Nonprofit Human Resource Management Course – Register Now Through Harvard Extension School!

I am happy to announce that Harvard Extension School will again offer the Nonprofit Human Resource Management course in the Spring 2022 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 Wednesday in the spring semester from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET beginning on January 26, 2022.  This is a live, web-based course and will include a combination of class lectures, discussions, activities, case studies, and nonprofit executives as 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 8, 2021 for Nonprofit Human Resource Management MGMT E-4241. 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.

Successful Search! Zalima Oliver Joins Volunteer Lawyers Project as Director of People & Culture

Volunteer Lawyers Project and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Zalima Oliver to the role of Director of People and Culture. Zalima joined Volunteer Lawyers Project on August 23, 2021.

As Director of People and Culture, Zalima will manage all aspects of Volunteer Lawyers Project’s Human Resources function, assess organizational needs, and champion, promote, and guide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion processes and initiatives. Zalima will partner strategically with Volunteer Lawyers Project’s leadership team to shape employee relations strategies and practices and ensure appropriate employee development and opportunities for advancement.

Zalima brings extensive human resources experience and expertise to her role with Volunteer Lawyers Project. Most recently, Zalima was the Director of People and Culture with YouthBuild USA. Prior, she was the Human Resources Manager at Pharmalogics Recruiting and Human Resources Director at Madison Park Development Corporation. Earlier human resources leadership roles with leading nonprofit organizations included Urgent Care Centers of New England, International School of Boston, Lutheran Social Services, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester,

Zalima has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts.

About Volunteer Lawyers Project: Volunteer Lawyers Project is a nonprofit organization based in Boston. For over forty years, Volunteer Lawyers Project has strived to give equal access to representation for the people of Greater Boston, standing up for those who are from lower income households and in need of legal aid. Their efforts are propelled by a strong team of volunteers including attorneys, paralegals, and law students from all segments of the legal community. These vital volunteers work together with the entire dedicated staff of Volunteer Lawyers Project.

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 email Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com or visit www.pillarsearch.com.

New Search: Director of People and Culture with Volunteer Lawyers Project

Executive Search Boston

Pillar Search and HR Consulting is proud to partner with Boston-based Volunteer Lawyers Project in their search for a Director of People and Culture. The ideal candidate is a Human Resources leader with proven experience in Human Resources and promoting DEI initiatives, and an interest in helping Volunteer Lawyer’s Project to advance their mission of increasing access to justice by delivering high quality pro bono civil legal services to eligible clients in the Greater Boston area.

Pillar Search & HR Consulting

POSITION: Director of People and Culture

DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

LOCATION: Remote and 7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA 02110

STATUS: Exempt

SALARY: $100,000

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) has grown in the last several years. Since 2015, the organization has seen an increase in the number of employees from fewer than 20 to more than 40. The organization’s human resources management function has historically been combined with finance and administration.  With the organization’s substantial growth, VLP has determined a need for a dedicated human resources professional.

The Director of People and Culture will manage all aspects of the organization’s human resources function, including hiring practices, recruitment, employee retention, organizational and professional development strategies. The Director will partner strategically with VLP’s leadership team to shape employee relations strategies and practices and ensure appropriate employee development and opportunities for advancement. The Director will assess organizational needs, and champion, promote, and continue to guide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) processes and initiatives.

Candidate must be able to commute into the office when we return to in-person operations and must have access to a secure internet connection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Serve as the DEI subject matter expert on internal and external best practices and lead the culture change
  • Lead the development, implementation, and evolution of DEI initiatives across the organization
  • Manage organizational hiring practices, recruitment, and employee retention
  • Manage training and development, compensation, and employee benefits programs
  • Oversee performance evaluations to ensure merit-based, equitable compensation
  • Serve on the DEI Committee as the liaison between staff and DEI efforts
  • Develop and deliver content for diversity and inclusion education programs that will drive culture change
  • Develop metrics and reporting mechanisms to effectively measure, track and report progress to goals
  • Plan, organize, and implement various diversity outreach efforts and strategies
  • Manage onboarding and offboarding employees, including reference checks, new employee orientation, exit interviews, and ensuring appropriate coordination of continuing benefits
  • Manage hiring committees to ensure compliance with approved hiring process and attention to DEI
  • Manage communication of DEI content for VLP materials (website, recruiting materials, etc.)
  • Develop and foster positive relationships across the organization
  • Serve as reporting person for staff concerns, specifically related to DEI, hiring, or other related issues
  • Develop restorative conflict resolution process and other organizational processes, as determined necessary
  • Manage staff professional development programand make budgetary recommendations to the Executive Director for employee investment
  • Other program duties as needed or assigned by the Executive Director

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 8-10+ years of leadership and management experience in HR, DEI, consulting, or related functions, with a demonstrated success designing and delivering DEI programs
  • Comprehensive knowledge of human resources management
  • Extensive understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices
  • Experience with HR compliance and employment laws
  • Experience designing and/or managing internal grievance programs
  • Experience with progressive discipline and termination of employees

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) Certification
  • Certification in Mediation
  • Law degree from an accredited law school and admission to state bar

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong facilitation and presentation skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to manage stress and identify self-care as needed
  • Ability to balance multiple objectives
  • Ability to make informed decisions

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Their ideal candidates is respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in the organization reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Volunteer Lawyers Project has partnered with Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the Director of People and Culture search. Please submit your resume and cover letter (required) in confidence to Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

ABOUT PILLAR SEARCH & HR CONSULTING:  

A woman-owned 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 across the country, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization.

Search Success! Kris Wuerdeman Joins Cooperative Elder Services as Program Director!

Search success! Pillar Search and HR Consulting is pleased to announce the placement of Kris Wuerdeman as the new Program Director of Cooperative Elder Services, Inc., where she will be responsible for leading the Groton, MA and Acton, MA centers.

As Program Director, Kris will be responsible for oversight of program operations, providing leadership to and management of the teams in both centers, and agency-wide initiatives and projects, including quality assurance and process improvement.

Kris brings extensive experience in the adult day health field. Most recently, she was the Founder and Managing Director of That Place You Know, LLC, a social adult day program specializing in memory care. Prior, she was a Life Enrichment Manager, Memory Care Specialist, and Certified Validation Teacher for Family Services at Sunrise Senior Living.

Kris received her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College of California and her master’s in Human Resources Management, Training and Organizational Development from Golden Gate University. In addition, she is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

About Cooperative Elder Services, Inc.: The mission of Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. (CESI) is to empower seniors and adults with medical or cognitive challenges to age-in-place by serving their health and socialization needs and providing support for families.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business founded in Boston in 2015Pillar 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.

Diversity & Inclusion Certificate

Last month, I successfully completed the Diversity & Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University‘s eCornell. I learned so much in this program, with courses on improving engagement, identifying interventions to counteract unconscious bias, and strategies for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. My personal favorite was focused on fostering an inclusive environment. I am excited to share these learnings with Pillar Search & HR Consulting‘s clients! 

Hire the best!  Pillar provides search expertise for exceptional nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to find the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. In addition, Pillar provides human resources consulting on an ongoing or project basis. For more information, please contact Pillar’s CEO, Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

 

The Dreaded Office Move: 6 Tips for Navigating the Change

I am excited to have another article on Thrive Global!  Read more about how to handle the dreaded office move on my Thrive page!