Executive Search
The nonprofit sector is challenged today as never before. The philanthropy sector strives to make every dollar invested have more impact. We know that, in these challenging times, who you know can be as important as what you know. Our Partners have deep expertise as executives and Board-level volunteers in the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors. We understand the impact of emerging trends in these sectors and the impact on the leadership talent pool. We have cultivated a national network of clients, candidates, and colleagues through our experience in executive search and our direct professional experience in the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors.
We work on an exclusive, consultative basis with our clients. We are fully invested in positive outcomes, acknowledging not only how we can influence an organization’s future success but also how our influence can affect an individual’s professional trajectory; we take these responsibilities seriously.
We typically assemble a team of four professionals to each search engagement – Partner, Principal, Researcher, and Project Director. Each engagement is Partner led and executed with integrity, professionalism, rigor and depth of understanding, both of the client and the candidates.
Our Approach
Real Leadership and Real Community
A Partner leads every search. We bring the resources of a large firm with the client focus and service of a boutique. We partner with our clients and candidates, bringing tenacity and creativity to the engagement. We believe in and take action on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Community (“EDIC”) because we believe in the values of social and economic justice and in the research-based business benefits that EDIC delivers to organizations. We “walk the talk.” We are active volunteers in the worlds of philanthropy and nonprofits. We serve on Boards of Directors; we are philanthropists. We have peer insights into and understanding of the challenges and issues that face Search Committees, Boards of Directors, and executive staff.
We are known for our integrity, professionalism, commitment to mission, and EDIC.
How we work
We apply a rigorous methodology which consistently underpins our search process:
Partnership: The single most influential factor impacting the outcome of an executive search is the quality of the partnership between Client and consultant. We commit to our Clients to be open, honest, transparent, and communicative as your partner. We request the same from you as our partner. We serve as a trusted advisor to the Client throughout the search process.
Commitment: We are members of our client’s team, stewards of the search process, representatives of the client to the talent market. We work collaboratively with our clients to understand their organizational culture and idiosyncrasies and craft a detailed, nuanced position specification. We take ownership and accountability in managing the process to ensure a successful and timely result. Our work is completed when the Client is satisfied, and not before.
Initial Client Needs Assessment and Profile Specification: We commence each search with discovery interviews with Board, staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and partners to obtain perspective on the organization and the profile of a successful candidate. This multi-dimensional intelligence is reflected in the Position Specification.
Candidate Identification and Development: Based on Client needs, we proactively and directly reach out to researched and identified talent markets, casting the widest net possible to include as diverse array of professionals possible.
Candidate Assessment: Each prospective candidate is assessed by multiple members of the search team to an “Acid Test” of qualifications. We submit a Candidate Presentation to present a complete and clear picture of the candidate’s professional experience, skills, attributes, and some insights into the person he or she is.
Search Process Management: Our process is clear and well documented including defined time frames and milestones to evaluate progress. We communicate consistently to avoid surprises, and to ensure that we are on target and on track. Based on Client feedback, we assemble a slate of the most qualified and interesting candidates whom the Client interviews and evaluates. Finalist candidates are continued for additional assessment and engagement by the Client. Referencing of 360-degrees are performed and we help negotiate and close the offer.
Conclusion: We continue our partnership with our Clients during the first year of the Placement’s onboarding and transition into the role and organization. We serve as a resource for creating professional development plans and workplans. We guarantee our Placements for one year from start date in the new role.