Search Success: Becka Yturregui Joins Maine Community Foundation as Vice President of Donor Engagement!

Maine Community Foundation and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Becka Yturregui to the position of Vice President of Donor Engagement. Becka joined the organization on May 8, 2023.

Becka will be a great addition to their management team, carrying forward MaineCF’s mission and vision forward with energy and passion. Becka’s background includes donor cultivation and stewardship, community relations, and institutional communications. A skilled strategist and relationship-builder, she brings extensive experience in helping organizations tell their stories and in building deep, impactful relationships in their communities.

Most recently, Becka served as the Vice President of Donor Relations and Philanthropic Impact at CJP – Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

Becka grew up in Maine and is a graduate of Simmons College. She will be based in the Maine Community Foundation’s Portland office.

About Maine Community Foundation: The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. To learn more about the foundation, please visit https://www.mainecf.org.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston (with roots in Maine!), 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. Pillar’s founder, Cindy Joyce, is a Certified Diversity Recruiter. For more information about Pillar, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

New Search! Vice President of Housing With ONE Neighborhood Builders!

VICE PRESIDENT OF HOUSING

POSITION SUMMARY

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with ONE Neighborhood Builders on the search for their new Vice President of Housing.

The Vice President of Housing will report to the President and Executive Director. The Vice President will regularly serve as the ED’s surrogate at internal and external meetings, be a member of the organization’s Senior Leadership Team, and will directly supervise three real estate project managers. The Vice President will be an essential partner to the President and Executive Director to help drive the agency’s strategic expansion. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, entrepreneurial, highly skilled financial analyst, with verifiable real estate development acumen.

ABOUT ONE|NB

ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) is a nonprofit community development leader in Rhode Island that is expanding its work to the broader Greater Providence area while maintaining its deep roots in its historic home of Olneyville. ONE|NB’s mission is to develop affordable housing and engage neighbors to cultivate healthy, vibrant, and safe communities. Since its founding in 1988, then as Olneyville Housing Corporation, ONE|NB has developed 466 affordable apartments; 130 for-sale homes for low- to moderate-income homebuyers; and nearly 34,000 square feet of commercial and community space—totaling more than $135 million of investments. ONE|NB is the convening entity of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone (CPO-HEZ), which brings together residents, more than five dozen community-based organizations, health professionals, local businesses, elected officials, and others to address root causes of health disparities and to improve neighborhood conditions. As the convener, ONE|NB is the backbone organization of this collective-impact initiative to increase economic mobility for residents in Central Providence. ONE|NB also created the first free community wireless network in Rhode Island, providing high-speed broadband to nearly 3000 unique users in the Olneyville neighborhood.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

In June of 2020, ONE|NB established the following strategic direction. ONE|NB is poised to soon reveal its 2023-2028 updated strategy. This new strategy builds on the organization’s recent successes and will not reflect a significant departure. Robust Housing Development and Quality Real Estate Management will remain a signature focus for ONE|NB in the years to come.

Robust Housing Development and Quality Real Estate Management

ONE|NB will expand the availability of affordable, high-quality homes through the production, preservation, and acquisition of residential and mixed-used properties within their historic home of Olneyville and across Greater Providence.

Addressing Root Causes of Health Disparities

ONE|NB will engage residents and community-based organizations in their nine Central Providence neighborhoods to generate the social and economic conditions that prolong life expectancy and work to eradicate systemic barriers that lead to health disparities.

Embracing Innovation and Building the Community Development Field

ONE|NB will emerge as a thought leader in the field by distilling the lessons learned from developing and managing housing and convening residents and community organizations. They will participate in local and regional community development conversations, produce research and case studies, and amplify the impact of their community partners.

Real Estate Development SUMMARY

Residential

ONE|NB has developed 598 affordable rental and for-sale homes in historically-disinvested neighborhoods since 1990 – of which 187 have been developed in the last five years alone. The organization presently owns 454 apartments, providing high-quality, affordable housing for Rhode Island families. ONE|NB has completed 11 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects, totaling over $136 million of investment.

