New Search! Development Manager with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)

Development Manager

Pillar Search is honored to partner with Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) on the search for their new Development Manager.

Founded in 1887, 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 by organizing mass-participatory running events such as the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.

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 the B.A.A., please click here.

ABOUT THE ROLE  

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Manager plays a key role in sustaining initiatives, such as the B.A.A.’s third-party fundraising efforts via special events, corporate and foundation support, and the annual development fund. Additionally, the Development Manager manages the organization’s strategic investments in the local community via the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program and the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program, by serving as the primary facilitator for applications, programming, and communication. Through their work, the Development Manager helps to advance the mission of the B.A.A. by supporting organizations that focus on building healthy communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

FUNDRAISING

  • Partner with the Director of Development to develop and implement comprehensive, cost-effective programs that encompass third-party giving, special events, corporate and foundation support, and an annual development fund.
  • Manages the application process for the B.A.A. Gives Back Marathon Team.
  • Lead planning process for fundraising events in coordination with Director of Development, including but not limited to, the B.A.A. Gives Back Gala.
  • Manage the organization’s fundraising database, gift recording, gift acknowledgment, data quality, reporting, and gift trends and insights.
  • Partner with the Director of Development in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors/potential donors.

STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS

  • Manage the annual application process for the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.
  • Support charity partners in program development designed to help them achieve their fundraising goals.
  • Partner with the Director of Development to continue developing the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program to provide monetary and in-kind support to local organizations that align with the B.A.A.’s mission.
  • Manage the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program’s application process.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Actively represent the B.A.A. to the community and develop and maintain relationships with staff, volunteers, community leaders, and major donors.
  • Oversee email correspondence to partners, inclusive of reminders, requests, and invitations.
  • Lead full-cycle projects from conception to completion and able to work with a variety of team members to accomplish goals.
  • Manage policing and enforcement of B.A.A. intellectual property standards (such as trademark and logo) in all materials created by the Official Charity Program and Grant Program, whether printed, electronic, social media, clothing, etc.
  • Oversee the organization’s charity and grant program website pages.
  • Other duties as assigned.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. We know people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

  • 2 to 5 years of related work experience in a development or advancement role with experience in fundraising and events.
  • Entrepreneurial and self-motivated, with experience making decisions independently or with little oversight.
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks both autonomously and as part of a team. Project management experience is highly desirable.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams. Superior written and oral communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exemplary customer service skills and ability to interact with diverse audiences, including potential donors, external leaders, and key stakeholders.
  • Solution-oriented performer who can be highly responsive to the needs of a wide variety of constituents.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience in Salesforce or donor database preferred.
  • Flexibility to attend night and weekend events.

WORK EXPECTATIONS AT THE B.A.A.

We are a hands-on team and seek employees who are passionate about our work and service to our community. The Development Manager role is a 40 hours/week, exempt position. The role will require working some weekends and evenings. There will be longer work hours surrounding events. Limited local travel required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is competitive and commensurate with lived and professional experience. The B.A.A. will promote your professional growth and development by providing access to:

  • Competitive health & dental insurance plans
  • Life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans funded 100% by the B.A.A.
  • 401(k) matching dollar-for-dollar up to 4% after one year of service, elective deferrals may begin upon hire
  • An annual allotment of professional development funding (up to $2,000 per calendar year)
  • Paid vacation based on years of service
  • 11 paid holidays: 9 scheduled and 2 floating

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to this position, please prepare a resume and cover letter to the attention of the B.A.A. Human Resources team and submit your materials to Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search at cindy@pillarsearch.com.  

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

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! Head of Public Relations for the B.A.A.!

OVERVIEW

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) on the search for their new Head of Public Relations. This role will advance the B.A.A.’s mission and vision through strong, innovative, and dynamic leadership. This is a hybrid role; the B.A.A.’s offices are in Boston, MA and Hopkinton, MA.

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 click here.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The founding Head of Public Relations will play a vital role in the development and implementation of an innovative public relations strategy and program to advance the effectiveness and vision of the B.A.A. They seek a hands-on and high-level leader to ensure they capably and consistently communicate their purpose, events, and philosophy to their audience and communities.

