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: 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.

Search Success: Aubey Church Joins Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance as Policy Manager!

Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Aubrey Church to the position of Fisheries Policy Manager. Aubrey joined the organization on February 6, 2023.

As Policy Manager, Aubrey will manage and execute all policy and campaign activities, working with the CEO to develop policy positions and strategize advocacy campaigns. Aubrey will attend state and federal regulatory meetings to monitor proposed changes and represent the local fleet, analyze fishery policy options, build relationships and credibility within the fishing industry and with elected officials, organize fishermen meetings to discuss fisheries issues, write comment letters on proposed regulatory changes (for the organization and for the fishermen), and organize fishermen and the public to participate in advocacy campaigns.

Most recently, Aubrey was a Research Biologist with the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation. Prior, she was a Data Debriefer with the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program and earlier in her career Aubrey was a Northeast Fisheries Observer and At-Sea Monitor with MRAG, Americas. In addition, she has consulted with Fishery Applications Consulting Team, LLC and Stoveboat LLC.

In December 2022, Aubrey completed her Professional Science Master’s degree from UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Franklin & Marshall College.

About Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance: The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance is a progressive leader that promotes stewardship of coastal ecosystems and community-based fisheries management through outreach, economic development, and policy programs. Started in 1991 by a small group of commercial hook and line fishermen from Cape Cod, the organization quickly developed into an effective voice for all local fishermen. The operating theory is straightforward: responsible fishing practices and conservative regulations will generate healthy fish stocks and revitalize the region’s fishing communities.

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance works closely with fishermen, public officials, scientists, and other non-profits to advocate for a sustainable small-boat fishing fleet while creating smart policies that promote habitat protection, community decision-making, and a viable fishery for the next generation. Learn more at www.capecodfishermen.org.  

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, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

New Search: Director of Development with Treehouse Foundation

About

The Treehouse Foundation has partnered with Pillar Search & HR Consulting in their search for their new Director of Development. This is an exciting role for an experienced fundraising professional with nonprofit leadership experience.

Organization Summary

The Treehouse Foundation is an award-winning Massachusetts based nonprofit organization 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 innovation that is designed to ensure that “every child is rooted in family and community”.

Nationally recognized social entrepreneur, Judy Cockerton, has provided her visionary leadership to the Treehouse Foundation for the past twenty years. In addition to leading the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America movement, Cockerton – a highly collaborative executive director – has developed an intergenerational Treehouse Community Living model that is designed to support families adopting children from foster care and older adults who act as “honorary grandparents”.

Treehouse is now partnering with 2Life Communities and Plummer Youth Promise to bring the successful intergenerational Treehouse Community model to the Boston neighborhood of Mattapan. Treehouse Boston will be home to 12 foster/ adoptive families, 42 older adults (ages 55+) and 8 Transition Aged Youth (18 – 24 years): Treehouse Boston community members will invest in one another’s health and well-being while receiving ongoing supports and services from an on-site team made up of Treehouse Foundation, 2Life Communities and Plummer Youth Promise staff.

Come inspire a Re-Envisioning of Foster Care in America with the Treehouse Foundation Team! Help Treehouse Foundation develop a strong and vibrant statewide organization that shows the rest of the country how Massachusetts cares for its children and youth experiencing foster care and promote intergenerational Treehouse Community living! It’s a win-win-win for three vulnerable populations, the Commonwealth, and the country.

The Treehouse Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to the ongoing work of becoming an anti-racist organization, and strongly value diversity equity, and inclusion. One of their core values is creating a culture of dignity and respect for all members of their team and all program participants.  They welcome team members from all backgrounds to join and enrich their team and they are dedicated to creating a culture where everyone can bring their authentic, original, and best selves to the work. The Treehouse Foundation invites qualified applicants from all races and ethnicities, religions, countries of origin, sexes, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages to apply. They are stronger and better with you on their team! They are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities in their application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please let us know.

Learn more about the Treehouse Foundation at https://www.treehousefoundation.net.

Position Summary

The Director of Development, a key member of the Treehouse Leadership Team, oversees the organization’s fundraising and manages relationships with supporters. Their duties will include setting fundraising strategies, major donor relations and solicitations, donor relations, seeking out opportunities for financial support through grants and sponsorships, and planning fundraising events.