ONE|NB’s housing development pipeline includes projects in four municipalities (Providence, East Providence, Central Falls, and Cumberland), totaling 433 rental apartments and 20-for sale homes. These new projects will begin coming on-line in November/December 2023, with the last development having an anticipated completion date of spring 2027.  When completed, this influx of new housing will represent a near doubling of their existing portfolio.

ONE|NB’s pipeline projects include the development of service-enriched housing for persons experiencing homelessness, medically frail older adults, and youth aging out of foster care. ONE|NB develops these service-enriched projects in concert with social service partners. The development and integration of service-enriched apartments in larger mixed-income projects (serving <30% AMI to market-rate) is an important element to ONE|NB’s approach to housing development.

Commercial

ONE|NB has developed 20 commercial spaces, which totals 34,900 square feet and currently leased to local businesses and community-based organizations – supporting entrepreneurs, artists, and child development agencies. They recently purchased a prominent commercial development that is partially occupied and that will be redeveloped into a mixed-use project.

Asset Management

ONE|NB hires a third-party property management company to manage day to day leasing, maintenance, compliance, and rent collections of its rental portfolio. ONE|NB oversees this company and puts in place long-term strategies to maximize cash flow, prevent evictions, ensure timely capital improvements, and adapts program set asides to reflect market realities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This full-time position is charged with leading and integrating three key responsibilities: housing development, resident services, and asset management. The emphasis of this position is on creating beautiful spaces for low-income families and households who have experienced trauma so that they may enjoy housing stability.  While ONE|NB’s real estate work is not exclusively affordable residential development – commercial development as well as moderate-income and market-rate residential development are also components of our work – this is the primary focus on the position.

  • Strategic Leadership: A member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President will work closely with the CEO and the other team members to guide the overarching strategic direction of the organization. The team ensures ONE|NB’s organizational culture and values are promoted in everything we do and that the organization’s commitment to equity, learning, and continuous quality improvement t are supported. The Vice President will attend all board of director meetings and will represent the President and Executive Director at internal and external meetings when she is not able to be present. In addition, the Vice President will oversee three direct reports, who in turn manage a collective team of 6 team members.
  • Real Estate Development: The Vice President will lead all existing real estate activities and work closely with the President on new business development. In the first few years, the VP will focus on moving the existing real estate development pipeline through pre-development into construction and leasing. ONE|NB’s existing real estate development pipeline includes projects utilizing the 4% LIHTC, 9% LIHTC, HOME, CDBG, a variety of RI state and municipal “soft second” sources, and debt. While not presently included in any of ONE|NB’s capital stacks, experience with New Market Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits would be a plus. ONE|NB also seeks to continuously innovate its real estate development activities – through geographic expansion, enhancing the income-diversity of its residents, utilizing new financing mechanisms, introducing new construction techniques, and developing new partnerships. The development division has four team members.
  • Resident Services: The delivery and coordination of high-quality resident services is of utmost importance to ONE|NB. Because of our commitment to developing housing for persons who have experienced homelessness; have been involved in the criminal justice system, foster care, or other institution; and require accessible and service-enriched housing, it is vital that we provide culturally competent services to ensure all our residents remain at a minimum stably housed, and ideally, thrive. The Resident Services division includes three staff at full complement.
  • Asset Management: The Vice President will direct the work of three staff who work in the asset management division. ONE|NB has 13 affiliated corporate entities (Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations) that own their real estate holdings, A third-party property management company manages the rental portfolio. This area of work also includes serving as managing agent for three Condominium Associations. The Asset Management division is responsible for the facility-management of ONE|NB’s office building, numerous small community spaces located in Providence, and vacant properties owned and awaiting redevelopment.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be a highly experienced, results-oriented professional with an exceptional work-ethic, committed to racial equity and advancing anti-racism practices, and to the vision and values of ONE|NB. In addition, the following standards will generally define the successful Vice President of Housing:

