stand against racism boston

Pillar Search & HR Consulting Stands in Solidarity

No Comments
Pillar Logo

The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and far, far too many others have unleashed years of unimaginable pain and suffering as a result of systematic racism and injustice. We must come together to end the anguish. In the words of former President Jimmy Carter, “We are responsible for creating a world of peace and equality for ourselves and future generations.”

As an executive search and human resources consultant, I am committed to supporting nonprofit and mission-driven clients in their racial equity efforts, both in hiring diverse leaders and staff and the work they are doing with their existing teams.

I am listening. I am learning. I stand in solidarity with those fighting these great injustices because Black lives matter.

Sincerely,

Cindy Joyce, Founder/CEO, Pillar Search and HR Consulting

COVID business best practices, COVID client service, COVID-19 reopening tips

The Palette of COVID-19: What Will Your True Colors Be?

No Comments
The Palette of COVID-19: What Will Your True Colors Be?

The following article was co-authored by Sean Driscoll of BBsquared Consulting, and Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting.

As we all know, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on all of us, not excluding businesses.  Daily routines, and business as usual, vanished overnight.  We are all being impacted to varying degrees, and in different ways. 

Recently, we were recently lamenting our “new normal” and discussing what we are seeing as small business owners/solopreneurs. We chatted about how businesses are treating clients, each other, and preparing for what is next. We have been intrigued (positively to negatively!) by what we have seen, by the true colors that become revealed during a time like this.

Early in the pandemic, there was a gym in Boston that famously and epically did it all wrong. They announced (long before other gyms indicated their own path forward) that gyms would close, and they would be charging monthly members during the shutdown. One might understand the need to pay rent and staff, but then it was leaked that they had also done a complete layoff of all staff and management, and would not be offering online options as so many others did. To add insult to injury, they also had major fights with members over fees, even though there is a clause in the membership contract that states that members may cancel their contract if there is a substantial change to the gym operations. In other instances, members reached out to freeze their account and the requests were ignored.

While we always want to assume good intent, this situation outlines a 101 course in how not to handle things. Perhaps learning from this unfortunate situation, other studios and gyms in the area handled things in a far more positive manner. A few examples:

  • Many gyms are still charging a fee, but usually in conjunction with a reduced fee and/or some version of an online class schedule. Sean’s Cambridge gym, BodyScapes, immediately communicated to members that while the locations were closed, membership fees would be halted, and offered virtual 1:1 mini-packages with personal trainers and online virtual group classes.
  • The Pilates studio that Cindy frequents, Boston Body, quickly moved to an all-online format with Pilates To Go. While acknowledging that they still have rent to cover and wish to pay instructors, they significantly reduced fees for members and non-members, expanded the number of classes, and are using this opportunity to test new classes and formats.  

Beyond the gym, we started discussing others we have seen who are doing things right. From restaurants to retailers to nonprofits, some very inventive solutions and ideas have emerged, including:

Giving Opportunities

Big Heart Hospitality, the umbrella organization behind Boston restaurants Sweet Cheeks Q, Tiger Mama, Fool’s Errand, and Orfano has a fund for furloughed kitchen staff through GoFundMe called #hospitalityneverstops. In addition, the restaurant group has prepared meals for local hospitals.  

Creating New Partnerships

Basil Tree Catering Company in Cambridge, MA initiated a community partnership with the local non-profit Community Cooks to fundraise to cook and deliver meals to individuals and their families who are in quarantine due to COVID-19 and struggling with food insecurity.

Two Kennebunk, Maine small businesses, Minka Flowers and Bandaloop Restaurant   teamed up for a Mother’s Day package which included a curbside dinner, flowers for Mom, with 20% of proceeds going to Kennebunk COS Community outreach serving neighbors in need.

Flexible Options

Skin to Soul, a massage therapy studio in Woburn, MA that Sean frequents, totally impressed!  Members were given the option of stopping their membership or continuing it while banking membership credits.  Members were also offered that they could donate banked credits to a fund offering free future sessions to essential healthcare workers!  Owner Nicole Russo additionally began offering daily stretching and meditation via social media as an outlet for much-needed stress release.

