Chief People Officer, RFK Community Alliance

Job Description

Job Description

RFK Community Alliance Seeks Chief People Officer

 

About RFK Community Alliance

With a mission to promote meaningful and sustained well-being, RFK Community Alliance (RFKCA) provides high-quality care, education, and support to individuals and families navigating complex challenges. As a multi-service agency, RFKCA offers a broad range of programs serving educational, developmental, behavioral health, and mental health needs across the lifespan - from infants to seniors. RFKCA serves individuals and families throughout Massachusetts and the nation.

 

RFKCA grew out of two organizations – the Doctor Franklin Perkins School, founded in 1896, to educate and care for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and RFK Children's Action Corps, founded in 1969, to carry on the legacy and life of the late Senator Robert F Kennedy by helping children facing challenges without privilege or a voice. RFKCA is a non-partisan, mission-focused human services organization focused on the care and services for people facing significant challenges. Highlights of RFKCA's work includes:

• A Full Continuum of Care – Comprehensive and individualized services within the eight service domains: Adoption, Adult Services, Behavioral Health, Community Services, Early Education and Care, Education, Youth Justice Transformation, and Youth Residential Care.
• A Unified Approach – An evidence-informed Theory of Change that clarifies our focus and aligns our work across programs. Our commitment is to help our service recipients and staff to be Connected, Capable, and Healthy.
• Commitment to Excellence – A commitment to continuous learning and growth, deepening our impact, driving innovation, and excellence in the services we provide.
• A Legacy of Opportunity – As one of only two organizations entrusted by RFK's family to bear his name, we are proud to honor his legacy by advancing his vision and creating meaningful opportunities for every person in our care.
• Creating Change Beyond Our Services – RFKCA advocates for systems-wide change and investments in the human services sector both within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and nationally.

 

RFKCA has approximately 550 staff members and an annual budget of close to $50M. Its main office is in Lancaster, Massachusetts with programs serving individuals throughout Massachusetts, as well as across the United States.

 

Position Summary

RFKCA seeks an experienced, mission-driven Chief People Officer (CPO) to serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and lead the organization's people, culture, learning, and inclusion strategy. The CPO will be responsible for shaping and advancing a comprehensive people-centered approach that strengthens organizational culture, promotes equity and belonging, develops leadership capacity, and ensures RFKCA remains an employer of choice in the human services sector.

 

This is a new position that is evolving in its design and scope. The CPO will work closely with the CEO to understand and strengthen the employee experience, while developing the systems, practices, and culture needed to build a diverse, engaged, and high-performing workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief People Officer (CPO) will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Trustees on workforce strategy, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, culture, and diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity (DBIE). This role includes strategic oversight of Human Resources, Learning & Workforce Development, and DBIE functions, while collaborating with the Associate Vice President of Human Resources to ensure strategic alignment between organizational priorities and HR operations, the Director of Training to support the development and delivery of learning and workforce development initiatives, and RFKCA's DBIE Committee to advance the organization's commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming workplace.

 

The Ideal Candidate

This is a senior executive position. The skills and qualities required or desired in candidates are as follows:

 

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Strategic leadership in a non-profit human service organization with an unwavering commitment to advancing RFKCA values, mission, and impact.
• Strong knowledge of compliance, risk management, employment practices, and labor law, with the ability to ensure HR policies and practices are both legally sound and applied equitably and consistently.
• Expertise in people strategy and organizational development, with demonstrated ability to design and implement transformative HR strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness, support the employee experience, and align talent and culture with the organization's vision and strategic priorities.
• Experience with organizational learning and professional development initiatives that support employee growth, retention, and career advancement.
• Proven senior leadership overseeing multiple departments or functions, and in setting strategic direction and translating department priorities into clear, measurable action.

 

Engaged Leader of People

• Experienced at motivating and developing professional staff who are held to high levels of

accountability.

• Able to create a work culture that is welcoming, psychologically safe, and collaborative across all teams guided by human resource best practices.
• Experienced in addressing systemic interpersonal challenges.
• Skilled listener who graciously considers all opinions to make informed decisions and is confident in serving as a thought partner.
• Ability to give and receive feedback in a supportive manner, seeing constructive criticism as

an opportunity for growth and improvement.

• A warm and welcoming approach to human engagement.

 

Culture Builder

• Understands and/or personally represents the lived experiences of the communities served,

particularly communities of color and/or low-income communities.

• A self-reflective advocate for anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion with experience embodying DEI principles and practices in nonprofit organizations.

 

Credentials:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field.

 

Comp ensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with an annualized starting salary range of up to $175,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. RFKCA also offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 403b plan with employer match, and generous paid time off.

 

This is a place-based position, located in a quaint, light-filled office in Lancaster, MA. Occasional statewide travel is required.

 

Application Process and Additional Information

RFKCA is an equal opportunity employer and views diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence as vital guiding principles in its work. RFKCA welcomes and encourages applications from visible minority group members, Indigenous persons, members of the LGBTQ community, persons with disabilities and others who may contribute to the diversity of the organization and reflect the diversity of the communities served.

 

Candidates must include a resume and a cover letter, both in PDF format, which describes how qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of RFKCA. A background check will be required of finalists. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Upload required documents to:

 

This executive search is being conducted by Eos Transition Partners consultant, Nancy Jackson. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions may be submitted to Nancy at: View email address on us.fitly.work.