  • Bachelor’s degree at a minimum, advanced degree (master’s degree in business administration, real estate finance, or public administration) strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years of related professional experience inclusive of a minimum of 10 years senior management experience related to the following: real estate development, community development, and/or financial management.
  • Experience in all phases of affordable housing desired, with experience in developing, closing, and monitoring owners’ responsibilities of LIHTC projects required.
  • Experience with, and enjoyment of, supervising team members, and leading high-performing teams through growth and change.
  • Proven ability to build strong relationships with external stakeholders and partner with internal teams to lead to successful outcomes.
  • Enjoys fast-paced and challenging work environment and collaborating with a broad diversity of staff and partners.
  • Adaptable and skilled at multi-tasking.
  • Mission-driven and passionate about ONE|NB and related constituencies.
  • Good sense of self and strong personal presence.
  • A willingness to work hard and creatively solve problems for which the answers are not always obvious.
  • Knowledge of Rhode Island community development field and key stakeholders desired.

Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

The Vice President of Housing will be required to work a full-time schedule with some flexibility required on nights and weekends.

ONE|NB offers a robust benefits package (including health, dental, and vision insurance), a retirement plan with matching contribution, a generous allotment of paid holiday and personal/vacation time, and an inspiring and innovative organizational culture.

This role offers flexibility to work remotely an estimated two days per week.

Candidates are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, though vaccination is strongly recommended.

The salary range for this role is $105,000-$125,000 annually. The compensation range is competitive and is commensurate based on experience.

ONE|NB works to dismantle all forms of discrimination. They fight the systems that oppress people from a vast range of identities and experiences. Cultivating a team that embodies the diverse experiences of Central Providence communities is essential to these aspirations. They strongly and sincerely encourage applications from people of color; immigrant, bilingual, and bicultural individuals; people with disabilities; members of LGBTQQ+ and gender non-conforming communities; and people with other diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, via email to cindy@pillarsearch.com.

New Search! Chief Program Officer With JVS

Pillar Search is honored to partner with JVS on the search for their new Chief Program Officer (CPO). Reporting to JVS’ CEO, Kira Khazatsky, the CPO leads the core of JVS’ work – the development, quality, and delivery of JVS’s services, and oversee JVS’s team of programmatic vice presidents.

PLEASE NOTE: The application deadline for this position is Monday, May 1, 2023.

ABOUT JVS: JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Their mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers; and to partner with employers to hire, develop, and retain productive workforces. JVS provides a broad range of workforce development services including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement, and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce. JVS’s unique education and career pathway model has been widely recognized by funders, policy makers, and practitioners in Massachusetts and nationally.

Learn more about JVS at www.jvs-boston.org.

POSITION SUMMARY: The CPO oversees programmatic aspects of the organization and provides strategic leadership to the programmatic Vice President team to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. The CPO supervises, supports, and develops the programmatic VP team to achieve programmatic outcomes and manages programmatic budgets. The CPO collaborates with other principal executives to ensure long-term strategic planning and board management align with the organization’s mission and goals. Essential functions include:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programmatic Leadership and Team Management:

  • Provide programmatic leadership that reinforces agency mission and values and demonstrates commitment to clients.
  • Supervise, support, and develop the programmatic VP team to achieve programmatic outcomes.
  • Collaborate with the programmatic VP team to identify and address programmatic challenges.
  • Coach and supervise all programmatic VP teams.
  • Oversee the programmatic VP team on programmatic goal setting and budget development in support of overall agency goals.

Programmatic Budget Management:

  • Develop, implement, and manage programmatic budgets in collaboration with the finance team.
  • Ensure the programmatic budget aligns with the organization’s strategic plan and programs’ goals.
  • Provide regular updates on programmatic budget status and variances to the management team and board of directors.
  • Collaborate with the programmatic VP team to identify and address budgetary challenges.

Programmatic Design and Approval:

  • Provide final approval for all programmatic design and delivery models.
  • Ensure programmatic design aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals.
  • Ensure the programmatic design aligns with funder and employer expectations.
  • Collaborate with the programmatic VP team to identify and address programmatic design challenges.

