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Search Success! Audrey Falk Joins The Arc of Massachusetts as Chief Operating Officer!

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The Arc of Massachusetts and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are pleased to announce the appointment of Audrey Falk, Ed.D., to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Audrey is a visionary and strategic nonprofit leader with a distinguished record of leadership in education, diversity, and social justice.

As Chief Operating Officer, she will streamline internal processes and develop a performance culture among a group of talented and committed employees, consultants, and the 17 chapters of The Arc of Massachusetts. She 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.

Audrey joins The Arc of Massachusetts from Merrimack College, where she was the Founding Director of the Master’s Program in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement. Notably, Audrey worked for the South Norfolk County Arc (now Lifeworks) earlier in her career as the Director of the Family Support Program and as Director of the Family Autism Center. She began her professional journey as a Peace Corps volunteer in Romania, where she taught at local schools and supported children with disabilities in their homes and youth living in orphanages.

Audrey holds an Ed.M. in Risk and Prevention and an Ed.D. in Administration, Training, and Policy Studies with a specialization in Community Agency Educational Administration and completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Educational Policy Research Involving Students with Disabilities at the University of Maryland, College Park.

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. Learn more at The Arc of Massachusetts – Achieve With Us.

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

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New Search! Controller, Sandy Hook Promise

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Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with Sandy Hook Promise on the hiring of their new Controller. This is hybrid role with days in office in Newtown, CT.

About Sandy Hook Promise

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the lifesaving, evidence-informed Know the Signs prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships.

SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

Commitment to Belonging, Community, Engagement, and Respect

SHP strives to ensure its culture and work environment reflect the values of belonging, community, engagement and respect. They actively seek to understand and respond to the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of individuals across socioeconomic backgrounds, rural and urban communities, and diversity of thought, in addition to traditional protected categories. They are committed to ensuring that every SHP employee feels heard, valued, and a true sense of belonging. SHP encourages individuals who share their commitment to these core values and to their mission to apply.

Location

The candidate will need to commute to their office in Newtown, CT as needed.

About the Role

The Controller position leads the accounting function at SHP for both the 501(c)3 Sandy Hook Promise Foundation and the 501(c)4 Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund. The Controller manages all accounting operations, ensuring transactions are recorded properly and books are maintained according to mandated standards.

The Controller’s core responsibilities include overseeing the general ledger, managing the month-end and year-end financial close processes, and ensuring the integrity of the financial statements. They ensure strict compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The team is also responsible for tax compliance, preparing and filing corporate tax returns. Finally, the Controller designs and monitors internal controls over financial processes and financial reporting to safeguard company assets and prevent material misstatement.

This position reports to the CFO and will work closely with other members of the SHP organization to ensure our financial systems and processes meet their needs and support the organization’s mission.

Job Responsibilities  

Lead the day-to-day financial operations of SHP as follows:

  • Lead the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department’s goals and objectives.
  • Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all financial records for two legal entities in compliance with GAAP and meets the needs of the organization’s business leaders and Board.
  • Administer and identify additional ways to leverage accounting software systems; currently SAGE Intacct, Concur, Paycom to increase productivity while maintaining accuracy.
  • Lead the annual financial statements audit and filing of 990 tax returns for Foundation and Action Fund in coordination with our external auditing firm.
  • Manage month-end and year-end close procedures to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. Ensure deadlines are met.
  • Develop and maintain financial policies, controls, and procedures to minimize risk and ensure compliance. Ensure finance and accounting SOP’s (standard operating procedures) are complete and up to date.
  • Verify, approve and transmit payments up to payment approval limit per Financial Commitment Policy. Primary backup to CFO in initiating large payments.
  • Primary backup to Payroll Manager for Payroll Processing and CFO for payroll approval.
  • Oversee monthly Bank and Investment account reconciliations.
  • Prepare reporting and analysis for senior management as directed.
  • Comply with federal, state and local reporting requirements and tax filings.
  • Ensure professional development for Finance and Accounting team members

Qualifications  

  • 10+ years’ experience in accounting or finance, with experience in Non-Profit Accounting a plus
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or business-related discipline; CPA, MBA or CMA degrees a plus
  • Proficient in managing accounting systems and experience in implementing new accounting/financial systems a plus
  • Experience in managing financial statement audits and the preparation of tax returns
  • Experience managing a finance team.
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Excellent business acumen, creative problem solver
  • Extremely organized and detail oriented
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Work independently and within a team environment

Benefits and Salary Range 

The salary range for this position is $147,000-$150,000 dependent on experience and qualifications. Please note: SHP uses a structured internal rubric to guide salary placement and ensure equitable pay. Typically, new hires are placed at the start of the salary range to ensure equity with current employees, and as a practice, we do not negotiate salaries.

SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Unlimited PTO
  • Flexible schedules
  • Paid holidays and 10 days of sick leave
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health, dental, and vision
  • Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • 401k match
  • Professional development stipend
  • Wellness & mental support
  • Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program

Our organization operates within a distributed workforce, allowing for location flexibility across the country for most positions. We provide remote office support for all staff, which includes a laptop, home office reimbursement, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50 & internet reimbursement up to $40.

To Apply

Sandy Hook Promise has partnered with Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for its new Controller. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter via email to jo**@**********ch.com. No calls, please.

The deadline to apply is March 8, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employment 

SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. They strive to be an employer of choice: where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. SHP does not make employment related decisions based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. They are focused on promoting multiculturalism and inclusion so that all SHP employees feel valued and respected. They believe deeply that a diverse workforce comprised of people of all beliefs, backgrounds, and life experiences who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life will make SHP a stronger, more effective organization.

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Upcoming Speaking Engagement: From Surprise to Strategy: Preparing for Nonprofit Leadership Change

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Honored to present alongside Kimberlee Schumacher, MBA, MA, with moderator Zena Lum for The Boston Club on the topic of “From Surprise to Strategy: Preparing for Nonprofit Leadership Change.”

Join us on Wednesday, March 11, via Teams from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Registration and details can be found here.

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Search Success! Leslie Scales Joins Accompany Doula Care as Executive Director!

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Accompany Doula Care and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are pleased to announce the appointment of Leslie Scales to the position of Executive Director.

In her role as Executive Director, Leslie will move Accompany Doula Care to the next stage of development to a sustainable and growth-oriented organization. Leslie shares that the “mission to expand access to compassionate, evidence-based doula support, especially for families facing systemic barriers to maternal health equity, deeply resonates with my values and professional experience. What excites me most about Accompany Doula Care is the opportunity to advance maternal and child health by addressing inequities in access to care.”

Leslie’s professional background includes working with diverse populations who face barriers to healthcare and social support. She has consistently championed initiatives that improve outcomes through education, advocacy, and direct service. Mos recently, she was the Executive Director of the Metrowest Free Medical Program, a fully volunteer-staffed free medical clinic offering women’s health, general medicine, and vision care for those without coverage. Earlier roles have included Executive Director of New England Affordable Housing Management Association and the Northeast Regional Director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. She spent several years consulting as Director of Leadership Dynamics, where she was instrumental in launching the International Leadership Institute for Women. Leslie is a graduate of Babson College.

About Accompany Doula Care: Accompany Doula Care (“Accompany”) is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit (501c3) doula collective working to integrate doula support into healthcare systems to increase access for families who otherwise face barriers to doula support. They have a team of amazing, diverse community doulas who support clients from a variety of backgrounds across Massachusetts. Through their work, they hope to expand access to doula services to birthing people of color and populations most at risk of birth and maternal health inequities. Accompany Doula Care is different in that they do not currently take private or self-pay doula clients. They work with contracts tailored for healthcare institutions (insurance providers, hospitals, clinics, and others) who primarily serve MassHealth/Medicaid-eligible clients and/or other clients who have high risk factors. All referrals come through these contracts and doula services are provided at no cost to families. Learn more about the important work that Accompany Doula Care does in Massachusetts 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 the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information about Pillar, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

Opportunities

Search Success! Kimberly Scharf is the New CEO of The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod!

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The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly (Kim) Scharf to the position of CEO.

Kim brings a deep and unique connection to the organization’s mission. For more than two decades, The Arc has been part of her life—first as a parent, then as a volunteer and consultant, as a member of the leadership team, and most recently as Senior Vice President, Community and Family Services. This personal and professional journey gives Kim a profound understanding of the impact the work has on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and the broader community.

During her time at The Arc, Kim has demonstrated strong, value-driven leadership. She has played a key role in transforming programs, building and supporting dedicated teams, and strengthening The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod’s presence and partnerships throughout the community. Her ability to lead with compassion, clarity, and accountability has earned the trust and respect of staff, families, and community partners alike.

According to the Board of Directors, “Kim is the right leader to guide The Arc into its next chapter. Her commitment to our mission, combined with her operational experience and collaborative leadership style, will help ensure the continued strength, sustainability, and impact of our organization”.

