Consultants

SOAR management consultants work alongside other accomplished professionals to develop fresh and strategic solutions to organizational issues facing local nonprofits and public agencies. Consultants broaden professional connections and grow their own skill sets while making an important difference in communities throughout Greater Boston.

Why Become a SOAR Management Consultant?

  • Provide valuable and needed support to nonprofits that enrich our Greater Boston communities
  • Share your professional experience, with a flexible schedule that works for you
  • Network with leaders from different fields who share your commitment
  • Participate in professional development opportunities

How Does the Consultation Process Work?

  • SOAR consultants work in teams supported by an experienced project coach to address strategic client goals
  • Once the project is complete, consultants may continue the relationship with the client through implementation
  • Consultants may complete one or more projects per year, generally lasting from four to nine months, with an average commitment of five hours per week
  • Consultants choose their project assignments
  • Hours are flexible; however, consultants are asked to be available for daytime client meetings

What Are the Qualifications to be a SOAR Management Consultant?

  • Must reside in the Greater Boston area.
  • At least 15 years of significant executive/professional level experience or relevant specialized skills
  • Experience in the  nonprofit, private or public sectors
  • An ability to collaborate with consultants from diverse backgrounds
  • A desire for new challenges and professional growth

Join Us

Qualified candidates are interviewed and those selected participate in an initial professional development orientation over an eight-week period (five hours per week).

Orientation workshop topics include nonprofit structure, strategic planning, nonprofit finance, program evaluation/outcome measurement, relationship management, and consulting skills. Sessions also include guest speakers. In addition, SOAR Management Consulting Group sponsors frequent professional development workshops to enhance consulting skills and provide networking opportunities for consultants.

To apply to be a SOAR Management Consulting Group consultant, please complete and submit the SOAR Management Consulting Group Consultant Application Form. For more information check out our FAQs  or contact us.

Consultant Spotlight

Brian Mercer

Brian Mercer

I joined SOAR in 2018 initially working on a team to develop a strategic plan for the Friends of the Newton Cemetery. I then assumed Co-Chairmanship of the SOAR Client Development and Project Management Committee leading SOAR’s efforts to reach out to nonprofit umbrella organizations to offer services and form closer relationships.

In addition to practicing as a neurologist for approximately 20 years, I have had a series of leadership and management roles in various medical settings. At Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, I served as Chief of Neurology overseeing 40 employees in 9 locations. Additionally, I held a leadership role responsible for developing innovative disease management programs within the entire 600-physician medical group. My career concluded in the pharmaceutical industry, ultimately as Vice President, Head of Medical Devices and Diagnostics in Clinical Development at Shire Pharmaceuticals. In this role, I was responsible for the leadership and matrix management of all aspects of the strategy and execution of medical devices, combination products and diagnostic program development. I also provided strategic perspectives to multiple international Development Program teams in the assessment of business opportunities. I am a graduate of MIT and Washington University School of Medicine.

Upon retirement, I joined SOAR to have an opportunity to work with charitable organizations that have a meaningful impact on improving life for others. I hope to use the skills in leadership, strategy and business execution that I have learned over the years to help these organizations reach their goals. I look forward to the intellectual challenge offered by these projects, as well as connecting with new colleagues.