Reporting to the Treehouse Founder/CEO Judy Cockerton, the Director of Development will lead fundraising planning and implementation, focused major donors and other streams of support for the organization in collaboration with the ED.

This is a statewide, remote role with travel to the office in Western Massachusetts and to donor meetings in/around Massachusetts as needed. Given the focus on opening the Treehouse Foundation location in Mattapan MA, there is a preference for a candidate in the Boston/Greater Boston area.

Strategy and Planning

  • The Treehouse Foundation’s Director of Development will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing our statewide revenue generation model for Treehouse Boston, Treehouse Easthampton, and the HEROES Youth Leadership Program.
  • In addition, the Director of Development will develop, implement and oversee a national revenue generation model to support the growth of revenue for the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) movement.
  • The Director of Development will work with the Treehouse Foundation Founder/CEO, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Finance and Operations Manager, and grant writing consultant to successfully achieve the organization’s fundraising goals.
  • Ensure successful achievement of the annual fundraising goals
  • As a member of the leadership team, help to manage the annual budget of the organization
  • Analyze and measure the progress towards the fundraising goals and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns, reporting on progress to other members of the leadership team and the board of directors

Donor Relations and Solicitation

  • Maintain ongoing relationships with all the donors and cultivate new donors and sponsors
  • Implement strategies/donor stewardship plans to form strong relationships with new and existing donors and sponsors and keep them informed on how their financial contribution is being utilized, as well as establish donor/sponsor communication plans that meet Treehouse standards
  • Successfully solicit major gifts of $1,000 to $100,000+

Foundations and Corporate Sponsorships

  • Manage corporate gifts and sponsorships
  • Secure grants for the organization and manage foundation relations
  • Provide grant reports to funders

Team Leadership

  • Lead the development team and collaborate in developing strategies for increasing brand awareness and funding
  • Lead the board Development Committee with the committee chair and Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development
  • Collaborate with the board of directors on development initiatives
  • Recruit and train development team members
  • Stay up to date on nonprofit fundraising trends and best practices

Communications/Visibility

  • Lead the creation of development-focused marketing collateral, visibility campaigns, and social media campaigns
  • Take advantage of community relations, speaking engagements, fundraising events, and communication tools like newsletters and social media platforms to reach donors and sponsors

Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum 5 years of nonprofit development leadership experience required including experience managing direct reports
  • Demonstrated skills in development, gift solicitation, donor relations practices
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency in donor databases
  • Must be organized detail-oriented, able to prioritize and handle multiple projects with tight deadlines
  • Passion for Treehouse’s mission and for fundraising
  • Commitment to social change required. Experience with racial equity work strongly preferred.

This is a 40-hour per week salaried position that includes health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability insurances; generous vacation, sick time, and 12 paid holidays. The salary range is $100,000 – $120,000, depending on experience.

The Treehouse Foundation has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting for the Director of Development search. Please submit your materials (cover letter and resume) to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

 

Craig Misner Named the New Director of Academic Services with JVS!

JVS Boston and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, the appointment of Craig Misner to the position of Director, Academic Services.

This is a well-deserved promotion from Craig’s most recent role with JVS as Manager of Coaching Services, Academic Services.

Craig will be responsible for executing and leading agency Academic services based on identified needs of clients, employers, funders, and other stakeholders. In collaboration with the Vice President, Craig will manage the performance expectations of Academic Services programs, teams, and staff. He will be responsible for collaborating with the VP around the fiscal health of Academic Services programs, program budgets, and budget modifications, as well as annual revenue and expenditure projections and assisting with development efforts to support academic services.

Craig brings extensive workforce development and leadership experience to the role with JVS. Earlier in his 8-year tenure with JVS, Craig was the Academic Coach and Outreach Specialist with their Bridges to College and Careers Program. Prior to joining JVS, Craig work in Human Resources with a focus on learning and development with Starbucks and Town Sports International. Craig earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts, Boston.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Executive Search Boston

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

Pillar Search & HR Consulting

POSITION: Director of People and Culture

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

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

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

STATUS: Exempt

SALARY: $100,000

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

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

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

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

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

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

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

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

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

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

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

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

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

ABOUT PILLAR SEARCH & HR CONSULTING:  

A woman-owned business founded in Boston in 2015, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations across the country, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization.