What Do Nonprofit Executive Search Firms Do?
Written by Sean Kosofsky
Nonprofit executive search firms are increasingly becoming the connective tissue between organizations and future executive directors/CEOs and other leaders. But how search firms work behind the scenes can often feel like a mystery to both organizations and candidates.
It’s time to pull back the curtain on this growing sector!
I have had the good fortune of knowing and working with Michelle Kristel, Managing Partner at McCormack + Kristel, a deeply respected nonprofit executive search firm.
Back in 2014, Michelle helped place me at the Tyler Clementi Foundation. I asked Michelle to give The Nonprofit Fixer the inside scoop on working with nonprofit search firms.
What does a nonprofit search firm do?
Michelle Kristel: Distilled to its essence, nonprofit search firms identify and recruit talent to mission-driven organizations.
How firms work – the process, approach, and pricing – varies broadly across the growing nonprofit search sector.
McCormack + Kristel is a retained executive search firm operating on a professional services consulting model.
Our process begins with a deep dive to understand an organization's programs, financial position, strategic goals, culture, challenges, and aspirations.
During this period, we meet with the board, staff, community partners, and stakeholders. The discovery period is essential to define the ideal candidate profile and effectively market the opportunity.