New Search! Executive Director at Boston Preservation Alliance!

About Boston Preservation Alliance

The Boston Preservation Alliance (The Alliance) is an independent, nonprofit organization that exists to advocate for and empower Bostonians to play an active role in preserving the places and stories that are important to our history. We envision Boston as a place where the stories of its diverse residents and cultures are reflected in its evolving built environment.

The Boston Preservation Alliance is at a strong inflection point, positioned for continued growth and continued execution of its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Learn more at www.bostonpreservation.org.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director is responsible for championing the Alliance’s mission, leading its staff and activities of the Alliance, and stewarding the organization’s fiscal health. Collaborating with the Board of Directors and its committees to implement the strategic direction of the organization, the Executive Director manages day-to-day operations of the Alliance and serves as its principal spokesperson. Highly visible in the community, the Executive Director position requires interaction with an array of professionals throughout the city in both the private and public sectors. This full-time position reports directly to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.  The Executive Committee consists of the Board Chair and the chairs of the Board’s committees.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the organization’s principal spokesperson
  • Continue to build on the positive reputation of the Alliance and its strong relationships with the City of Boston, key city leaders, partnership organizations, and community groups.
  • Further build upon Boston Preservation Alliance’s efforts to increase the organization’s connection to diverse stakeholders, including underrepresented neighborhoods, community leaders, and community members, as well as proving support and resource opportunities.
  • Lead the fundraising efforts with the support of Board members to meet/ exceed revenue targets. Identify new revenue opportunities for the Alliance’s long-term fiscal health.
  • Continue to implement the current strategic plan and partner with the Board on further strategic thinking to ensure maximum impact.
  • Oversee all functional areas including advocacy, programs, fundraising, finance and operations, marketing, HR and events (including the Boston Preservation Alliance’s annual awards).
  • Report on the organization’s performance and operations to the Board of Directors on a regular basis, including all regularly scheduled board meetings.
  • Recruit and retain a diverse, high-performing staff. Provide opportunities for mentorship, professional and personal growth. Conduct annual staff performance reviews and engage in continuous performance management efforts.
  • Responsible for ensuring sound fiscal procedures and ensuring the Alliance’s long-term financial sustainability. This includes overseeing budget development, cash management, monthly and annual financial reporting, risk management, and investments. This involves a close partnership with our Treasurer/Finance Committee and outsourced financial service provider.
  • Ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices, including maintaining an updated employee handbook and board handbook.
  • Manage the organization’s workspace needs.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Firm understanding of Boston’s development and planning policies.
  • Bachelor of Arts or Science in historic preservation, architectural history, or urban planning preferred, master’s degree desired.
  • Eight (8) or more years of non-profit management experience, including the direct management of staff.
  • Commitment to and proven leadership experience in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion resulting in organizational change. Training in active listening with a focus on diversity, equity, access, and inclusion a strong plus.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to groups of all sizes, backgrounds, and interests.
  • Prior working knowledge of both Boston government agencies and the Boston Preservation Alliance or similar organization highly desired.
  • Five (5) years or more of active fundraising success, including individual campaigns, corporate sponsorships and grant writing
  • Boston residency strongly preferred (current or past)
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple independent initiatives within strategic priorities set by the Board
  • Ability to construct and discuss budgets and possess a working knowledge of accounting concepts and financial reporting processes/requirements.
  • Collaborative work style
  • Ability to handle potentially charged situations with tact, diplomacy, and a high degree of professionalism
  • Demonstrated multi-tasking abilities
  • Demonstrated proficiency with standard office software including but not limited to the MS Office Suite, Neon CRM, Adobe Creative Suite, QuickBooks and Mailchimp.
  • Language skills beyond English a plus.

Compensation

The salary range for the Executive Director role is $120,000-$140,000, commensurate with experience. and the ability of the candidate to contribute significantly to the growth and strength of the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Boston Preservation Alliance is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

To Be Considered

Boston Preservation Alliance has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for Boston Preservation Alliance’s new Executive Director. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit both a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@pillarsearch.com.

New Search! Vice President of Programs and Services at the Cooperative for Human Services

Are you a nonprofit program leader with a passion for what’s possible for those with intellectual and related disabilities? This may be the ideal opportunity for you!

About the Cooperative for Human Services, Inc.

Founded in 1981 with headquarters in Lexington, MA, the Cooperative for Human Services Inc. (CHS) is a multi-service organization that provides residential services, independent living supports, and guardianship services for people with intellectual and other related disabilities. Their mission is to empower, support, and expand the knowledge, skill, and natural capacities of the people they serve to direct and live full and meaningful lives within their community.