Funder and Stakeholder Relationship Management:

  • Manage funder relationships in collaboration with the development team.
  • Ensure programmatic reporting and outcomes align with funder expectations.
  • Collaborate with the development team to identify and address funder relationship challenges.
  • Collaborate with the CEO, CFO, CIO, and CDO in setting agency agendas and priorities.
  • Work with the Chief Executive Officer on the programmatic board agendas

Programmatic Efficiency and Systems: 

  • Identify and implement programmatic efficiencies and systems.
  • Collaborate with the operations team to streamline programmatic processes.
  • Ensure programmatic efficiency aligns with the organization’s strategic plan and programmatic goals.
  • Facilitate and/or co-facilitate and direct the vision for programmatic committee meetings, task forces, and groups, and support the Staff & Board Chairperson for Client Services and Employer Services Committees.
  • Work with the Chief Executive Officer in programmatic strategic planning, implementation, reaching outcomes, leading, and tracking progress.

In addition, the CPO will perform projects as required by the Chief Executive Officer.

The CPO is a member of the leadership team, serving as a strategic thought leader.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 10+ years of experience in programmatic leadership and management.
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field or demonstrated equivalent work experience required.
  • Strong knowledge of budgeting and finance, program design, and stakeholder relationship management.
  • Experience working with funders to ensure ongoing support for programs.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong team management and leadership skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
  • Experience with strategic planning, implementation, and tracking progress.
  • Strong understanding of program design, delivery, and reporting.
  • Excellent budget management skills.
  • Proficient in Salesforce or other CRM systems

KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Program Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities, including project planning, budget management, and ensuring programs are delivered on time and within scope.
  • Strategic Planning: Proven ability to develop and implement programmatic strategies that align with the organization’s mission and vision, identify opportunities for growth and innovation, and experience with strategic planning processes.
  • Relationship Management: Strong relationship management skills, including the ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, effectively communicate the organization’s mission and programmatic impact to diverse audiences, including donors and funders.
  • Financial Management: Deep understanding of nonprofit finance and budget management, experience managing budgets of at least $10 million, and ability to make strategic decisions about resource allocation and financial planning.
  • Board Engagement: Ability to engage with the board of directors, present programmatic updates, and work with board committees, including employer engagement, client services, and budget and finance.
  • Innovative Thinking: The ability to think creatively and innovatively, keep up with the changing philanthropic and programmatic environment, and push the team to innovate and come up with new ideas to solve problems.
  • Listening Skills: Excellent listener, able to create a safe and collaborative environment for the team to share ideas and work together. Ability to take feedback constructively and make changes to improve team performance.
  • Adaptability: The ability to navigate change effectively, adjust strategies and plans as needed to respond to new challenges and opportunities, and be adaptable to changing circumstances.
  • Communication Proficiency: Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, build relationships with stakeholders, and represent the organization effectively in public.
  • Ethical Conduct: Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and integrity, including adherence to organizational policies and procedures and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Leadership: Proven leadership skills, able to lead and inspire teams to achieve organizational goals, and provide direction and support as needed.
  • Problem Solving/Analysis: Excellent problem-solving skills, able to define issues, gather data, and push the team to come up with effective solutions. Ability to make difficult decisions when necessary and have the confidence to move the team forward.
  • Personal Effectiveness/Credibility: Demonstrated personal effectiveness and credibility, including the ability to build trust, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
  • Presentation Skills: Strong presentation skills, able to present complex information in a compelling and engaging way to diverse audiences.
  • Technical Capacity: Strong technical capacity and knowledge of relevant technologies, tools, and systems to support program delivery and management.

