Search Success! Emma Concepcion Joins UTEC as Chief People Officer

UTEC and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are excited to announce that, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, Emma Concepcion has joined UTEC as their new Chief People Officer.

Reporting to UTEC’s CEO, Emma will be responsible for leading UTEC’s people and talent strategies, managing and mitigating organizational risks, and continuing the development of their human resource-related strategies, policies, and procedures. She will be a strategic advisor to senior leadership on a variety of issues, including employee relations, leadership development, organizational culture, and talent management, and will be play a key leadership role in supporting UTEC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of management and embodying UTEC’s DEI vision in their work and workplace culture.

Emma joins UTEC from Bay Cove Human Services, where she was their Vice President of Human Resources and earlier was the organization’s Director of Human Resources. As a member of the Bay Cove leadership team, she established the workforce development team, was Co-Chair of the DEI committee, designed and implemented HR initiatives, enhanced staff retention and engagement, and aligned HR strategies with organizational objectives. While Emma was Bay Cove’s Vice President of Human Resources, the organization achieved recognition as one of Boston’s Top Places to Work for five consecutive years. Prior to her tenure in Human Resources at Bay Cove, Emma spent a decade as their Director of Housing. In addition to her human resources and human services expertise, Emma also has extensive mediation experience, as she spent several years participating in court mediation and mediation training as a member of the Harvard University Mediation Program, handling cases related to civil, housing, and harassment prevention orders.

About UTEC: UTEC is a nationally recognized program for justice-involved young adults. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and intensive street outreach/gang peacemaking and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. The nature of their educational services, wraparound supports and counseling, social enterprise/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships creates a variety of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

Last year, UTEC served over 600 young adults including a range of outreach activities, and approximately 150 young adults intensively through their comprehensive program. During this fiscal year, 75% of young adults at UTEC avoided arrest. With over 20 years of experience, UTEC is a catalyst, innovating in the way they serve young adults (ages 17-25) who are criminally and/or gang involved in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley. Learn more about UTEC at https://utecinc.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.

New Search! Director of Housing Development with ONE Neighborhood Builders

POSITION SUMMARY

Pillar Search is honored to partner with ONE Neighborhood Builders on the search for their new Director of Housing Development. This position is based in Providence, RI.

The Director of Housing Development is one of three directors in ONE|NB’s housing division, all reporting to the Vice President of Housing. The Director leads the department’s housing development activities, supervising three project managers who advance projects through pre-development, construction, and into leasing. The Director represents ONE|NB and its interests externally, collaborating with consultants, project partners, financing entities, and others to successfully build high-quality housing. 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 35,000 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

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.

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY

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 (LIHTC) 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 projects utilize the 4% LIHTC, 9% LIHTC, HOME, CDBG, and a variety of RI state and municipal “soft second” sources, and debt. These new projects will begin coming on-line in winter 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 our 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.

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 of the position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This full-time position is charged with leading ONE|NB’s Housing Department’s housing development activities in close collaborative with the Vice President of Housing and the President & CEO.

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead and manage the housing development team in developing and maintaining an active project pipeline.
  • Develop project proposals, determine feasibility, and seek project financing, including LIHTC, New Markets Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, and the range of other state and municipal “second soft” sources, as well as equity and debt.
  • Select and manage project teams in conjunction with Vice President of Housing and housing development team.
  • Engage, build, and maintain partnerships and on-going communication with lenders, investors, and other financing partners.
  • Collaborate with the Vice President of Housing and other team members to engage other local organizations, government officials, and community stakeholders in efforts to support affordable housing development.
  • Coordinate with the Directors of Asset Management and Resident Services to ensure interdepartmental information flow and collaborate as needed to advance the organization’s goals.
  • Remain attuned to emerging ideas in the affordable housing development field and contribute to the exploration of novel financing approaches.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be an 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 attributes will generally define the successful Director of Housing Development:

  • Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree in a related field is a plus (business administration, real estate finance, or public administration)
  • Minimum of 10 years of related professional experience including experience managing all stages of the development process. Experience with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit deals required.
  • Experience managing a team of high performing professionals in the real estate and/or nonprofit arena required;
  • 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, highly organized, and skilled at multi-tasking;
  • Mission-driven and passionate about ONE|NB and related constituencies;
  • Good sense of self and strong personal presence;
  • Willingness to work hard and creatively solve problems for which the answers are not always obvious; and
  • Knowledge of Rhode Island community development field and key stakeholders desired.

Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

The Director of Housing Development will be required to work a full-time schedule with some flexibility required on nights and weekends. This role offers flexibility to work remotely an estimated two times per week initially and greater flexibility once established in the role.

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. The salary range for this role is $100,000 – $125,000 annually. Compensation range is competitive and is commensurate based on experience.

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

ONE|NB works to dismantle all forms of discrimination. We 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. We 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! Employer Relations Manager with Building Futures!

About the Opportunity:

Building Futures has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for their new Employer Relations Manager.

This is an ideal opportunity for an organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated individual who enjoys and have experience developing employer partnerships. Through these partnerships, Building Futures can offer high-quality training, education and occupational development programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing external relationships, exceling in a team environment, and will be interested in personal and professional growth within a dynamic organization.

About Building Futures:

Building Futures was founded in 2007 as a construction industry partnership, focused on leveraging the Registered Apprenticeship model of workforce development. For over 100 years, unions and employers have jointly operated registered apprenticeships in the construction occupations to train individuals as highly skilled tradespeople. Our work spans three distinct but highly aligned areas.

For the benefit of low-income Rhode Islanders, Building Futures developed and operates a comprehensive pre-apprenticeship program to prepare diverse, low-income men and women for success in employment as registered apprentices in the building trades. In addition, we work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure construction projects provide employment opportunities for apprentices at the appropriate level to meet future demand for skilled labor through our Apprentice Utilization Program. Our pre-apprenticeship and apprentice utilization program together provide an effective system for workforce development in Rhode Island’s construction sector.

From this foundation, we have established Apprenticeship Rhode Island, an initiative to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship beyond the construction sector. Now, we are helping develop new registered apprenticeship programs in multiple sectors, which include healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing and marine trades, among others. Working with employers, industry partnerships, government and community-based organizations, we are spreading the proven model of Registered Apprenticeship to benefit the state’s workforce and economy.

Building Futures has an annual budget of $2.5 million and a team of 16.5 FTE’s. The organization is poised to grow to 25 employees in the coming years.

Position Details:

The Employer Relations Manager is responsible for developing relationships with employers to ensure that Building Futures’ high-quality Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs are consistent with and support the needs of employers in Rhode Island. In addition, this position is responsible for providing strategic guidance, operational support, and on-going technical assistance for developed Registered Apprenticeship programs to ensure quality operations. This position will also work to integrate Registered Apprenticeship career pathways with related credit-bearing instruction at institutes of higher education, particularly in Rhode Island.  While Registered Apprenticeship Program development is the primary focus, this position will also assist external entities develop high quality pre-apprenticeship programs.

This is a full-time role working collaboratively with the Apprenticeship Systems Manager and the Apprenticeship Program Coordinator and reporting to the Executive Director of Building Futures. The role is primarily onsite with some work-from-home flexibility.  The salary range is $75K-$85K.

Apprenticeship/Pre-Apprenticeship Program Development

  • Promote the Registered Apprenticeship to employers/partners, and educate them on the programs with the goal of expanding the Registered Apprenticeship programs across growing industries/sectors in Rhode Island
  • Understand employer workforce development needs and identify viable opportunities for the development of high-quality registered apprenticeship programs
  • Support employer partners in developing and implementing high-quality registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs that address identified workforce development needs, with a focus on creating career pathways for underserved populations
  • Support employers to structure on-the-job learning (OJL) to teach specific occupational competencies
  • Support employers to structure related technical instruction (RTI) that complements and enhances the OJL program, including certifications as needed. Leverage OJL and RTI to provide college credit towards degree and/or certification obtainment from institutes of higher education

Quality & Technical Assistance

  • Provide ongoing technical assistance to Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsors) and other RA partners to ensure seamless and effective program implementation and quality
  • Build long-standing employer and partner relationships through the provision of outstanding customer service and demonstrated results
  • Develop/write program design into required RA Program Standards and facilitate registration