Revising Service Models

In Ogunquit, Maine, piano bar/restaurant The Front Porch moved its piano performers online. A few nights a week, performers do fun virtual performances via social media. The Front Porch added a walk-up window, and dinner delivery to surrounding towns, a first for them. Part of the proceeds provides meals to those in need.

Investing in the Future of Small Business

Sean and his friend Kristin Simmons ended up spring-boarding the Community Spirit Giving Certificate campaign which elevates the idea of a new age of consumerism during COVID-19. Supporting small business fronts during this time means consuming in an unusual way. The spirit of the campaign is for consumers to buy giving certificates (in essence a donation) to their favorite small store fronts, as a way of helping them float until they can open their doors back up again.  What customers are doing is buying “the future” for storekeepers AND customers.  Things may change into the future, but we can still do our parts to preserve the future we want to return to.

Moving Events Online

So many nonprofits across the country have moved events online, ranging from large-scale galas to speaker series to walks/runs. As an example, last week, the Dr. Susan Love Foundation held its 12th annual Walk With Love virtually with over 500 walkers in 34 states and 7 countries to raise support and awareness for breast cancer research.

Still others are moving events to later in the year.  Cindy and Sean are both sponsors of BBsquared & Friends annual Art+SmallBiz for #BostonRacialEquity, which supports YW Boston’s annual #STANDAGAINSTRACISM campaign. The event would have been on May 14th, but the event’s partners are now re-figuring a virtual live streamed “STILL STANDING” anticipated during September 2020!

Now, more than ever, treating each other with kindness is what matters most, and it’s not just person-to-person kindness, but also business-to-business kindness, business-to-consumer kindness and consumer-to-business kindness.  As we move through these tricky times and the return to what normal will be – and we use that term openly – do so with humanity and compassion. A few suggestions:

  • Check in on your customers, just to check in!
  • Check in on peers and even your competitors. We’re all in this together!
  • Share resources within your networks. This is a wonderful time to refer business, find opportunities to collaborate, and share information that may help set each other up for success in the coming weeks and months
  • For those who have been closed and are beginning to reopen, painting a picture of what re-opening may look like is nice for people to imagine. It will help remind others of why they love your product or service, despite how we get to consume.

Right now, the Maya Angelou quote is ringing so true for us: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Stay safe, stay healthy, and may your true colors support and inspire others!

-Sean Driscoll and Cindy Joyce

 

About BBsquared: We believe in the power of creative connectivity and collaborative partnerships.  That’s why we provide provocative, progressive models that bring momentum to your inclusion and equality efforts.  For more information, contact BBsquared’s Founder Sean Driscoll at sean@bb2consulting.com. 

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: Pillar provides human resources consulting executive search/recruiting 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. For more information, please contact Pillar’s Founder Cindy Joyce at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

arianna huffington thrive global, COVID resources, thrive global

Turn Down the Volume on Negative Self Talk During Challenging Times Appears on Thrive Global!

No Comments

Almost two years ago, inspired by a comment that Thrive Global’s Arianna Huffington made about the “obnoxious roommate” we have in our heads, I wrote an article that was posted here on Thrive Global, Turn Down the Volume on Negative Self Talk: Tips (and a Playlist!)

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been so many ups and downs. Some days, it feels more down than up. I am finding that some of my clients, executive search candidates, and students are engaging in negative self-talk now more than ever.

I will be honest: yesterday was particularly challenging for me. After a good cry and screaming into a pillow (yep, it was that bad), I found it helpful to revisit the article and remind myself that I can lower the volume of my critical inner voice and return to a more positive outlook through songs that make me feel good. While this pandemic has created so many hurts, we need to look at what we still have. Love. Family. Friendship. Laughter. Hope. And, yes, music.

Here is the article. My sincere wish is that it inspires you to find the music that will lift your spirits!

company culture, human resources nonprofit boston, nonprofit executive search firm boston

Diversity & Inclusion Certificate

No Comments

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.