Measurable Outcomes  

  • Program impact: The CPO should ensure that programs have a measurable impact on the intended target population. This may include changes in knowledge, behavior, or other outcomes that are directly related to the program’s goals.
  • Results-oriented: The CPO should have a strong focus on outcomes and measurable metrics to ensure programs achieve their intended goals. This requires setting clear objectives, developing strategies to achieve them, and regularly evaluating progress towards achieving them.
  • Analytical skills: The CPO must be able to analyze complex data and information to make informed decisions about program design, implementation, and evaluation. This requires the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and identify trends and patterns to inform programmatic decisions.
  • Program efficiency: The CPO should ensure that programs are delivered efficiently, using resources effectively to achieve program goals. This may include monitoring program expenditures, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately, and identifying opportunities to improve program efficiency.
  • Program reach: The CPO should ensure that programs reach the intended target population; this may include tracking program participation rates, identifying barriers to access, and developing strategies to increase program reach.
  • Program quality: The CPO should ensure that programs are of high quality, with a focus on program design, implementation, and evaluation. This may include monitoring program fidelity, ensuring that programs are evidence-based, and using data to inform programmatic decisions.
  • Staff development: The CPO should ensure that staff are supported and developed to achieve programmatic outcomes. This may include providing training and professional development opportunities, offering performance feedback and support, and creating a positive work environment that supports programmatic success.

This is a hybrid, full-time, exempt role. The JVS office is located in Boston’s Financial District.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 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.

M/F/V/DV

TO APPLY:  JVS has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting in the search for the Chief Program Officer. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com

Search Success: Griet Dehandschutter Joins Treehouse Foundation as Director of Development!

Treehouse Foundation and Pillar Search are thrilled to announce the appointment of Griet Dehandschutter to the position of Director of Development.

As the Director of Development, Griet will be a key member of the Treehouse Leadership Team, overseeing the organization’s fundraising and expanding its community of support across Massachusetts and nationwide. Griet will be responsible for setting fundraising strategy, managing the fundraising team, growing Treehouse’s resources by deepening engagement with individuals, corporations and foundations and raising the organization’s visibility in support of its big and bold vision. She will report to Treehouse Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director Judy Cockerton.

Most recently, Griet was the Executive Director of Acton-Boxborough United Way where she doubled the revenue in two years and engaged multi-stakeholder coalitions to address vital community needs. Prior to that, Griet was an international fundraising consultant, where she pioneered innovative and sustainable international major giving, corporate and foundation giving strategies with large and small nonprofits, museums, and universities across 15 countries and 4 continents. Earlier in her career, as East Coast Director for Flanders Investment and Trade, Griet partnered with Fortune 500 executives to locate their pan-European business operations in Belgium. Griet also co-founded the European-American Chamber of Commerce in the United States, today known as the Transatlantic Business Council (TABC).

Griet earned her Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and her Master of Law from Belgium’s University of Antwerp.

In addition, Griet has served on several boards, including the American Fund for Charities, SilverAqua, and iScale. As a volunteer, Griet co-chaired the Capital Campaign for the United Church of Christ in Boxborough, MA.

About the Treehouse Foundation: The Treehouse Foundation is an award-winning Massachusetts-based nonprofit that is working diligently to inspire a Re-Envisioning of Foster Care in America.

Since its launch in 2002, Treehouse has been investing in foster care, vital aging, and affordable housing innovation. Its mission: To inspire, implement, and support innovative child welfare practices that ensure our children who experience foster care find permanent families and supportive communities, allowing them to develop, heal and thrive. Its vision: Every child rooted in family and community. 

Nationally recognized social entrepreneur, Judy Cockerton, has provided her visionary leadership to the Treehouse Foundation since its inception. Cockerton, known as a highly collaborative leader, developed the award-winning intergenerational Treehouse Community model and leads the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) movement. In 2006, the first intergenerational Treehouse Community opened in western Massachusetts, where the largest percentage of children and youth experiencing foster care in the Commonwealth reside. The Treehouse Foundation partnered with Beacon Communities LLC to design, build and operate the first Treehouse Community in Easthampton, MA. Treehouse is now partnering with 2Life Communities to bring the successful intergenerational Treehouse Community model to the site of the former Boston State Hospital in Mattapan.

On November 3-4, the Treehouse Foundation will host its 9th national Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) conference in Boston. REFCA2023 will feature the wisdom, award winning ideas, and lived expertise of REFCA Champions – stellar changemakers who are using their firsthand experience and professional acumen to create new visions for child welfare.

To learn more about this visionary organization, please visit https://www.treehousefoundation.net.

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.

Search Success: Anusha Venkataraman Joins ONE Neighborhood Builders as Managing Director of Central Providence Opportunities!

ONE Neighborhood Builders and Pillar Search and HR Consulting are excited to share that Anusha Venkataram has joined ONE Neighborhood Builders as their new Managing Director of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone. She brings nearly two decades of experience in community development, policy, and organizing, to state’s leading community development corporation.

PROVIDENCE, RI – ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) named Anusha Venkataraman, the former executive director of the New York City Racial Justice Commission, as the organization’s first Managing Director of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone (CPO-HEZ), an initiative focused on advancing health equity and economic mobility in the 02908 and 02909 zip codes in Providence.

“Anusha is a seasoned expert in community development, policy, and organizing, and we are thrilled that she has returned to Providence. As ONE|NB looks to further strengthen our foundation as a community-centered impact organization, we knew we needed to find a leader with a track record of building community trust and getting results,” said ONE|NB President and Executive Director Jennifer Hawkins.

With a background in urban planning, Venkataraman’s work has focused on community development, public policy, civic engagement, political organizing, and the arts. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the NYC Racial Justice Commission, where she steered a public process of reviewing the city’s charter, resulting in three successful ballot initiatives advancing racial equity.

“Across my career in grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and in city government, I have seen what is possible when community members are empowered to drive action,” said Venkataraman. “I am excited to make my return to Providence—a city I am deeply passionate about—and help lead this initiative with ONE|NB in addressing the systemic barriers to health and economic equity in Central Providence and collectively building a stronger future.”

Before leading the NYC Racial Justice Commission, Venkataraman held positions in the NYC Office of the Mayor, including Chief Service Officer and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Mayor for Housing & Economic Development, as well as in the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development. She also worked with the community organization El Puente in Brooklyn on a neighborhood-wide health and sustainability initiative. Venkataraman started her career in Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector, including as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at the Steel Yard in Providence.

The Managing Director provides strategic leadership and capacity to Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone, which brings together residents, more than five dozen community-based organizations, health professionals, local businesses, elected officials, and others to address root causes of health disparities and to improve neighborhood conditions.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) established Health Equity Zones (HEZs) in 2015 to improve community health in areas that need it most. HEZs are collaboratives of residents, community organizations, health professionals, and others who come together to address the root causes of health disparities. The HEZs work to ensure every neighborhood has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier. This work requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, racism, and their consequences, including insufficient access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education, affordable housing, safe environments, and healthcar

As Managing Director of CPO-HEZ, Venkataraman will oversee ONE|NB’s work with community partners and residents who have been working for nearly a year to develop a vision for Central Providence. ONE|NB and its partners will culminate this planning work on Monday when they unveil the Central Providence Roadmap, with a vision to ensure that all residents of Central Providence will live healthy, stable lives and be empowered to impact the conditions in their community.

Venkataraman earned a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Pratt Institute and a bachelor’s in international relations from Brown University.

ABOUT ONE NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDERS:

ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) is a nonprofit community development leader in Rhode Island that is expanding its work to the broader Greater Providence area while maintaining its deep roots in its historic home of Olneyville. ONE|NB’s mission is to develop affordable housing and engage neighbors to cultivate healthy, vibrant, and safe communities. Since its founding in 1988, then as Olneyville Housing Corporation, ONE|NB has developed 466 affordable apartments; 130 for-sale homes for low- to moderate-income homebuyers; and nearly 34,000 square feet of commercial and community space—totaling more than $135 million of investments. ONE|NB is the convening entity of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone, which brings together residents, more than five dozen community-based organizations, health professionals, local businesses, elected officials, and others to address root causes of health disparities and to improve neighborhood conditions. As the convener, ONE|NB is the backbone organization of this collective-impact initiative to increase economic mobility for residents in Central Providence. ONE|NB also created the first free community wireless network in Rhode Island, providing high-speed broadband to nearly 3000 unique users in the Olneyville neighborhood.

ABOUT PILLAR SEARCH & HR CONSULTING:

A woman-owned business and Certified Diversity Recruiter 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.

Search Success: Lorna Campbell Joins the B.A.A. as Head of Public Relations!

The Boston Athletic Association (the “B.A.A.”) and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are thrilled to announce the appointment of Lorna Campbell to the position of Head of Public Relations.  

As the founding Head of Public Relations, Lorna will be tasked with building a best-in-class Public Relations strategy and function for global impact and will be a key driver in advancing the effectiveness and vision of the B.A.A. Reporting directly to the B.A.A.’s Chief Executive Officer, Jack Fleming, she will be part of the organization’s senior leadership team.

Most recently, Lorna was Head of Communications for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Prior, she was the Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Public Relations & Sports Marketing with Hill+Knowlton Strategies based in Singapore. With more than 20 years’ experience in PR and communications in Asia, Europe and the US, Lorna has worked on some of the world’s largest sporting events including the London, Rio and Tokyo Summer Olympic Games; the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, the Wimbledon Championships, 2014 Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games from 2006-2018 with Team Scotland.

Lorna earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Sports Science & Geography from England’s Loughborough University and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional through the Digital Marketing Institute.

About the B.A.A.:  The 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 in a variety of ways, such as organizing mass-participatory running events like the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.

The B.A.A. believes that everyone—no matter their race, gender, or background—should be able to advance their well-being safely and without fear or discrimination of any kind. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace and community that is diverse, equitable, inclusive and promotes a sense of belonging for all. To learn more about this wonderful organization, please visit www.baa.org.  

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business and Certified Diversity Recruiter 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.

New Search: Vice President of Marketing with Sandy Hook Promise

Pillar Search is honored to partner with Sandy Hook Promise on their search for the new Vice President, Marketing. This is a remote role. Qualified candidates are encouraged to email their cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Pillar’s Founder/Executive Search Consultant at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

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 Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

SHP strives to ensure its culture and work environment reflect the values of race, diversity, equity, and inclusion (REDI) and is responsive to the views and issues of the diverse communities with which we live and work. SHP encourages individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion to apply.

Position Summary

This is the role you’ve been waiting for – an opportunity to leverage your extensive background in brand building and marketing fundamentals on a fast-growing brand that is making a difference and saving the lives of young people. You are joining a high-performing team that has won two Emmy awards for “Outstanding Commercial” and countless Cannes Lions, Effies, Webby Awards, and other recognitions. Not only will you be driving the brand but will also drive growth on grassroots fundraising that makes up 60% of the organization’s operating budget.

As the Vice President of Marketing (VP), you will be leading a highly skilled department that is responsible for development, planning and execution of all SHP brand marketing, internal and external communications, media and public relations, web content and digital marketing management, collateral, and graphic design. Additionally, as the VP you will ensure consistency in messaging and strengthening SHP awareness across all touchpoints, internally and externally.  You will be refining the marketing and brand vision collaboratively across departments internally as well as with partners and agencies externally.  You will be managing relationships with world-class CMOs, agencies, and media leaders to evolve our brand vision and create compelling messaging and creative that drives brand equity and fundraising results. With your work, we will advance SHP’s thought leadership, program impact, and policy objectives.  This role will support the work of both the Foundation (c3) and the Action Fund (c4).

In this role, you will lead and manage a large and highly talented team with 3 direct reports who manage an additional 3 communications professionals and 5 digital marketing professionals. The VP will also work closely with the marketing team and the COO to manage external agency partners across disciplines, including ad creative, digital marketing/fundraising, media, public relations, and others as needed.

