New Search! Senior Manager of Public Relations with the Boston Athletic Association

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to continue its partnership with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) on the search for their new Senior Manager of Public Relations. Please note that the deadline to apply to this opportunity is Friday, July 31, 2026.

ABOUT BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision by organizing mass-participatory running events such as the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Director of Race Communications and Media, the Senior Manager of Public Relations (PR) will build relationships with media and drive storytelling strategies and campaigns that elevate the B.A.A.’s mission, community and youth impact, as well as global reach. This role is responsible for helping shape the public narrative around their work – highlighting the year-round programs, partnerships, and people that make our mission possible.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Effectively manage the B.A.A.’s Public Relations program, and story – shaping narratives that highlight the impact of year-round community initiatives and the individuals, organizations, and mission behind them.
• Ensure messaging and storytelling reflects and reinforces the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Act as a resource to identify compelling stories/angles across the organization’s programs, partnerships, and events, and connect these publicly to their overarching pillars and mission.
• Partner closely with internal teams to ensure stories, partnerships and programs are amplified across multiple mediums in a timely fashion, including earned media, social media, B.A.A. produced materials, press releases, and more.
• Highlight the B.A.A.’s community and youth impact to inspire engagement, foster connection, increase visibility and expand reach.
• Support communications strategies around key organizational moments including events, program launches, partnerships, youth engagement, and community initiatives.
• Contribute to messaging and reputation management to ensure consistent and mission aligned communications.
• Collaborate with local cities and towns, and their respective agencies, organization, and contacts, as needed.
• Monitor media coverage and trends to identify opportunities and risks.
• Track and analyze media coverage, sentiment, and reach to evaluate the impact of PR efforts. Provide regular and ad hoc reporting and suggestions to appropriate stakeholders.
• Provide strategic insights, approaches, and recommendations to maximize earned media opportunities.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, outlets, media (including representatives of traditional, digital, and social media), and community figures in Boston and beyond, with a primary focus on local media, and running outlets.
• Help identify and secure earned media opportunities across print, broadcast, digital, and podcast platforms.
• Serve as a primary media contact, managing inquiries and coordinating interviews as part of the B.A.A.’s communications team.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, talking points, and briefing materials, as needed.
• Work cross-functionally with marketing, brand and social, community programs, partnerships, leadership teams and others to ensure alignment in messaging and priorities.
• Provide media training and support for organizational spokespeople.
• Serve as an organizational spokesperson during races, industry events, press forums, etc.
• Help with PR planning for major moments such as race events, organizational milestones, and community activations.
• Project manage deliverables such as the B.A.A.’s Impact Report and Sustainability Report.
• Anticipate and be available (seven days a week, if required) for critical PR needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHO THEY ARE LOOKING FOR
• Minimum of five (5) years in a public relations/media (or comparable) role with demonstrated success.
• Experience working with media outlets in the Boston market. Well versed in the Greater Boston area.
• Proven ability to build relationships with journalists and leaders; secure meaningful earned media coverage and exposure.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills across multiple formats.
• Strong project management and leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Passion for mission-driven work and the ability to authentically represent organizational values.
• Excellent collaborator with the ability to work successfully with a wide variety of individuals, groups and audiences (both internal and external).
• Experience directing media/media-related activities to elevate an organization’s profile.
• Experience in crisis communications situations.
• Knowledge of the B.A.A., with experience in sport or the running industry preferred.
• A commitment to creating inclusive work environments and products.

WORK EXPECTATIONS AT B.A.A.
The B.A.A. is a hands-on team and seek employees who are passionate about their work and service to the community. The Senior Manager of PR is a 40-hour/week, exempt position. The role will require working some weekends and evenings. There will be longer work hours surrounding events. Limited local travel required. Hybrid work schedule (combination of in person and remote work possible).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range is competitive and commensurate with lived and professional experience. The target hiring range for the role is $82,500-$87,500.

In addition, the B.A.A. will provide access to:
• Competitive health, dental and vision insurance plans
• An employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans funded 100% by the B.A.A.
• 401(k) matching dollar-for-dollar up to 6% after 6 months of service, elective deferrals may
begin upon hire
• An annual allotment of professional development funding (up to $2,000 per calendar year)
• Paid vacation based on years of service
• Comp time available for eligible work
• 11 paid holidays (9 scheduled and 2 floating)

HOW TO APPLY
To apply to this position, please send a resume and cover letter answering the two questions below to Pillar Search & HR Consulting at jobs @ pillarsearch.com. Please note that the deadline to apply to this opportunity is Friday, July 31, 2026. Phone calls will not be accepted for this role, and only those selected to move forward in the process will be scheduled for a call to discuss this opportunity.

Questions:
• The Boston Athletic Association is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. In 250 words or less, share how you would approach elevating their year-round community efforts.
• Please explain your interest in working for their nonprofit organization and how your connection to the City of Boston aligns with the Boston Athletic Association’s mission. Please limit your response to 250 words.

