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May 25, 2025
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Advancing Equity in HR Leadership at CommonBond Communities
Since 1971, CommonBond Communities has been a leader in creating affordable housing that supports stability, dignity, and opportunity. In 2021, as the organization reorganized to deepen its impact and improve internal alignment, it identified a critical leadership need: a Director of Human Resources who could drive compliance, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives aligned with its anti-racist mission.
This newly created position required a strategic, people-centered leader who understood both the operational complexities of HR and the equity-driven ethos of serving marginalized communities.
Our Approach: Strategy-Led Search with Local Insight and Regional Reach
The DEJ Group was engaged to lead the search. We began by working closely with the Executive Vice President of Talent and Culture to understand the goals of the role, the cultural context, and the ideal candidate profile. Together, we mapped out a comprehensive recruitment plan focused on three pillars:
- Diversity and Inclusion: Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and equity
- Compliance and Operations: Deep knowledge of HR regulations and systems
- Talent Acquisition Leadership: Experience building inclusive pipelines and managing change
Through our national network, targeted outreach, and AI-powered tools, we sourced over 60 candidates, narrowing the pool down to 4 highly qualified finalists—100% of whom represented diverse backgrounds.
The Outcome: A Strategic HR Leader Rooted in Inclusion
Following a structured interview process with the EVP and members of the HR team, one finalist emerged as the ideal fit—bringing both the technical HR skills and the lived experience to lead inclusively.
✔ 100% of finalist slate was diverse
✔ The selected hire brought strong alignment with CommonBond’s equity values
✔ Search completed in 120 days
✔ Positive feedback from both leadership and the candidate
Client Testimonial:
“This search was about more than qualifications—it was about shared values. The DEJ Group delivered a process that was thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in the same mission that drives our work every day.”
Case Study
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Service: Executive Search
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The DEJ Group offers several products and services to help our clients acquire and retain the talent they need to help them fulfill their mission. Reach out to us so we can help you be successful in your search.
