports (Director of Principal Gifts, Director of Major Gifts (to be hired), and Director of Advancement and Donor Services).
  • Create and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive development strategy and measurable plan to grow philanthropic revenue, with an emphasis on individual giving.
  • Develop short-term and long-term fundraising goals and benchmarks and analyze the effectiveness of all development initiatives regularly.
  • Working closely with the Director of Advancement and Donor Services, develop and execute best practice development systems and operations to support a successful and rapidly growing development program.
  • Mentor, inspire and grow the development staff.

Prospect and Portfolio Management

  • Collaborating with other members of the UTEC organization, develop strategies for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.
  • Personally build and manage a portfolio of individual and institutional prospects.
  • Engage leadership in key donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
  • Build on current stewardship activities to deepen relationships with current donors.
  • Develop and implement new engagement strategies.

Key Qualifications

  • Strong commitment to social justice and serving UTEC’s young people.
  • Successful track record of closing major gifts and building productive relationships with boards, donors, and colleagues at all levels
  • Solid understanding of development best practices and insight into how technology supports philanthropy.
  • Experience leading and managing a team of development professionals.
  • Passion for supporting the professional development of direct reports through coaching, mentoring and a strengths-based approach.
  • Strategic, persuasive, and action-oriented – entrepreneurial and comfortable taking calculated risks
  • Able to represent UTEC’s diverse culture
  • Flexible and resourceful self-starter who can work well in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • A great sense of humor and an ability to collaborate with colleagues at all levels.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some night and weekend events as needed.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Experience with Salesforce a plus.

Salary/Benefits: The salary range for the Chief Development Officer role is $130,000 – $150,000. UTEC offers a competitive benefits package that starts with 4 weeks of vacation (3 standard for all new employees and a week of agency-wide closure between the Christmas and New Year holidays), 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, an annual cost of living increase, a 457B retirement plan and up to $4,000 per employee of professional development support.  With time, benefits grow to include up to 6 weeks of vacation, 80% coverage of employee health and dental insurance costs and availability for a 3-week sabbatical.

UTEC also stresses the importance of work-life balance and offers several wellness opportunities including additional time off (i.e., for the past two years we have closed at 3pm on Fridays during the summer months), an employee assistance program, down payment assistance for first time home buyers, parental leave, bereavement supports and unlimited free coffee!

TO APPLY

This search is being led by Pillar Search & HR Consulting. Please submit your materials to Cindy Joyce via the UTEC career page at https://utecinc.applytojob.com/apply/G9cCnM9JMX/Chief-Development-Officer.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

UTEC is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. You can read more about their commitments here. 

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: Director of Partnerships With Aim High

Introduction

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with Aim High on their search for the Director of Partnerships. This is a hybrid role located in San Francisco, CA. Qualified candidates are encouraged to email their cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Pillar’s Founder/Executive Search Consultant, at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

About Aim High

Aim High embraces the raw beauty of early adolescence by focusing on middle school (ages of 11 to 14), a vital stage of maturation. It is also critical to educational trajectories: improving the college and career readiness skills students possess by eighth grade has the largest impact on high school graduates’ ultimate level of college and career readiness – even more than any single high school-level enhancement. Summer programs are particularly effective in mitigating the inequity caused by systemic barriers in education. Despite its importance, just 1.1% of the 5.5 million middle school students from low-income communities nationwide have access to free summer enrichment programs. Aim High’s multi-year, five-week summer program combines pedagogical rigor with emotional depth to ignite the boundless potential within young people navigating systemic barriers.

They envision every middle school student having access to joyful summer learning, inspired and innovative teachers, and the support they need to succeed in school and life.

Aim High was founded on the belief that every student has the right to a quality education. In 1986 they launched at one site in San Francisco with just 50 students. Over the last 35 years, they have expanded across the Bay Area in every direction, as far as Napa and Tahoe-Truckee. Along the way, their transformative summer enrichment program has empowered thousands of middle schoolers from low-income neighborhoods, igniting their love of learning and yielding real results – 98% of Aim High alumni graduate and go on to college.

Learn more at www.aimhigh.org.

The Opportunity

Aim High is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its Director of Partnerships. Reporting to VP of Philanthropy and Marketing and in partnership with the CEO, this dynamic role will support the organization’s long-term vision of increasing the number of students who have access to the Aim High program by forming strong earned-revenue partnerships with schools, districts, and community-based organizations. This includes creating and driving a strategic approach to growing our earned revenue strategy in a sustainable way. This role is highly collaborative and requires strategic thinking that can set up the organization for ambitious and sustainable growth. This position works closely with its CEO, Board of Trustees, and members of the Aim High staff.