The B.A.A. is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. 

New Search! Vice President of Programs with Cooperative for Human Services!

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to continue its partnership with 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 support, 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

This position is open due to internal growth.

Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President of Programs has overall strategic and operational responsibility for all CHS residential and individual supports programs and service areas. The Vice President of Programs 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 organizations serving people with developmental disabilities.
  • Graduate Degree in related human services field preferred.
  • This role manages a team of 6 direct reports at a senior management experience and a large team (500) reporting to those individuals. As such, this role requires very strong leadership experience of large teams.
  • This leader will have strong coaching skills and the ability to elevate the skills of others, able to convey goals and mission clearly, and motivate the team towards the goal of elevating Cooperative for Human Services.
  • DDS experience desired.
  • 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 $170,000-$200,000 and organization vehicle provided for local travel.

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. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit both a cover letter and resume by email to jo**@**********ch.com.

New Search! Chief Operating Officer of the Arc of Massachusetts

Pillar Search & HR Consulting has partnered with the Arc of Massachusetts in search of their first COO. We are seeking a mission-focused, seasoned, strategic, and process-minded nonprofit leader with experience streamlining internal processes, and developing a performance culture among a group of talented and committed employees, consultants, and the 17 chapters of The Arc. 

ABOUT THE ARC OF MASSACHUSETTS

The Arc of Massachusetts is passionate about enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. For over 70 years, through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and belonging in the community, The Arc has focused on creating tangible changes in the lives of people with disabilities.

The Arc is a nationwide organization with each state running both a statewide chapter and local chapters within the state. The 17 local Chapters of The Arc in Massachusetts work throughout the Commonwealth to provide services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – such as Down syndrome, Autism, and cerebral palsy – and their families.

The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families. They fulfill this through advocacy for community support and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society. They represent over 250,000 individuals and their families.

This role is based in Waltham, MA. Learn more about The Arc of Massachusetts here.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will work as a trusted partner to the CEO, ensuring organizational priorities are implemented, strengthening relationships with the statewide network of chapters, and overseeing essential operations that support the organization’s success.

The COO will coordinate cross-departmental initiatives and manage organizational infrastructure.

The primary objective of this role is to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. With a nearly $2 million budget and no other senior operational staff, the COO would be responsible for overseeing the core administrative functions that make the organization run smoothly. As a senior leader, the COO will work closely with the CEO to translate the organization’s vision into actionable plans.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Partnership and Strategic Leadership

  • Serve as a strategic support and right hand to the CEO, ensuring alignment of organizational priorities and follow-through on initiatives.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including staff, chapters, and key partners.
  • Lead special projects and organizational priorities that cut across departments. Act as a liaison across teams, ensuring collaboration and accountability.
  • Provide input on operational strategies and initiatives to achieve organizational goals. Translate the organization’s strategic plan into actionable goals, timelines, and performance metrics.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve efficiency across all departments and with the chapters.

Chapter Relations & Support  

  • Serve as a liaison to The Arc’s 17 chapters statewide, strengthening collaboration and advancing shared advocacy goals.
  • Build systems for cross-chapter communication, administrative support, and shared learning.
  • Work with the CEO to ensure that The Arc of Massachusetts is represented at key individual chapter events by attending or coordinating attendance by other staff leaders.
  • Organize the annual chapter retreat.

Operations and Organizational Effectiveness

  • Oversee human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.
  • Supervise IT systems to support all departments and manage relationships with external vendors and consultants.
  • Partner with the Director of Finance on budgeting, grants, and operational compliance. Play a key role in the grant process.
  • Collaborate on the annual budget, monitor departmental spending, and ensure operational costs are aligned with financial goals.
  • Manage office administration and space, building, and facilities to ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming workplace.
  • Oversee the organization’s administration, internal policies, and procedures.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

  • Passion for enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families.
  • Bachelor’s degree/master’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
  • 12+ years of progressive mission-driven leadership experience in human services, nonprofit management, or a related city/state agency.
  • Proven track record in operations and staff management/leadership. Team builder who builds consensus, fosters collaborative decision-making, and values the expertise and contributions of all.
  • Able to adapt quickly to organizational needs and changes, identify organizational risks, develop and implement solutions, and think strategically with a long-term view.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience with nonprofit funding streams.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and change management skills.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as a positive organizational culture.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this opportunity is $115,000-$130,000 annually. The Arc of Massachusetts offers a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that values and promotes work/life balance.

This role is full-time in the Waltham office for the first three months, and then hybrid with one day per week remote.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Arc of Massachusetts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Arc of Massachusetts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

TO APPLY

The Arc of Massachusetts has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the COO search. Please submit your resume and cover letter to jo**@**********ch.com.

No calls, please.

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 jo**@**********ch.com.