Top 7 Exceptional Nonprofit Executive Search Firms
When it comes time to hire your nonprofit’s newest executive officer, your team might seek out the guidance of a nonprofit executive search firm. With so many to choose, you may feel like it’s not worth the hassle.
Don’t be overwhelmed! Check out our list of the top 7 nonprofit executive search firms to find the right partner during this trying process:
- Aly Sterling Philanthropy
- Averill Fundraising Solutions
- BRYANT GROUP
- Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt
- McCormack + Kristel
- Thomas R. Moore Executive Search
- Witt/Kieffer
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1. Aly Sterling Philanthropy — Our Top Executive Search Firm
1. Aly Sterling Philanthropy — Our Top Executive Search Firm
⊕ Overview
In addition to their comprehensive fundraising, strategic planning, and board governance services, Aly Sterling Philanthropy offers a collaborative and holistic approach to the executive search process for nonprofits.
⊕ Executive Search Services
- Aly Sterling Philanthropy works with nonprofits to align expectations and design executive positions that are compelling to candidates.
- During the search process, the firm will promote the executive position on strategically identified channels, manage applicants, and screen applications.
- Candidates are evaluated in a four-phase process that takes into account an individual’s written, verbal, and interview skills leading to a personal review and reference check.
⊕ Why We Love This Executive Search Firm
Working closely with your hiring committee, Aly Sterling Philanthropy offers well-rounded hiring services that account for your nonprofit’s current and future needs as well as your organization’s culture.
Once you’ve made a selection, the firm will also guide you through the onboarding process to integrate the individual into your team.
⊕ Contact Info
Get in touch with Aly Sterling Philanthropy by calling them at (419) 794 43604 or sending them an email at hello@alysterling.com. Learn more about Aly Sterling Philanthropy’s executive search services!
2. Averill Fundraising Solutions — Our Top Executive Search Firm for Onboarding
⊕ Overview
Not only does Averill Fundraising Solutions offer tailored fundraising consultation, but they also apply their flexible, experience-driven model to the executive search process to ensure that your nonprofit finds the right new hire for your team.
⊕ Executive Search Services
- Averill Fundraising Solutions will recruit the right candidate for your nonprofit by conducting a comprehensive search across the nonprofit market.
- After selecting an executive, the firm works with your team to develop a rigorous onboarding strategy on both the departmental and institutional level.
- Through their Leadership Learning workshops and retreats, they will continue to help your team counsel executives so that your nonprofit is able to grow in the long term.
⊕ Why We Love This Executive Search Firm
Averill Fundraising Solutions has over 75 years of time-tested experience working with nonprofits like yours. In addition to their dynamic hiring services. their emphasis on continued training after-the-fact ensures that your partnership will serve your team well for years to come.
⊕ Contact Info
Get in touch with Averill Fundraising Solutions by calling them at (888) 321 1810 or sending them an email at info@averillsolutions.com. Learn more about Averill Fundraising Solutions’ executive search services!
3. BRYANT GROUP — Our Top Executive Search Firm for Leader Retention
⊕ Overview
BRYANT GROUP is a nonprofit executive search firm whose principles are dedicated to exemplifying their mission in every engagement: Building Powerful Teams.
⊕ Executive Search Services
- BRYANT GROUP is dedicated to placing qualified leaders with powerful organizations in order to support those organizations’ missions. They proactively recruit the top leaders in the field—not just those looking for a job.
- Once your organization has built its team, BRYANT GROUP will help you retain and grow your talent by supporting you through facilitating programs designed to expand the competencies and skills that your leaders need.
- Once team members are placed, BRYANT GROUP can continue to support your organization through proven leadership education and development programs in order to take your professionals to the next level of their careers.
⊕ Why We Love This Executive Search Firm
The executives at BRYANT GROUP have all worked in the industries that they place candidates into, which allows them to bring boots-on-the-ground experience to the search, recruitment, vetting, and interview process.
Additionally, professionals placed by BRYANT GROUP stay with their new organizations for an average of six years (three times longer than the industry average), and will never be recruited back out by BRYANT GROUP for as long as they are employed by the client organization.
⊕ Contact Info
Get in touch with BRYANT GROUP by calling them at (972)-803-6134 or emailing them at info@bryantgrp.com. Learn more about BRYANT GROUP’s recruitment and leadership development services!
4. Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt
⊕ Overview
Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt is an experienced nonprofit consulting firm that specializes in strengthening governance, leadership, planning and fundraising for organizations like yours. With their help, Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt will help you find individuals with the passion and skills to serve your team well.
⊕ Executive Search Services
- Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt assists organizations in recruiting senior development professionals, chief executives, and other nonprofit leaders.
- Working closely with your team, the firm will help identify the right person for the job and secure their employment once you’ve found them.
- Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt shares with their clients an extensive network of 1,400 development professionals to help you recruit the best individuals out there.
