Step One: Assemble Your Search Committee
Depending on how your Main Street Program is structured, as a 501(c)3, Business Improvement District, a municipal program, etc., your organization may have specific policies in place on who has the decision-making power to make an offer to a candidate. However, no matter the organizational structure, we highly advise assembling a Search Committee of no more than 5-7 individuals. The Search Committee oversees setting the direction of the search, interviewing candidates, and making recommendations on the best candidate.
The Search Committee should be made up of a variety of stakeholders in the community as well as Board members, such as:
- Property owners
- Business owners
- Public Safety
- Public Works
- Leaders of key institutions located on Main Street (e.g. Public Library, museum, theater, house of worship, hospital, bank, etc.)
- Main Street volunteers
- Active community member
- Municipal economic development leader
If possible, at least one of the Committee members should have human resources or hiring experience. Additionally, prioritize inviting stakeholders of different genders, race, ethnicities, abilities, and other individuals with unique lived experiences.
To ensure success of the Search Committee, a chairperson must be selected. The chairperson will be the main point of contact for the search process that may include organizing meetings, scheduling interviews, acting as a point of contact for candidates, etc.
Time Frame
- Assembling the Search Committee: Start appointing members as soon as notice is given by the incumbent Main Street Executive. The committee should be completely formed within 2-4 weeks of the notice given.
- Selecting a Chairperson: The Chairperson should be selected within 1-2 weeks of the Search Committee being fully assembled.
To Do
- Assemble Search Committee
- Select Chairperson of the Search Committee