 

human resources boston, human resources consultant boston, Human Resources speaker Boston

Grief and Loss in the Workplace During COVID-19: Best Practices and Strategies

No Comments

This morning, I had the honor of co-presenting a timely webinar with Susan Retik called Grief and Loss in the Workplace During COVID-19: Best Practices and Strategies. Today’s session was attended by 365 members of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) and the Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources Association. This included human resources leaders and town administrators. It was a great opportunity to speak with leaders about how to provide support, guidance, and psychological safety to their team members in a time of crisis. We especially loved this feedback from a participant: “This is truly the best webinar I’ve been on thus far. Thank you so very much for sharing your personal stories. These tips you have provided are spot on and more helpful than you realize.” 

 

Chief Information Officer nonprofit Boston, JVS Boston jobs, nonprofit executive search firm boston

New Job Opportunity! Chief Information Officer for JVS Boston!

No Comments
Executive Search Boston

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is proud to partner with Jewish Vocational Services (JVS Boston) on hiring their new Chief Information Officer.

Organization Overview: 

For 80 years, Jewish Vocational Service (JVS Boston) has helped tens of thousands of individuals with barriers to economic success secure financial independence through training, education and employment services.  As the largest provider of adult education and workforce development services in the region, JVS is a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, and is a key part of the poverty alleviation strategy for the greater-Boston area.  In order to reach people in need of assistance on their pathway to meaningful employment and financial independence, JVS targets most of its services to low-income individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and to low-wage workers in need of career advancement services.  Many have multiple support needs ranging from limited English proficiency and lack of education to disabilities, criminal records, lack of childcare and transportation.  JVS operates on annual budget of more than $15 million, of which is derived equally from public and private sources.

After completing a $6 million Capital Campaign and moving to a new Center for Economic Opportunity in 2015, JVS took on the first-in-the-nation Pay for Success project in workforce development.  In the coming years, JVS will continue to expand its impact, offer the high-quality programs that have shaped its reputation, as well as build innovative new initiatives to move into the next phase of its growth.

 

Position Overview: 

To support its ongoing growth in program development and infrastructure investments, JVS is seeking a highly strategic, forward-thinking, and experienced Chief Information Officer (CIO). Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CIO will be a member of the executive team. JVS’ strategic plan is focused on growth, including investments in infrastructure. The CIO will be responsible for updating agency hardware, transitioning the agency to a new central software, and defining and centralizing technology spending.

 

Responsibilities:

  • The CIO will establish the mission and vision of JVS’ technology organization to foster a value-added, user-focused mindset.
  • Implement technology, process, and engagement steps in order to optimize staff productivity, support consistent cross-program delivery, and foster an information-driven culture.
  • Implement a single, accessible, fully integrated business operations platform that will power the informed, end-to end, prospect to alumni journey of clients across JVS service segments.
  • Identify IT or technology commonalities across business lines and standardize methods while being mindful of the need for flexibility. These include, but are not limited to, case management, programs, and fundraising.
  • Develop and maintain an appropriate IT organizational structure to ensure appropriate support of the organization’s needs, define and communicate plans, policies and standards for system implementation; ensure continuous delivery of IT services.
  • Assume leadership role in the development and implementation of the JVS disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
  • Ability to recognize and define problems, invent and implement technology solutions, track and evaluate results against goals, and communicate metrics to senior leadership.
  • Manage the annual technology budget.
  • Manage all IT vendors

 

Qualifications:

  • Expert knowledge of information systems principles and best practices.
  • Ability to innovate, develop new strategies, and drive a best-in-class technology organization.
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Deep experience developing and implementing organization-wide information management strategies to support the achievement of strategic business imperatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically while executing tactically; strong project management and execution skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to become the subject matter expert and trusted technology advisor to senior stakeholders.
  • Exceptional relationship building and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong staff management skills, with the ability to foster inclusiveness, a sense of team accountability, and high performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex vendor/customer relationships.
  • Flexible and adaptive work style, with the ability to uphold a high degree of personal accountability, as well as exercise solid judgment and proactively address problems as they arise.
  • Understanding and past experience with workforce development issues preferred, willingness to learn essential.
  • Ability to translate complex technical issues into language and concepts that key stakeholders can use to make fully informed decisions.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven, and collegial culture, as well as model enthusiasm for an organizational shift to be more goal-oriented, forward-thinking, and innovative.