Aim High is in the midst of creating the next strategic plan, and this position will take the lead in building an earned revenue strategy that increases revenue growth on an annual basis. FY23, the target is $500,000 and subsequent years will have increased targets. If this sounds like an ideal role for you, you will have the opportunity to…

Drive partnerships strategy:

  • Working closely with the CEO, VP of Philanthropy and Marketing, VP of Program Design and Impact, and VP of Program Operations to build and execute the organization’s earned revenue strategy, including owning the development of a pipeline of prospects capable of entering a fee-for-service relationship with Aim High. Lead the execution of the annual business development strategy and forecast to meet revenue growth targets.
  • Lead the development and management of the organization’s selection criteria and MOU execution process for new sites and regional expansions. Serve as the organization’s primary earned revenue sales lead, including the creation of sales proposals and presentations to articulate partnership opportunities. Work closely with regional program teams and senior management to finalize partnerships.
  • Build and close a sales pipeline that enables the organization to meet its goals for growth and scale
  • Collaborate with Finance to understand cost of services to determine pricing tactics and lead revenue conversations that support financially-sustainable, long-term growth plans
  • Identify data, metrics, and methodology to estimate KPIs, and track, measure, and report new monthly/quarterly data cross partnerships for each relationship leader

Provide organizational leadership:

  • Partner with the CEO and VPPM in shaping organizational and revenue generation strategies that drive the growth of the organization.
  • Act as a strategic advisor on the organization’s strategy, vision, and overall performance. Provide thought partnership on the organization’s strategic planning.
  • Partner with the CEO, Board, and Senior Management Team to create a long-term sustainability plan for the organization.
  • Work closely with members of the program team to build and maintain processes for greenlighting new site expansion
  • Effectively communicate and present critical matters to the senior management team and the Board of Trustees.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships across the organization, including the CEO and Board. Serve as a trusted advisor.
  • Assist in building a strong and productive sense of community and team. Be a culture carrier committed to Aim High’s ADEI (Anti-Racist, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) values.

Other duties as needed.

Qualifications

You will be successful in this role if you:

  • Possess a deep commitment to the mission of Aim High.
  • Enjoy building a persuasive case for social impact and relish the opportunity to invite people to join in a meaningful mission.
  • Are motivated by big challenges that can deliver critical impact to communities.
  • Have previous experience leading in the nonprofit education space and have demonstrated a consistent ability to meet aggressive growth targets.
  • Are driven by an ambitious sales pipeline and thrive when charged with building new opportunities for growth.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Are a strong communicator with an attention to detail and sensitivity to the recipient of your communication.
  • Have a strategic mindset paired with the execution skills that allow you to lead and manage projects, groups, or organizations to achieve goals/ objectives.
  • Demonstrate significant experience working with diverse audiences and/or communicating with an equity lens.
  • Proficiency using computers and software such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
  • Outstanding problem solver with the ability to make quick, sound decisions and the ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Positive, can-do attitude with a solutions-oriented mindset
  • Attention to detail and the ability to operate with considerable independence to effectively establish priorities and work accurately under time constraints.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as a high level of cultural competence

Job Details

  • Reports To: VP of Philanthropy and Marketing
  • Location: Bay Area, CA
  • Pay range is $135,000 – $150,000 DOE
  • Classification: Full-time (40 hours per week); exempt from overtime
  • Benefits: 100% employer-paid health insurance (medical/dental/vision) for employees, retirement match, and generous paid time off including a winter closure.

Aim High recognizes that striving to be a truly anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive (A.D.E.I.) organization requires deep and long-term commitment. They know that they will make mistakes, and they are dedicated to learning from them. They ask their broader Aim High team – including staff, educators, board members, and supporters – to encourage, challenge, and join them in living out their commitment to A.D.E.I.

Aim High is an equal opportunity employer. Aim High seeks diversity in its community and affords equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, citizenship status, medical condition, or any other legally protected status.

Vaccination Policy

Aim High requires that the holder of this position be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. Aim High will review and consider requests for reasonable accommodation to this requirement.

To Apply

Aim High has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting for the Director of Partnerships search. Please submit your materials (cover letter and resume) to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

Search Success: Rob Jacobs Joins Sandy Hook Promise as Vice President of Technology!

Sandy Hook Promise and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Rob Jacobs to the position of Vice President of Technology. Rob joined the organization on January 30, 2023.

As Vice President of Technology, Rob will lead technology strategy, objectives goals vision, priorities, and technology decisions. He will define and bring to life the best technology solutions that meet the needs of the organization today and establish the right foundation for future growth and ability to scale, while also leading a team of IT professionals, building on a best-in-class culture with big-picture thinking that is adaptable and able to respond to the needs and goals of the organization effectively and efficiently. Rob will develop, implement, and evaluate technology projects and new processes and systems in line with organizational objectives, and build Project Management expertise to manage these initiatives.

Most recently, Rob was Director of IT with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Prior, he was the Chief Information Officer of the Capital Good Fund. Earlier in his career, he was the Chief Information Officer of Kappa Alpha Theta and Senior Director of IT with Herff Jones, as well as a consultant with The Integrity Practice.

Rob earned his master’s degree in organizational management & development from the Fielding Graduate School and his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Morehouse College.