⊕ Why We Love This Executive Search Firm
Not only do Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt go to great lengths to help your nonprofit find ideal new team members, but they also believe in their services so much that they offer clients a six month guarantee. If your new hire leaves your nonprofit before the six month period ends, the firm will help you recruit a new executive free of charge.
⊕ Contact Info
Get in touch with Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt by calling them at (312) 222 0560 or sending them an email at info@twbfundraising.com. Learn more about Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt’s executive recruitment services!
5. McCormack + Kristel
⊕ Overview
McCormack+Kristel is an executive search firm that specializes in executive recruiting with an eye for diversity. As their client, the firm ensures that they’ll help you hire the most qualified candidate for the position while also uplifting members of marginalized communities with the skills and passion to make a difference in your field.
⊕ Executive Search Services
- McCormack+Kristel begins their executive search process by briefing clients on the nature of their executive search needs and limitations. Then, they begin the research process to gain the necessary insight to find the right candidate for your position.
- They then source, evaluate, and present qualified candidates to your team for review. After that, they take the reins in the client interview process and vet candidates by carefully checking their references.
- To close out the process, McCormack+Kristel conduct negotiations with prospective hires. Once they’ve finalized the employment of your new executive leader, the firm will follow up with your team to monitor their assimilation into your organization.
⊕ Why We Love This Executive Search Firm
McCormack+Kristel take a unique approach to the executive search process by seeking out qualified candidates who are members of the LGBT community, members of racial or ethnic minorities, or living with HIV/AIDS. While these candidates are not privileged over others, the firm reaches out to these communities during the executive search process to provide opportunity to marginalized candidates.
⊕ Contact Info
Get in touch with McCormack+Kristel by calling them at (323) 549 9200 or sending them an email at search@mccormackkristel.com. Learn more about McCormack+Kristel’s executive search services!
6. Thomas R. Moore Executive Search
⊕ Overview
Thomas R. Moore Executive Search is a boutique recruitment firm based in Texas that specializes in hiring qualified fund development, advancement, and management professionals for nonprofits across the United States. With over 25 years of experience behind their belt, they are sure to help your team find the executive you need.
⊕ Executive Search Services
- Thomas R. Moore Executive Search will work with your nonprofit to develop an appropriate compensation range to attract the most qualified candidates to your important executive position.
- The firm will draft a position profile and create a candidate research plan to identify the right candidates for the job. After candidates are identified, they’ll create a targeted list of individuals to recruit.
- Once a shortlist is drafted, Thomas R. Moore Executive Search will handle the entire hiring process from end to end, including interviews, background checks, employment negotiations, and extending offers of employment.
⊕ Why We Love This Executive Search Firm
Once your nonprofit has chosen your new executive leader, Thomas R. Moore Executive Search will continue to support your team over the next year. Offering a twelve month placement guarantee, they will periodically follow up with your organization to ensure a smooth transition of the candidate into your nonprofit.
⊕ Contact Info
Get in touch with Thomas R. Moore Executive Search by calling them at (817) 548 8766 or sending them an email at trmsearch@msn.com. Learn more about Thomas R. Moore’s executive search services!
7. Witt/Kieffer
⊕ Overview
While Witt/Kieffer also serves clients in the for-profit sector, the firm offers best-in-class executive search services for nonprofits looking to hire leadership professionals that share a passion for their mission and organizational strategy.
⊕ Executive Search Services
- Witt/Kieffer emphasizes the importance of developing a bold vision of your organization’s future. With this in mind, they’ll guide you in thinking bigger when seeking out new executives for your nonprofit.
- Benefiting from a national network of contacts, the firm will cast a wide net for only the most qualified candidates. Since they have clients in diverse corners of the for-profit sector, your team can expect to encounter a wide range of prospective recruits.
- During the actual hiring process, Witt/Kieffer allows your nonprofit to lead the way. However, they remain right there with your team to guide candidate interviews and selections.
⊕ Why We Love This Executive Search Firm
Witt/Kieffer has developed a unique information management system that they use to guide the executive search process for all of their clients. This system includes a vast database of over 600,000 professionals to choose from. Their dedicated team of analysts then compiles original research every time you identify a possible candidate, providing your team with comprehensive insight.
⊕ Contact Info
Get in touch with Witt/Kieffer by calling them at (888) 281 1370 or sending them a message on their website. Learn more about Witt/Kieffer’s executive search services!
Additional Resources
Capital Campaign Feasibility Study: 5 Fatal Misconceptions
Looking to hire a capital campaign director to lead the way during your nonprofit’s next campaign?
Brush up on what it takes to conduct a capital campaign feasibility study to get an idea of the demands this executive will face on the job. Learn more about feasibility studies!
4 Tips for Writing Your Executive Director Job Description
Your nonprofit’s executive director serves one of the most important leadership roles in your organization.
Ready to start your search? Be sure to review these best practices for writing your executive director’s job description.
How to Write a Major Gift Officer Job Description: 4 Must-Know Tips
Collecting major gifts should be a core part of your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy, and having the right major gift officer is crucial.
Find the right major gift officer for your team by following these guidelines when drafting their job description.
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