7 Ways to Find Top Nonprofit Executive Search Firms

What do you do if you’re a Board Chair who has just received notice of your Executive Director’s resignation or retirement? Or what if you’re an Executive Director who has just learned that your Development Director will be leaving? If it’s a critical or hard-to-fill position, your first step might be to partner with a top nonprofit executive search firm – but how do you find the right one?

In this digital age of information, you will have no shortage of options when it comes to recruiters. The challenge is often sorting through them all to identify which search firms are truly knowledgeable and reputable when it comes to your hiring needs. As a first step, you will want to find companies that have successful track records filling nonprofit leadership positions, which require a rare blend of skills and personality traits to withstand the rigors of mission-driven work.

Here are a just few suggestions for where to look when it comes to finding search firms that specialize in recruiting for nonprofit organizations:

1. Online Information Hubs
   Many people naturally look to Google to find what they need. The internet is a great resource, but be aware that not all information is accurate or reputable. Certain companies often create lists of ‘top search firms’ simply to add their own name to the list and to appear on the first page of Google’s results. Be sure to look closely at how any list of top search firms was compiled. For broader tips and advice, check out trustworthy websites from respected groups that offer a variety of tips for nonprofits and Board Members, such as Bridgespan or BoardSource. You’ll find information about executive transition planning, compensation studies, and more. To get started, check out “A Nonprofit Organization’s Guide to Engaging a Search Firm”.
2. Trusted Nonprofit Search Networks
   Like nonprofits, good search firms also form networks to share best practices and adhere to a code of ethics. The Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants (NNSC) is a professional organization comprised of some of the leading search consultants in the United States and Canada. All members specialize in providing retained search services for nonprofit organizations.
3. Nonprofit Affiliates or Alliances for Organizations
   Compile a quick list of your nonprofit’s affiliations and memberships. Depending on your sector, your agency might belong to an alliance of peer organizations that share a common vision or cause. For example, organizations that serve children and families often belong to the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. Contact statewide nonprofit associations or even a national network of similar agencies to see if any have experience working with search firms.
4. Professional Membership Associations for Individuals
   Reach out to professional groups geared toward nonprofit executives and/or fundraisers. Some examples include the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), or the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) – just to name a few. Depending on the position you are filling, it can be helpful to approach respected peers in that field. Some may have direct experience hiring search firms or even working with them as candidates.
5. Job Postings
   Check out nonprofit job boards to see if recruiting firms are advertising for Executive Directors or Development Directors in your sector or area. Examples include the career sections within The Nonprofit Times, Philanthropy News Digest  and Chronicle of Philanthropy.  If a recruiter is involved, a link to begin the application process usually leads to their company’s website versus the nonprofit’s website. Be sure to reach out to the client organizations to hear direct feedback about their experience with specific firms whenever possible.
6. Connective Community Forces
   Most metropolitan areas have clearinghouses that offer support to nonprofits as well as the broader community. For example, your local or regional United Way may be able to share a list of similar organizations that have used search firms for key leadership positions in the past. Community foundations and faith-based federations may also be resources when it comes to identifying nonprofit executive search firms. Even if they have not worked with a recruiter directly, they may be able to provide you with names of companies to contact directly.
7. Personal Recommendations
   Don’t forget to ask for advice and recommendations of search firms in your own social circles. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be very valuable, especially if their search was for a comparable organization or position. To connect the dots, browse your LinkedIn connections to see who has served as an Executive Director or Board Member for similar agencies. Simply reach out to staff or Board members at those locations who may have interacted directly with a firm in order to gain personal insight about their experience.

Once you’ve developed a short list of search firms to consider, the next step is to personally contact each company to describe your situation and see who is the best fit. You’ll want to ask about their experience working with nonprofit organizations and their recruiting style, as well as their fee structure and timeline. Also ask about any guarantees they provide to ensure the success of your new hire.

To help you compare options, we’ve developed several resources such as “12 Critical Questions” and a corresponding “Rating Sheet for Nonprofit Executive Search Firms”. The Moran Company specializes in recruiting Executive Directors, Development Directors, and other nonprofit leadership positions. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation to see if we can help your organization with its next search.

Compiled by Bill Moran and Laurie Minx
The Moran Company
“We Find Great Nonprofit Executives”

© 2019 The Moran Company, “We find great nonprofit executives.” We specialize in searches for nonprofit executive directors, directors of development/fundraising staff, and other top nonprofit leadership. www.morancompany.com