Invitation to Apply for the Position of
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Center for Dispute Settlement
Rochester, New York
Center for Dispute Settlement is a non-profit organization with a current budget of $1.5M, focused on building resilient communities by helping individuals and groups peacefully resolve conflict.
The Center for Dispute Settlement, established in 1973, was the first dispute resolution center in New York State and the third in the country. Under the impetus of the Rochester Public School Integration reorganization crisis, the American Arbitration Association founded the Community Dispute Services in Rochester, New York, in 1973. As the Community Dispute Services agency became more deeply immersed in the Rochester community, its programs expanded to encompass not only civil and criminal matters referred from Rochester city and town courts, but also juvenile and custody and visitation matters from family court. Additionally, training in conflict resolution techniques for community groups, institutions and municipalities were undertaken and contracts were entered into with various community agencies, organizations and businesses.
Recognizing that its work and mission were significantly different from those of the American Arbitration Association, the Center for Dispute Services of Rochester changed its name to the Center for Dispute Settlement and became, in October of 1979, a separate nonprofit organization. After 1983, its services expanded to the counties of Livingston, Ontario, Wayne; in 1985 to Seneca and Yates counties. Steuben County is the newest addition — joining in 1997.
Since its establishment in 1973, hundreds of volunteer members of the Community have been trained and serve as third party neutrals, successfully resolving thousands of cases per year that would otherwise go to court.”
O’Brien Associates, LLC has been retained by The Center for Dispute Settlement (CDS) to conduct a search for their next President & Chief Executive Officer. This strategic and energetic leader committed to the social justice mission will work in concert with the Board of Directors to oversee all day-to-day operations of the facilities, personnel and financial management for this non-profit organization. Utilizing proven business acumen and experience in collaborating with organizational partners, the President/CEO serves as the face of CDS interacting with external entities to drive programs for restorative justice, conflict resolution, and mediation, driving the mission and expanding the programs reach.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about social justice and have a minimum of an undergraduate degree and 5 years in a leadership position at a non-profit services organization with a proven track record of success in value creation, leadership, and participation in successful business development transactions, partnerships, and/or other strategic alliances.
Nominations, inquiries, and applications, including resume and letter of interest, should be sent in confidence to:
Kymberly Bailey O’Brien, CPCC - Partner
O’Brien Associates, LLC
585-703-0057
Email: CDSCEOSearch@ROBrienAssociates.com
Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, Committee interviews and interactions with the Search Committee will take place on a virtual platform.
