Remote Options for a Successful Nonprofit Executive Search during COVID-19

by William J. Moran
President, The Moran Company
“We Find Great Nonprofit Executives”

Having the right nonprofit leadership in place is essential all the time, and especially now as we deal with the effects of COVID-19. A seasoned executive director can guide your agency through unprecedented challenges with sound judgement and confidence. A proven fundraiser can ensure enough resources are available to withstand uncertain funding patterns in the future.

That is why The Moran Company is committed to recruiting top talent for nonprofits nationwide without interruption. Our recruiting team is uniquely made up of nonprofit leaders who have spent years as executive directors or senior-level fundraising professionals who have navigated organizational and funding challenges during past turbulent times. We understand the significance of your work and the importance of having the right team in place to make critical decisions on a daily basis.

Our search process now includes additional remote orientation and interview options in response to current health and travel regulations. In our previous article, “COVID-19: Your Nonprofit Executive Search Can Still Begin Safely”, we shared 4 reasons why your search can begin right away. We fully support the safety measures outlined by the CDC and are limiting travel and public meetings while employing our full suite of technology to ensure a seamless search process.

Below are steps within our search process that utilize remote technology and are already in place:

• Virtual Orientation Options: Although we typically visit the physical location of our nonprofit clients during the initial orientation phase of our search process, we have developed an alternative approach to interviewing staff leadership and selected Board members through a series of video conferences during this time. These video conferences can be done in small groups or on an individual basis. Because there is no travel time, we can interview even more people than we typically would face to face. In addition, we rigorously research organizational documents and materials that are sent to us electronically. This allows us to gain as much knowledge as possible before finalizing the position profile with collective approval so we can begin recruiting right away.
• Remote Outreach of Passive and Active Candidates: During the middle phase of our search process, most of our outreach happens remotely as we contact individuals by phone and email across the nation or region to activate interest in the position. With our dual backgrounds in both nonprofit leadership and recruiting, our professional networks extend far and wide. Our calls are returned promptly, and we recognize firsthand the traits needed to be successful in the roles for which we recruit.
• Screening and Semi-Final Interviews by Video: When it comes to interviewing candidates throughout the final phase of the search, we have a variety of options available. Screening interviews are first conducted by The Moran Company by video. Then we recommend 4 to 6 semi-finalists to be interviewed by the Search Committee using our video conferencing service.
• Final Interviews with Virtual Connectivity: Ideally Board members, staff and other key stakeholders are given the opportunity to interview 2 to 3 final candidates. While we personally believe that final interviews should be handled in person whenever possible to ensure the best fit, special health precautions must be taken at this time. Therefore, we are recommending ways to eliminate or significantly reduce the size of any in-person groups by appointing one or two representatives from the organization who can sit safe distances apart and avoid physical contact (no handshakes). For larger groups, we are able to incorporate Zoom technology for additional members of the Board or Search Committee to participate by video. Some of our clients are opting for no personal contact and conduct the final interviews totally by video.

The Moran Company believes in partnering with others to drive best practices. We have been actively participating in conversations with other firms that are part of the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants, of which I am President. Significant challenges often drive innovative solutions, and we are dedicated to collaborating with others in our field to strengthen overall recruiting results.

Drop us a line to share your feedback and experiences with us. If you are leading a nonprofit as a senior staff or Board member, what hiring challenges are you facing or anticipating? If you are a fellow recruiter or HR professional, what roadblocks are you encountering and how are you overcoming them? We are happy to offer advice to organizations during this difficult time and remain dedicated to finding great nonprofit executives.

© 2020  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