 

Additional Information: 

JVS is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates and values employee differences and similarities. By providing and supporting a work culture that fosters and builds upon diversity and its strengths, JVS will better serve our local communities and continue to provide quality services.

JVS is an employment at-will organization and an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.  Additionally, JVS prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.

 

To Apply to the Chief Information Officer Opportunity: 

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

HR job Pasadena, human resources nonprofit job los angeles, nonprofit executive search los angeles

New Search! Senior Director of Human Resources with Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley!

No Comments
Executive Search Boston

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley on their search for the Senior Director of Human Resources. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced leader to build and lead, creating a culture to support Planned Parenthood’s mission and values, and lead strategic diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

About PPPSGV

Founded in 1933 by Pasadena residents dedicated to women’s health, PPPSGV is not only among the oldest of Planned Parenthood affiliates—they are also one of the fastest growing. Today, they see 60,000 patient visits per year and deliver over 11,000 opportunities for sex and relationship education in area schools and colleges. Their service area includes 24 communities in Northeast Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, from Glendale to Glendora and from the I-10 freeway to the San Gabriel Mountains. As the area’s most trusted provider of sexual and reproductive health care, they provide a broad range of healthcare services including contraception, cancer screenings, abortion care, STI testing and treatment, HIV prevention medications, and transgender care, which is their newest healthcare initiative.

Their team is highly engaged, passionate about the mission, and hungry to learn and grow. Over the next 2-3 years, they will be expanding their education programs, rolling out new healthcare services, and opening new health centers in order to serve more people and communities across their service area. People are their #1 asset and they are shifting their culture to that of a talent-driven organization. They are also investing in their leadership to support their growth and dynamic change by providing all of their directors and leadership team members with executive coaching services.

PPPSGV’s Values

  • We tend to the team.
  • We respect and honor all people.
  • We jump in.
  • We try and we learn.
  • We care for our business.
  • We return to our mission.

 

