Success Story, May 2023
Joanna Goldberg, Senior Associate, Search Operations, Storbeck Search, part of Diversified Search Group
About Joanna: Joanna Goldberg of Media, PA is a Senior Associate of Search Operations for Storbeck Search, an executive search firm that specializes in leadership hiring for colleges, universities, schools, and education-related nonprofits. Joanna holds a B.F.A. in Writing for Film & Television from the University of the Arts. She absolutely loves to watch movies (especially horror), found out she likes to hike during COVID, daydreams about living at the beach, and enjoys spending time with her husband and cat.
Joanna has a long professional history in executive search operations and support. For over a decade, she has worked with Storbeck in various roles. Previously, Joanna served as Manager of Search Support where she was responsible for the hiring, training, and professional development of the firm’s administrative support staff. Prior to her work in executive search, Joanna worked in early childhood education and held a position with The Walt Disney Company’s Parks and Resorts.
In her current position as Senior Associate of Search Operations, Joanna plays a critical role in building best-in-class approaches to training, onboarding, business operations and process, and knowledge management. This role suits Joanna well as she can apply her strengths in organization, communication, and collaboration. Additionally, this role allows her the opportunity to share institutional knowledge, improve processes, and set colleagues up for success. Joanna deeply believes in the people and mission of the company and is inspired by her colleagues daily, especially the leadership of Shelly Storbeck. Joanna notes the ingenuity, perseverance, humor, and empathy of her colleagues makes her work enjoyable.
Joanna’s experience with The Job Exchange: Joanna had recently graduated from college and was trying to find full-time employment during a recession. She was looking for an administrative position that would give her the opportunity to utilize skills in writing, editing, and organization. Through a mutual contact, Lori was recommended because of her reputation for placing high quality candidates in administrative roles at reputable institutions. Joanna was initially placed in a temp-to-perm administrative support assignment with Storbeck, eventually to be hired full-time. Joanna feels that The Job Exchange really took the time to get to know her personally; she never felt like just a number. She notes that Lori was honest, efficient, and knew her clients well.
Joanna’s Advice for Job Seekers: In the current job market, Joanna advises job seekers not to get stuck on what everyone around them is doing. It is best for people to follow their own path and not have pre-conceived notions of success. Joanna believes it is important to apply to a job they may be interested in, even if they don’t fit all the qualifications in the job description. She also states that job seekers should try to learn about the job and organization ahead of time, particularly the company culture. During the interview process, they should make the most of meeting with other members of the team, especially if they are working in a cohort or department. Asking for honest feedback about challenges, leadership, and what resources are available to help a new hire succeed are also very important.
Storbeck Search: Storbeck Search excels in identifying new leadership for colleges, universities, independent schools, and education-related nonprofit organizations. Shelly Weiss Storbeck founded the firm in 2007 to focus on executive search in the education sector. From the start, our consultants have formed strong relationships with educational institutions and related nonprofit organizations nationwide.
In 2020, Storbeck Search became a Diversified Search Group company. Both firms were founded by women, with the purpose of promoting increased diversity across the leadership pipeline. We are proud of our firms’ long track records of building diversity and equity internally and through our placements. Whether your institution is a college or university, an independent or charter school, or a nonprofit, we bring unmatched focus and dedication to your search. At Storbeck Search, being part of Diversified Search Group translates into broadened and expanding networks – while reinforcing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as our reputation for nimble, personalized service.
Joanna’s Favorite Quote
“Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light.” – Frida Kahlo