CHS has a mission to fulfill – to ensure that every person with special needs served by them lives a truly happy and fulfilling life and is a respected citizen of the community.

Learn more about this amazing organization at https://cooperativeforhs.org.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President of Programs and Services has overall strategic and operational responsibility for all CHS residential and individual supports programs and service areas. The Vice President of Programs and Services is responsible for building a strong team, fostering an organizational culture of accountability, strengthening programs and services, and ensuring an impact is made in the communities that CHS serves. The Vice President of Programs and Services will embody and emulate the organization’s mission, vision, and values through daily hands-on engagement with individuals served, employees, and the management team.

The Vice President of Programs and Services will develop a deep knowledge of each functional area’s projects, program operations, and business plans. Initially, the focus will be on the following areas: programmatic leadership and oversight, operational processes and efficiencies, regulatory compliance, service quality excellence.

The Vice President of Programs and Services will demonstrate a consistent quality of problem-solving, communications, attention to detail and creative use of resources. In this role, the incumbent will develop, coach, and retain high performance team members, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance. The Vice President of Programs and Services will provide effective and thoughtful leadership by building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization including individuals, families, community partners, volunteers, and Commonwealth entities while continually reinforcing CHS’s mission, vision, and values.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President of Programs and Services is a key internal liaison between service types, Programs, Finance, Operations, Funder Stakeholders and Employee Relations.

Essential Job Activities and Responsibilities

The Vice President of Programs and Services must be thoroughly committed to the organization’s strategy and mission to support people with disabilities and have a strong desire to provide community service as well as be able to fulfill all of the elements of the responsibilities in this role to the highest standard, while utilizing hands on approach and be able to work well with colleagues in a high energy and collaborative work environment.

They will have the following responsibilities under the direction of the CEO and in collaboration with other senior leadership team members and their staff, including:

Strategic Plan Implementation:

  • Contribute to developing the organization’s strategic vision and implement the strategic plan’s components related to Programs and Services.
  • Ensure programmatic needs such as staffing, training, space, infrastructure and systems are met to more effectively carry out the CHS mission with a focus on continual quality improvement.

Program Oversight and Operations:

  • Strengthen programmatic policies, processes and infrastructure as needed.
  • Through effective communication, create clear program goals and drive to completion.
  • Lead the organization through its license and re-certification processes with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Program Impact & Evaluation:

  • Evaluate programs based upon data collection and analysis to strengthen program service quality, identify trends and organizational gaps, and develop plans that address needs.
  • Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Clinical Supports in developing the programmatic contracts with the Commonwealth and associated budgets annually and as needed.

Knowledge Management:

  • Develop the necessary systems, tools and processes to better support collection, facilitation and dissemination of knowledge generated by each service area to various stakeholder groups.
  • Leverage key project outcomes, learnings, and/or enhanced policies for maximum impact to deepen community ties, partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
  • Work collaboratively with other Senior Management to develop effective cross-functional initiatives and positive outcomes.
  • Remain informed of best practices on administration, programs, organization culture, and capacity building.
  • Stay up to date on requirements imposed by Federal and State regulators as it relates to CHS licensure and contracts.

Management:

  • Direct reports currently include the Director of Residential Services, Director of Residential & Supported Living, Director of Individual Supports
  • Collaborate with the CEO & Director of Human Resources in the development of strategies for successful outcomes ahead of union grievances, negotiations and bargaining.
  • Development and management of a strong program team.
  • Coach employees to success.

Internal/External Relationships:

  • Internally, develop and maintain strong, positive working relationships with employees from all departments within the organization.
  • Externally, develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with the individuals served by CHS, their family members/guardians, DDS, service providers, other stakeholders, community members, and others.

Working Conditions

  • Varied and flexible to include office conditions (telephone, computer, etc.), external agencies/ businesses, at the location where the individual is receiving services (homes of the person served, etc.); in local community groups, etc.
  • Local travel to CHS sites required.