Program Operations

  • Participate in information gathering and writing of required grant reporting and monitoring
  • Leverage employer relationships to support communications and marketing efforts, as well as promotional events
  • Represent Building Futures at public events, task forces and other external committees and activities as needed

Other Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to take multiple perspectives, understand pain points, and describe how apprenticeship might meet needs required
  • A minimum of 2-5 years of experience building employer partnerships. Additionally, experience with registered apprenticeship, career services, internship programs, and/or workforce development a strong plus
  • Strong organizational and communication (oral and written) skills and ability to motivate, connect, and facilitate required
  • Ability to think flexibly and outside-the-box, with strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills required
  • Ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks and activities
  • A self-starter

Additional Information:

Building Futures’ office is centrally located in Providence, RI.

This role requires local and state-wide travel. A valid driver’s license is required.

Building Futures is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Apply today!

Building Futures has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for their Employer Relations Manager. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

New Search! Finance Associate, Federation for Children with Special Needs

Job Summary:

Federation for Children with Special Needs, Inc. (“the Federation”) has partnered with Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the search for its new Finance Associate. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Founder/Executive Search Consultant, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

This is an ideal and exciting role for a mission-driven accounting professional who brings experience with general ledger, A/P A/R, reconciliations, cash receipts/credit card processing, and the ability to assist with payroll and employee benefits as well as monthly grant maintenance and billing. This position reports to the Director of Finance.

Mission:

Based in Boston, the Federation’s vision is that of an inclusive society where every family, child, and young adult has equitable access to education, health and community supports. They are one of the largest parent centers in the country, serving tens of thousands of parents and professionals each year.

The Federation provides information, support, and assistance to all families, especially those with children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.  The organization is committed to listening to and learning from families and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities.

Learn more here.

Job Details:

  • This is a hybrid role. Currently, employees of the Federation work in the office one day per week; this will eventually increase to two days per week. Employees who wish to work in the office more frequently are welcome to do so.
  • The Finance Associate is a full-time, exempt role.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Assist Director of Finance and serve as backup for maintenance of multiple federal, state, and private grants. Serve as backup for payroll processing and in the absence of the Director of Finance.
  • Accounts payable. Review for accuracy, proper documentation, code, post, and proactively identify missing or duplicate invoices. Reconcile accounts payable monthly.
  • Process account receivable invoices. Process receipts including electronic and credit card transactions.
  • Manage general ledger, account reconciliation, and monthly bank reconciliation. Prepare month-end close journal entries. Reconcile liabilities for benefit withholding accounts.
  • Assist with; developing new or updated financial policies and procedures, annual audit, annual preparation of federal indirect rate proposal, and financial statement review.
  • Coordinate with Human Resources to pay employee benefit invoices and ensure employee reimbursements are accurate.
  • Meet regularly with supervisor/team and work collaboratively with all staff.  Participates in Federation staff meetings and Visions of Community Conference (VOC).
  • Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
  • Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in accounting, preferrably in a nonprofit setting.
  • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
  • Proficient with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
  • Flexible, adaptable to change, and takes initiative.
  • Able to work remotely or in the office.

Benefits:

  • The Federation offers a very competitive benefits package.
  • The office is located in The Schrafft Center and offers easy access to public transportation (the Orange Line on the MBTA) as well as parking at no cost to the employee.

Commitment to Diversity:

The Federation recognizes that the high-quality services they offer results from the individual and collective efforts of their caring and exceptional staff.

The Federation team is diverse, talented, hardworking, and enthusiastic! They value the work their employees do to impact thousands of people each year. Their stories, skills, experiences, passion, and dedication are rich and add tremendous value to the Federation’s work. They are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, filled with creativity and innovation.

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) embraces the diversity of our staff and is committed to increasing the diversity of our organization.  As an EEO employer, FCSN is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status or designation.   Also, we welcome parents of children with special needs or those with a disability to apply!

Please learn more about the Federation’s commitment to diversity here.

To Apply:

  • Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Founder/Executive Search Consultant, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, at cindy@pillarsearch.com.
  • Note: Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.