This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Job Responsibilities

Marketing/Branding

  • Responsible for (and gate keeper of) the overall SHP Brand / SHP Programs marketing, brand treatment, and promotional execution – including directing key messages, brand identity/guidelines, advertising, and delivery channels – this role collaborates and aligns on overall strategy and execution with the C-suite.
  • Lead holistic vision and strategy for all marketing and branding across all touchpoints, including all elements of Comms/PR, Digital, and all other messaging/advertising; delivering on objectives for both C3 and C4 SHP organizations.
  • Lead media strategy and work with SHP’s Media Advisory Board, ensuring strong continued media donations and continuous innovation on how to change the narrative on gun violence.
  • Ensures marketing and communications support of activities surrounding all SHP PSA campaigns, evergreen messaging, fundraising messaging, events, conferences, speaking engagements, and other such functions by developing and producing related collateral.
  • Responsible for all grassroots fundraising (~65% of total organization’s revenue) driving winning strategies across traditional and advanced technology mediums, including email, SMS, SEO/SEM, and digital/social 47ad fundraising.
  • Leads colleagues and stakeholders to understand and support the branding, marketing and communications strategies.
  • Ensures the highest standard of editorial quality of print and electronic media communications, assuring timely access to information by members.

General

  • Supports and guides both Communications and Digital teams to deliver all goals for the teams, ensuring strong fundamentals, continuous innovation, and growth of team members.
  • Identifies the need for, develops guidelines for, and directs the activities of external resources as it pertains to branding and marketing, such as outside consultants, including advertising agencies, public relations agencies, graphic designers, website designers, marketing professionals, and speech and freelance writers.
  • Identifies and develops relationships/partnerships with third parties such as community leaders, academics, companies, thought leaders, associations, etc. that could be influential on behalf of the organization and continue to support our thought leadership in gun violence prevention (GVP) and school safety
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of progressive experience in senior marketing/brand management/communications positions within a corporation or nonprofit, including significant diversified management experience.
  • Passion for brand building and marketing with proven ability to get the best creativity out of teams to develop the next evolution of SHP communications.
  • Ability to lead strategies and campaigns for both brand-building and performance marketing, with a history of continually innovating and testing new ideas.
  • Proven track record of developing successful marketing strategies, leveraging multiple marketing disciplines, that contributed to the achievement of set goals and mission of the organization.
  • Strong experience/understanding of communications, digital marketing, and media.
  • Exceptional written and oral communicator who displays a strong sense of vision, sophistication and a collaborative, creative, and strategic approach to communication.
  • Experience hiring, coaching, and managing a highly talented and diverse team.
  • In-depth experience managing and coaching for top-quality outputs from internal teams and external consultants/agencies (e.g. public relations agencies, creative ad agencies, media agencies, etc.)
  • Proven ability to create, communicate strategies and well-organized plans and deliver them with excellence by necessary deadlines.
  • Ability to re-prioritize and react when necessary to urgent rapid response moments.
  • Experience handling sensitive and confidential issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and foster relationships internally and externally.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to solve problems, work independently, and excel in a high-performance culture.
  • Takes an ambitious, innovative, and creative approach to communications/marketing strategies.
  • Adept in Microsoft Office Applications, proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook; ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.
  • Willingness to travel as necessary (Approx 5-10%)

Benefits and Salary Range

The starting salary for this position is $140,000-160,000. SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health, dental, and vision
  • Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • 401k match
  • Employer Paid Employee Assistance

This is a fully remote position.  SHP 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, monthly WIFI reimbursement up to $40, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50.

Equal Opportunity Employment

SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be an employer of choice: where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. 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, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are focused on promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion and believe deeply in having a workforce comprised of people of all beliefs and backgrounds who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. Members of all under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Sandy Hook Promise has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting for the Vice President of Marketing search. Please submit your materials (cover letter and resume) to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

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. Pillar’s Founder, Cindy Joyce, is a Certified Diversity Recruiter. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.