You will partner and collaborate closely with media, external stakeholders and each of their internal teams to achieve success. The Head of Public Relations will report directly to the B.A.A.’s Chief Executive Officer and be part of the organization’s senior leadership team. The position will have the opportunity to build a best-in-class Public Relations strategy and function for global impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PR Strategy Management

  • Create and manage the B.A.A.’s PR strategy, program, and story – proactively creating a productive image for the B.A.A., its work and its vision.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., media and industry contacts, local, state, and federal government and public officials/public affairs, community partners, B.A.A Marketing and Communications), collaborating appropriately to advance our strategy and promote the B.A.A.
  • Promote the B.A.A. within their industry.
  • Develop and lead campaigns (such as how the B.A.A. is leading in terms of industry innovation, in the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging space, etc.), external efforts, and outreach. Measure and report on success of efforts, recommending changes to approach based on data insights.
  • Work closely with CEO to develop and deliver the organization’s external messages.
  • Work closely with our Marketing and Communications team members to coordinate and deliver content effectively across multiple channels. Provide guidance to collaborators.
  • Prepare content for various channels and events, such as key talking points, Board materials.
  • Serve as PR lead and spokesperson during B.A.A. races and industry events, press forums, and as needed.

Community Liaison

  • Serve as a “bridge” to their various communities and audiences. Enhance the B.A.A. presence and brand in the local market.
  • Leverage local and regional contacts to ensure B.A.A. work is highlighted throughout the year, and in alignment with their strategy. Continuously build and strengthen these relationships, managing their public affairs and media relations.
  • Collaborate with local cities and towns, and their respective agencies, organization, and contacts. Consistently provide outward communications and engagement with these groups to support B.A.A.’s strategy and position on running throughout the year.

 Crisis Communications

  • Serve as crisis communications leader and point person.
  • Proactively plan for possible scenarios and ensure all involved understand what to do when predicted scenarios do occur.
  • Anticipate and be available (seven days a week, if required) for critical PR needs.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. Pillar Search and the B.A.A. knows people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We respect this when they review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

  • Minimum of five (5) years demonstrated leadership in a public relations/media (or comparable) role.
  • Effective interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills; proven track record for working well across teams and with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Experience directing the media/media-related activities to elevate an organization’s profile, including both traditional and social media. The ideal candidate will have an established network within Boston’s media industry.
  • Experience in crisis communications situations.
  • Proven ability to serve as an effective organizational spokesperson, produce excellent forms of written communication, and manage media relations.
  • Knowledge of the organization.
  • A commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

WORK EXPECTATIONS AT B.A.A

The B.A.A. is a hands-on team and seek employees who are passionate about their work and service to the community. The Head of Public Relations role is a 40 hours/week, exempt position. This role will have an MA-based hybrid work arrangement. Beginning February 1, 2023, the B.A.A. will have a seasonal hybrid work model in which different months of the year require 2-3 days/week in the office while other months require 0-3 days/week. The B.A.A. has two office spaces–one in downtown Boston and one in Hopkinton, MA. The Head of Public Relations will be expected to travel to the Hopkinton office on an occasional basis, though they will primarily be based in the Boston office.

COVID-19 Guidelines

B.A.A. continues to adapt to safety protocols related to COVID-19 as they understand them. All candidates must comply with B.A.A.’s current COVID-19 Guidelines, including B.A.A.’s vaccination requirement. All employees must receive at least the first dose of the vaccination no later than one week after their start date, and must be fully vaccinated no later than 4 weeks later.  For the purpose of this policy, individuals are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson/Janssen).

The B.A.A. requires all employees to receive the COVID vaccine. For the safety of the community, B.A.A. employees are expected to obtain COVID tests if they have symptoms or have traveled by plane. Quarantining may be required after air travel.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is competitive and commensurate with lived and professional experience. The B.A.A. will promote your professional growth and development by providing access to:

  • Competitive health & dental insurance plans with employer contributions of at least 80%
  • Life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans funded 100% by the B.A.A.
  • 401K matching dollar-for-dollar up to 4% after one year of service, elective deferrals may begin upon hire
  • Paid vacation based on years of service
  • 11 paid holidays, 9 scheduled and 2 floating
  • A private option for Paid Family & Medical Leave with up to 26 weeks of paid leave per year for qualifying leave events

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to this position, please prepare a resume and cover letter to the attention of the B.A.A. Hiring Team and submit your materials to Cindy Joyce, Founder & Executive Search Consultant, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

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