Purpose: The Senior Director of Human Resources provides leadership in developing and executing human resources strategy and programs in support of the business plan and strategic direction of the organization. This role provides in-depth leadership of the HR function; ensures the success of the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work; and oversees the agency’s administrative services functions.   DE&I is a new function, created out of the need to support PPPSGV with growth and large-scale change and to actualize our Strategic Plan initiative to Advance a Culture of Reproductive Justice and Gender Equity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide leadership and strategy, as well as design and implementation, to all HR programs, including employment management (leaves, unemployment, workers compensation, etc.), talent acquisition and talent management, onboarding, learning and development, engagement and retention, benefits, compensation, employee relations, HRIS, and shared services.
  • Ensure PPPSGV is a talent-driven organization equipped to attract, engage, and retain a high quality, diverse workforce to carry out mission and business objectives.
  • Oversee a competitive and cost-effective benefits program that is a recruitment asset and helps drive retention.
  • Manage a compensation plan that is equitable, responsive to business objectives, market-driven, transparent, and sustainable.
  • Champion and steward the Planned Parenthood Experience (PPX) programs, including In This Together values and service standards. Ensure engagement programs are vibrant and responsive to workforce trends and themes, and equip managers to take ownership and accountability for engagement and retention of their teams.
  • Ensure PPPSGV’s training and development programs equip staff to meet the technical demands of their jobs, create career development pathways, drive a culture of Excellence in Leadership, and support a cohort of continuously learning leaders.
  • Ensure that the outsourced talent acquisition program is responsive to workforce trends, has clear and effective processes, and delivers on metrics and goals to recruit high-level qualified staff.
  • Oversee employee relations practices that balance manager support and employee advocacy, advising managers in resolving and anticipating complex issues and questions in a fair and equitable manner compliant with PPPSGV values, legal regulations, and general business practices.
  • Oversee the performance management program, and ensure managers have appropriate guidance on documentation, coaching, and performance improvement plans.
  • Consult with, provide feedback, and be a direct resource to the CEO for staffing and employment matters, and serve as a strategic business partner to senior leadership regarding key organizational and staffing issues.
  • Cultivate and lead a talented, service-driven, and resourceful HR team that models leadership at all levels and sets the tone for organizational values and culture.
  • Lead, oversee, or act as a key partner to the affiliate’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program.
  • Advance a culture of inclusion, where diversity is valued, great ideas are recognized, and the fair and respectful treatment of all persons is a core value.
  • Identify when to access, and serve as the HR point of contact for, legal counsel and the Compliance Office as related to employment or HR-related compliance issues.
  • Carry out the investigation of all claims of discrimination or harassment.
  • Stay abreast of and ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies and State and Federal law related to HR personnel policies, procedures, record keeping, and activities; ensure managers are informed of and competent in all relevant HR compliance requirements.
  • Ensure employee information, records, and documentation are accurate, complete, and up to date, and that storage systems are user friendly, efficient, and protective of sensitive and confidential information.
  • Implement and adhere to the HR department budget and work plan; ensure organizational staffing and benefits budgets align with established staffing models and the compensation and benefits strategies.
  • Champion optimization, measurement, and efficiency, and ensure strategic and financial rigor within the HR department.
  • Oversee the agency’s Administrative Services function, including the following:
    • The Safety and Security program, managed by the Compliance and Security Manager.
    • The Risk and Quality Management program, under the responsibility of the Compliance Officer and managed by the Compliance and Security Manager.
    • Legal services, carried out by the General Counsel and various contracted service providers.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:   ·Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.

·Master’s degree with emphasis on Human Resources Management, Business, or related area preferred.

·SHRM-CP/PHR certification preferred.

  
Experience: · 8+ years of work experience in all aspects of Human Resources as well as general Business Management

·5+ years of experience in leading and developing HR professionals

·Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience with HR Generalist, Talent Acquisition/Planning, Learning and Development, Employee Relations, and Diversity & Inclusion functions

·Extensive knowledge of employment and labor law required

·Experience in healthcare preferred; experience in a nonprofit strongly preferred

·Experience overseeing risk management, legal, and/or security functions preferred
Other: ·Ability to anticipate future consequences and trends accurately, and analytic ability to interpret data and situations and make effective decisions

·Inspiring, empowering, and decisive leadership style with superior communication skills and high credibility

·Proven developer of people, mentor and coach with the capability of recruiting, managing, and motivating strong teams

·Outstanding moral character and commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism

·Comfortable delegating as well as executing and implementing, ability to transition effectively between zoomed-in and zoomed-out work

·Sense of urgency and ability to perform within challenging or ambiguous situations

·Ability to build trust and relationships with broad and diverse audiences

·Demonstrated follow through, direct communication, and collaboration skills

·Ability to persuade and influence, build enthusiasm and commitment, and drive change with passion and conviction

·Excellent project management skills including systems thinking, accountability, risk management, and decision making

·Passion for and commitment to PPPSGV’s mission and In This Together values

  

CONTACT RESPONSIBILITY

Internal: All staff and independent contractors regarding Human Resources program, Security, Compliance and Administration related matters. Leadership Team and affiliate managers regarding HR internal communications, change management, and culture building.
External: Other affiliates, vendors, candidates for employment and the general public.   Board of Directors, donors, volunteers and supporters.

For Immediate Consideration:

Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for its new Senior Director of Human Resources. Qualified individuals, please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter to cindy@pillarsearch.com.

Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley and Pillar Search & HR Consulting believe that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. PPPSGV and Pillar do not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, or ideology.