About The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod: The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries (ABI), and their families/caregivers.  Through a wide range of services including residential programs and employment services, day programs, family resources and advocacy, The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod ensures that people with disabilities have the tools, opportunities, and respect they need to live full, self-directed lives. The mission of The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod is to empower and support people with disabilities and their families to belong, contribute and thrive. For more information about The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod, please visit The Arc of Plymouth and Cape Cod.

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

Boston nonprofit jobs, IDD hiring greater boston, Nonprofit leadership jobs boston

New Search! Chief Operating Officer of the Arc of Massachusetts

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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.

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New Search! CEO of Delta Projects

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Chief Executive Officer

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with Delta Projects on the search for their new CEO. This is an on-site position located at their office in Dedham, MA.

ABOUT DELTA PROJECTS

Delta Projects is more than just a non-profit human service agency. They are a community dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, and other developmental challenges. Their 400+ staff members positively impact the lives of over 200 individuals across 20 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Delta Projects was founded in 1976 as an innovative program to help families keep children with intellectual disabilities at home and out of state-run residential programs. That early respite and family training program was soon followed by a community-based residential program which, like all programs of its kind, had its origins in the deinstitutionalization movement of that period. Bringing individuals into the community, rather than segregating and isolating them, was the Delta Projects’ mission. Fifty years later, community inclusion is still the cornerstone of their operating philosophy

Learn more about Delta Projects here.

OVERVIEW

Delta Projects is seeking a dynamic and experienced CEO to join and lead the team. The CEO is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the organization by working with the Board of Directors and the executive management team to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and driving continuous improvement in service delivery to ensure the highest standards of care and support for Delta Projects’ residents.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Operational Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to a team of seven direct reports overseeing all functions, ensuring adherence to organizational and regulatory policies and procedures. The team of 7 direct reports in turn manage 400+ employees.
  • Strategic Alignment: In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and manage agency goals and objectives, providing valuable insights and recommendations. Work closely with each department to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Commitment to Quality: Monitor and evaluate service delivery to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and uphold Delta Projects’ standards of care while also being a future-thinker who envisions new and innovative programs and services for the residents of Delta Projects.
  • Employee Recruitment and Development: Ensure effective employee recruitment, training, and development to promote organizational effectiveness and professional growth at all levels. Ensure that hiring is deeply rooted in mission alignment. Foster staff engagement at all levels of the organization, and promote a strong, positive, values-driven organizational culture.
  • Collaboration: Foster effective collaboration and communication with funders, families, and other stakeholders to promote operational excellence and client-centered care. Focus on maintaining the collaborative spirit of the Delta Projects’ culture.
  • Communication: Ensure consistent and transparent communication with the executive leadership team, board of directors, and the overall organization.
  • Project Leadership: Help to lead and oversee a diverse range of highly strategic projects, including systems implementations, process improvements, and reporting initiatives in partnership with leadership and employees.
  • Budget Management: Partner with the CFO and the board Finance Committee on budget planning and financial management, optimizing resources while ensuring cost-effectiveness and ensuring that Delta Projects continues its track record of financial stability and sound financial management and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability.
  • Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong partnerships with funding sources, government agencies, policymakers, and other organizations serving those with intellectual disabilities.
  • Other responsibilities will exist, and new ones may be added as required by the CEO role, staff needs, and/or the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 15-20 years of related leadership experience. Advanced degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.
  • While we will consider strong leaders looking to newly work in the nonprofit field, those candidates will need to have strong familiarity with nonprofit organizations such as experience working in a related state agency or Board of Director/volunteer experience within a nonprofit organization(s).
  • Possess personal values of trustworthiness, caring, and deep commitment to bettering the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, traumatic and acquired brain injuries and other developmental challenges.
  • Ability to set clear priorities, delegate, and guide investment in people and systems; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills, which support and enable sound decision making.
  • Experience creating, implementing, and tracking a strategic plan.
  • Proven coalition-building skills with an ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; a persuasive negotiator able to achieve consensus amongst differing opinions.
  • Professional presentation and communication skills and the experience and proclivity to be an outgoing spokesperson, relationship builder, and support builder.
  • Strong commitment to the professional development of staff; successful track record of recruiting, engaging, and retaining a diverse and talented team.
  • Experience working with, reporting to, or serving on a nonprofit board is strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations and policies as they relate to the administrative and financial management of non-profit organizations.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong technology skills.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Delta Projects offers a competitive benefits package; details are available here. The salary range for the CEO position is $250,000-$280,000 annually.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Delta Projects is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Delta Projects 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.

READY TO APPLY?

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

No calls, please.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:

The selected candidate’s offer will be conditional based upon successful completion of a qualified criminal background check and DDS national background check.