Physical & Mental Requirements

  • Ability to deal with a wide range of intellectual problems and practical problems.
  • Ability to utilize excellent judgment in developing sound solutions.
  • Combination of sitting, standing, and walking.
  • Able to lift up to 30 pounds.
  • Ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodations considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience Qualifications

  • A minimum of 15 years of non-profit professional /leadership expertise in programs, ideally with organizations serving people with developmental disabilities.
  • Graduate Degree in related human services field preferred.
  • Prior management experience and demonstrated leadership skills. Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to exercise good judgment, maintain discretion, and confidentiality as needed.
  • Self-motivated, results driven, detail oriented, and adaptable. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to influence, engage, motivate, and lead others to new levels of effectiveness and programmatic impact.
  • Hands-on approach in successfully leading a variety of strategic initiatives.
  • Proven track record of effectively leading performance-based and outcome-based, programs and/or services of varying complexity.
  • Knowledge of community-based supports.
  • Strong fiscal budget management.
  • Successful implementation of regulatory standards and the related licensing process required.
  • Valid Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island driver’s license, and clean driving record required.
  • Ability to travel to local CHS locations.
  • Experience in a union environment is helpful, though not required.
  • Demonstrates a high degree of organizational skill and time management for multiple competing priorities.
  • Exceptional communication (verbal & written) and presentation skills with the ability to effectively interface with all levels of management, staff, external stakeholders and solution focused problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to understand and comply with multiple regulatory requirements.
  • Superior project management, organizational, delegation skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to diversity issues. Comfortable working in multicultural environments.
  • Proficiency using Google Workspace including (Word, Excel, PowerPoint),

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $175,000-$200,000 and organization vehicle provided.

To Be Considered for This Exciting Opportunity

Cooperative for Human Services has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for the new Vice President of Programs and Services. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit both a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@pillarsearch.com.

Search Success! Liz Sandblom Joins The Arc of the South Shore as CEO!

The Arc of the South Shore and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are pleased to announce, following a very competitive search, the appointment of Liz Sandblom to the position of CEO. Liz joined the organization on February 3, 2025.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, Liz will provide leadership, direction and strategic oversight focused on the achievement of agency goals and objectives. She will be responsible for the development, implementation and execution of policies and programs intended to improve the general welfare of all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the continued success of The Arc of the South Shore.

In accepting this position, Liz shared, “I’m thrilled and honored to accept the position of CEO at the Arc of the South Shore.  To have the opportunity to step into this next chapter of my career in the community I have lived my whole life in is truly an honor.  I am looking forward to contributing to the Arc of the South Shore’s work and ongoing success”.

Liz has dedicated her career to advocating for and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the organizations that serve them. She joins The Arc of the South Shore from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where she most recently served as Deputy Assistant Commissioner. In that role, Liz oversaw a team of employees dedicated to supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to fulfill their vision of living their best lives, fostering partnerships with organizations that provided much-needed services and opportunities, and enhancing service delivery through a self-directed program that individuals had the ability to create and direct their individual service needs. Liz is a graduate of Northeastern University, where she majored in Psychology. She has served on the board of Nurses Care for Haitian Children, where she was a member of the fundraising committee, and has been a volunteer mentor.

About The Arc of the South Shore: Since 1951, The Arc of the South Shore has helped more than 100,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism, live their best lives and achieve high-quality outcomes. Their mission is to empower families and individuals of all ages with disabilities to reach their fullest potential. With the support of their partners, they ensure that people with disabilities live healthy, safe, independent, and empowered lives. The Arc of the South Shore is $16M in operating budget, 200 employees, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers operating in 10 facilities across the south shore. Their primary service areas include Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Milton, Norwell, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate, and Weymouth; they also have a presence throughout Greater Southeastern Massachusetts. For more information about The Arc of the South Shore, please visit their website.   

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston and working nationwide, 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. Pillar’s founder, Cindy Joyce, is a Certified Diversity Recruiter. For more information about Pillar, please visit Pillar’s website

Search Success! Courtney Spellacy Joins Sandy Hook Promise as Chief Development Officer!

Sandy Hook Promise and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are excited to announce that, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, Courtney Spellacy has joined as Chief Development Officer.

Reporting to Sandy Hook Promise’s Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Nicole Hockley, Courtney will set strategy for and execute fundraising strategies across giving channels including individual major giving, corporate, foundations, events and government funding, driving efforts to grow all giving channels nationally and develop strategies to expand into new giving channels while maintaining and strengthening relationships with all existing supporters. A member of the executive leadership team, she will have a vital role in driving Sandy Hook Promise’s mission and ensure support for the organization’s strategic growth to expand program reach and effectiveness.

Courtney brings over 20 years of fundraising experience with expertise in strategic planning, relationship management, and optimizing development processes. Most recently, Courtney served as the Vice President of Development with Lawyers’​ Committee for Civil Rights, where she was a member of the Executive Team, spearheaded a significant campaign, drove record-breaking annual results, and diversified revenue across all fundraising categories. Prior, Courtney was with the ACLU, where she was the Deputy Director and Chief Development Officer of ACLU of Massachusetts, Director of Philanthropy with ACLU of Southern California, and Director of Philanthropy with ACLU of Arizona.