About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Through its lifesaving, evidence informed Know the Signs prevention programs, Sandy Hook Promise educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. Sandy Hook Promise is a moderate, bipartisan organization that supports sensible policy solutions that address the human side of gun violence and make schools safer. Sandy Hook Promise is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. For more information about Sandy Hook Promise, please visit https://www.sandyhookpromise.org.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information about Pillar, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

New Search! Fisheries Policy Manager with Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance

FISHERIES POLICY MANAGER 

  • Are you passionate about making a difference?
  • Are you a natural and outgoing leader?
  • Do you enjoy influencing others and negotiating solutions?
  • Does the idea of working in a cubicle every day seem soul-crushing?
  • Are you looking for a role with career growth over the next few years?

If you’re 5 for 5, then you should learn more about a unique opportunity to join the team at the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance as its new Policy Manager. Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to manage this important search.

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

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

This full-time job offers a creative opportunity to engage multiple skills working within a dynamic team structure, with serious potential for growth.

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

Within 2-3 years, with mentoring from the CEO/Policy Director, it is expected that this position will take over the public policy roles and responsibilities currently held by the CEO and advance to the role of Policy Director. Additionally, the Policy Director will manage a team of 1-2 team members and provide ongoing strategic leadership regarding fisheries policy and advocacy campaigns.

A successful candidate will be adept at speaking with commercial fishermen at the pier or on their boats, talking with Congress and fisheries managers, and arguing for regulatory change in a wide range of important decision-making venues. They should be comfortable advocating for positive change in often contentious debates.

Core Aspects of the Work

  • Policy and advocacy work
  • Representation of fishermen and the fishing community
  • Fishermen communications
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Influence without authority
  • Negotiation
  • Problem-solving
  • Representation
  • Stakeholder focus

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

  • Collaborate with fishing membership and staff to identify and evaluate opportunities in the regulatory arena to forward our core mission and specific objectives in each fishery.
  • Participate in the planning and decision-making for policy initiatives, develop process management to execute strategy and tactics.
  • Attend and coordinate fishermen participation in meetings of the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) as well as its affiliated Oversight Committees, Plan Development Teams, Science and Statistical Committees, and Advisory Panels (when appropriate).
  • Attend and coordinate participation in meetings of the various other state and federal regulatory bodies responsible for fisheries management including Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF).
  • Draft, revise and submit official organizational comments on relevant regulatory and legislative actions.
  • Communicate regularly with fishermen in order to build, maintain and improve community relationships; utilize relationships as points of influence for policy campaigns.
  • Coordinate member fishermen’s participation in the regulatory process through written and verbal comments on important regulatory changes.
  • Manage organizational partnerships and coordinate like-minded stakeholders in the policy arena. Represent the organization at Fishing Communities Coalition and Seafood Harvesters of America.
  • Communicate important pending or potential regulatory changes to other members of staff, affected fishermen members, elected state and federal representatives and the public.
  • Participate in the drafting, revising and submission of formal funding proposals for policy programs.
  • Assist the CEO and/or Development Director during meetings with existing and prospective individual donors and philanthropic foundations.
  • Collaborate with the Communications Officer and other staff to identify and evaluate media opportunities to advance policy goals.
  • Participate, whenever appropriate, in the drafting and revising of media pieces to further policy and organizational goals.

Required Experience and Competencies

Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
  • 3-5 years relevant experience in policy, campaign planning, and community building
  • Desire to grow long-term with an organization to affect lasting change
  • Natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among stakeholders with a variety of viewpoints preferred.
  • Passion for mission

Key Competencies:

  • Adaptability
  • Building trust
  • Collaboration
  • Communication (written and verbal)
  • Conflict management
  • Cultural competence
  • Decision-making
  • Engages Others
  • Initiative
  • Teamwork

Start Date

  • Ideally, the new Policy Manager will join the organization no later than January 2023

Salary and Benefits

  • The starting annual salary range is $65K-$80K. In addition, the organization offers generous health care coverage upon starting and 401K retirement plan (5% match after one year).

Location of Work

Cape Cod, MA.  The Program Manager is expected to be in the office in Chatham, MA at least 1 day a week; flexible telework options available for the remainder of week, with the expectation of regular travel to regional regulatory meetings and to meet with fishermen (in Cape Cod ports and at office).

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

This can be a high-stress position: handles detailed, complex concepts and problems, balances multiple tasks simultaneously, and engages in contentious discussions.  Plans and meets deadlines. Maintains a flexible work schedule to align with fishermen’s schedules, occasionally weekends and evenings. Travels regularly to regional meetings throughout New England and to meet with fishermen across Cape Cod. Demonstrates commitment to continued professional growth and development. While the position is generally not physically demanding, we expect staff to occasionally go fishing 3-60 miles offshore with industry members, to build trusting relationships and credibility.

To Apply:.

Cindy Joyce, Founder and Executive Search Consultant, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, is managing the Policy Manager search. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

The Fishermen’s Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and provider.