Melissa Wales, Executive Director, to Leave UCM

After eighteen years at United Campus Ministry, and thirteen years as its Executive Director, Melissa Wales is leaving the organization at the end of September to assume the new position of Chief Operating Officer of Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville.

“It’s been a wonderful experience serving this organization and this community,” Wales said, “and UCM will always be very dear to my heart. I’m excited to be able to pursue this new opportunity, and happy that I’ll still be around and able to support UCM in other ways.”

Wales joined the UCM staff in 1999 as Program Coordinator. She became Interim Director upon Rev. Jan Griesinger’s retirement in 2003, and became Executive Director in 2005.

UCM is inviting everyone to a thank-you and farewell celebration for Wales on Wednesday, September 20, as part of the “Pints with a Purpose” fundraising event being hosted by Devil’s Kettle Brewing on Columbus Road in Athens. The fundraiser runs from 4 to 9pm; the celebration will be from 6 to 8pm.

Rev. Evan Young, UCM’s Campus Minister, will assume the role of Executive Director on October 1. UCM is opening a search for an Assistant Director and plans are to fill that position by November 1.

“Melissa is not someone we’re ever going to be able to replace,” said Young. “I’m excited for her at this new opportunity, and I’m confident that UCM will be able to adapt and move forward with our vital interfaith and social justice work. It’s a little daunting, of course, but I know we’ll have some stellar applicants for the new position and I’m looking forward to UCM’s next chapter.”

For information about the Assistant Director position and the application process, contact Jennifer Kelly, UCM’s Office Manager, at Jennifer@ucmathens.org.

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Assistant Director Position Announcement

United Campus Ministry (UCM), an ecumenical and interfaith ministry serving the Ohio University and Athens communities, is seeking an energetic, committed, justice-seeking individual to fill the newly configured position of Assistant Director.

UCM is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage the Ohio University and Athens communities in spiritual growth, work for social justice, and community service guided by socially progressive and interfaith values.

The duties of the Assistant Director will include:

• Assisting Executive Director with fundraising and donor development, community & campus networking, program development, and overseeing/assisting with events

• Primary responsibility for operation of our two weekly free meal programs

• Managing building & rentals

• PR and publications

• Managing UCM’s website

Qualifications (required):

Bachelor’s degree

Some experience working in the nonprofit sector

Experience supervising paid employees and/or volunteers

Excellent written and oral communications skills

Some availability for evening and weekend work

Patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor

(desired):

Some experience in fundraising and development

Some theological education

A history of involvement in social justice and activism work

Expected salary: $25,000 to $30,000

Applications accepted until October 3. Seeking a start date of November 1. To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for two references to Jennifer Kelly at Jennifer@ucmathens.org.