Rating Executive Search Firms for Nonprofit Searches

by William J. Moran, J.D., M.S.Ed.

When it comes to choosing an Executive Search Firm to conduct a search for a nonprofit position, you want to make the best decision for your organization. Our firm specializes in identifying top leaders and fundraising roles for nonprofits. Here’s a rating scale and criteria for download to help you compare Executive Search Firms that you may be considering.

RATING SCALE:

0 = POOR
1 = MINIMAL
2 = ACCEPTABLE
3 = AVERAGE
4 = SUPERIOR
5 = OUTSTANDING

RATING CRITERIA:

• Is Nonprofit Executive Recruiting the firm’s specialty?
• What are the qualifications of the recruiter assigned to your search?
• How focused will the recruiter be on your particular search?
• What salary data can they provide?
• How does the firm attract qualified candidates?
• How do they handle diversity and equal opportunity in the search?
• How does technology aid the success of their search?
• What is their process for handling internal candidates?
• How long can we expect the executive search to take?
• What roles do the search committee and staff have in the process?
• How are fees and expenses handled?
• Does the search firm provide a guarantee?
• How does the Executive Search Firm help to onboard the new hire?

Download the rating form for Nonprofit Executive Search Firms in
PDF or Word format

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© 2014, updated 2025, 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