Courtney earned her master’s degree in international peace and conflict resolution from American University, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in international affairs. 

Courtney shared, “I am deeply honored to join Sandy Hook Promise in its mission to prevent gun violence and create safer communities. I look forward to working with supporters who want to help fuel program and policy efforts across this country. I look forward to working with supporters who want to help fuel program and policy efforts across the country. Gun violence is not inevitable, it is preventable. I am eager to work with all who want to be part of Sandy Hook’s Promise.  

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.

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

Search Success! Anita Issar Joins Sandy Hook Promise as Vice President of Marketing

Sandy Hook Promise and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are excited to announce that, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, Anita Issar has joined as Vice President of Marketing.

Reporting to Sandy Hook Promise’s Chief Operating Officer, Dawn Lyons, Anita will oversee the development, planning and execution of all SHP brand marketing, internal and external communications, media and public relations, web content and digital marketing management, social media, collateral creation, and graphic design. She will strengthen thought leadership and awareness across a range of audiences and ensure consistency in messaging across all touchpoints, internally and externally.   A member of the leadership team, Anita will have a vital role in driving Sandy Hook Promise’s mission and ensure support for the organization’s strategic growth to expand program reach and effectiveness.

Anita is a strategic marketing executive who brings deep experience in brand management, strategy, innovation, and omnichannel marketing across FMCG and mission-driven organizations. Most recently, Anita served as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications of Bowery Residents’ Committee, one of the largest providers of programs and services for individuals experiencing homelessness in NYC. Prior, Anita spent over a decade in marketing leadership roles at PepsiCo including leading global brand management of billion-dollar brands Pepsi Zero and Diet Pepsi, global innovation of PepsiCo’s core carbonated soft drink franchise, and omnichannel marketing of the North American beverage portfolio, including Gatorade, Starbucks, and Mtn Dew, with retail giants Walmart and Target.

Anita earned her MBA with a concentration in marketing from Columbia Business School, and her Bachelor’s Degree in biology from New York University.

Says Anita, “I am honored to join the talented team of Sandy Hook Promise to build upon their vital work of educating and empowering youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities.”

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.

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

Nonprofit Human Resource Management Course at Harvard Extension School: Registration Now Open!

Harvard Extension School Cindy Joyce

I am happy to announce that Harvard Extension School will again offer the Nonprofit Human Resource Management course in the Spring 2021 semester.  The course introduces participants to the best practices, policies, and theories related to nonprofit human resource management. Whether you are now or plan to be an HR practitioner or a leader, manager or board member for a nonprofit organization, museum, school, or foundation, this course prepares you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage human capital in a nonprofit setting. This is also a great learning opportunity for those interested in making a career transition into the nonprofit sector.

Class meetings will be held each Tuesday from 5:10 p.m. – 7:10 p.m. ET from January 26, 2021 – May 11, 2021.  This is a live, web-based course and will include a combination of class lectures, discussions, activities, and several nonprofit executives as our guest speakers.  I originally created and taught this course in the Fall 2019 semester, for which I received a Dean’s Commendation for Excellence in Teaching.

Registration began today, Monday, November 9, 2020 for Nonprofit Human Resource Management MGMT E-4241 (25940). Learn more here. 

About Harvard Extension School (HES): Harvard Extension School is a fully accredited Harvard school. As one of the 12 degree-granting institutions at Harvard University, they teach to the largest and most eclectic student body. Their students come from every time zone, every culture and career background, every age from 18 to 89. Harvard Extension School students have one thing in common: the motivation to take the next challenging step in their lives. The find that challenge at Harvard Extension School, where academic standards are high and resources extensive. 

About Cindy Joyce and Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned small business founded in Boston in 2015, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. To learn more, please contact Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

Registration for Adult Learning Theories at Harvard Extension School is Now Available!

Registration for Adult Learning Theories course at Harvard Extension School is now live. I am thrilled to be teaching this course, which is offered as part of the fall 2020 semester. Adult Learning Theories will be held each Tuesday from 7:20-9:20 p.m. EST beginning on September 1. It will be a an online (live) web-based delivery. 

Learning opportunities for adults are often modeled after our classes in grade school and high school. However, adults learn much differently from children, and their motivation to learn is vastly different as well. This course explores:

  • Adult learning theory and practice
  • How to engage the adult learner
  • How to provide learning opportunities that both motivate and challenge

Human resources practitioners, leaders, and trainers alike benefit from this course.

Learn more and register here

A woman-owned company based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information, please contact Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com