EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rare opportunity to lead a dynamic community center. South Side Settlement, established in 1899, in Columbus, Ohio offers services to people of all ages and social action programs to address neighborhood problems. Children’s programs include day care and residential summer camp. The Arts are celebrated. Seeking energetic, community oriented Executive able to manage 30 full and part time staff. Preferred qualifications: Proven track record of managing a human service organization and fundraising/grant writing; committed to social and cultural diversity; has knowledge of human behavior and social policy. Strong speaking and writing skills. MSW, MPA, or degree in a related field a plus; EOE Send cover letter and resume to Board Chair Joel Rabb (joel.rabb@yahoo.com)

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Update on Executive Director Search
By Joel Rabb, Board President

Mari Sunami, Executive Director of South Side Settlement, will be retiring effective February 1, 2009. Mari has served the agency as Director for the last 16 years. Through her dedicated leadership the agency has been on the cutting edge of programming for children. Her tenure has been marked by expanded involvement in the cultural life of the community through the Arts Freedom Award, the Poetry Festival, and the collection of talent at the annual Bread and Roses concerts. She has worked tirelessly to identify and address the needs of the South Side Community. She has been a leader in the development of a collaborative partnership with other Settlement Houses in Columbus. Her passion, idealism and judgment will be missed.

To secure a replacement, a Search Committee with representatives of the Board, neighborhood and volunteers was formed by the Board and it began to work on April 10th. Staff representatives have given input into the process.

According to the plan developed by the Board, the Search Committee was responsible to:
o Advertise the position beginning June 1, 2008.
o Receive Applications and Select Finalists by September 1, 2008.
o Conclude interviews with finalists by November 15, 2008.
o Recommend a Finalist to the Board by December 1, 2008.
o Bring new Director on board by February 1, 2009.

The Search Committee has focused on finding candidates who meet the Board's criteria, and on giving candidates as much information about SSS as possible. To meet the Board's criteria, the committee wrote a job description based on requirements for the position established at the March, 2008 retreat and survey of Board, Staff and Community. This became the basis for evaluating all candidates.

An ad for the position ran twice in the Columbus Dispatch on Sunday June 7 and June 14, on Monster.com for 60 days and on the websites of United Neighborhood Centers of America, United Methodist Church Board of Global Ministries, OSU College of Social Work and other colleges and universities. In addition the committee contacted United Way, area social agencies and made calls and sent emails to SSS alumni and friends. Resumes were received from all over the country.

The committee has received 83 resumes from interested candidates.

The candidates whose experience best matched the qualifications in the job description were sent a set of written questions about how they would handle the job. The first round of face to face interviews has been done with the top candidates. Second interviews will be conducted by the end of November.

The Search Committee has found candidates with excellent credentials and is optimistic that a new Director, able to lead South Side Settlement into the future, will be hired by February, 2009.