How to Hire and Work With Nonprofit Executive Recruiters

Hiring a new Executive Director or CEO is one of the most important decisions a nonprofit board will ever make. Leadership transitions shape not only the organization’s strategy, but also its culture, fundraising, and long-term sustainability.

For many nonprofits, the safest path is to bring in outside expertise. Executive search firms that specialize in nonprofits can widen the pool of candidates, bring credibility to the process, and save boards from costly mistakes. Below, we’ll walk through when and how to use a recruiter, what to expect, and where to find the most respected firms in the sector.

When to Consider Using a Recruiter

Not every nonprofit needs outside help for leadership hiring, but search firms are often the right move in situations such as:

  • Founder or long-tenured leader transitions – when stability and neutrality are critical.
  • Specialized skill needs – e.g. fundraising, advocacy, or turnaround experience.
  • Board capacity – if time, expertise, or networks are limited.
  • Commitment to diversity – search firms can open access to broader and more inclusive candidate pools.

How the Process Works

  1. Discovery – The recruiter meets with the board and staff to understand mission, strategy, and culture.
  2. Position Profile – A detailed job description and leadership profile are drafted.
  3. Sourcing & Outreach – Recruiters tap networks and reach out to candidates who aren’t actively searching.
  4. Screening & Shortlisting – A handful of vetted candidates are presented to the board.
  5. Board Interviews – The board or search committee conducts interviews and selects finalists.
  6. Negotiation & Transition – Recruiters assist with offers, references, and onboarding support.

How to Choose the Right Firm

When selecting a recruiter, consider:

  • Sector fit – Have they worked with organizations of your size, budget, or mission area?
  • Track record – Ask for past client references and placement examples.
  • Commitment to equity – What percentage of their placements are women or BIPOC leaders?
  • Fee structure – Expect costs to be 20–33% of the position’s first-year salary, plus expenses.
  • Board involvement – A good firm balances board oversight with efficient candidate management.

Tips for Working Effectively With Recruiters

  • Designate a point of contact (often the board chair or search committee chair).
  • Be transparent about organizational challenges—candidates will find out anyway.
  • Provide timely feedback to avoid losing top candidates.
  • Think long-term—this isn’t just about filling a seat, but shaping the future of your mission.

    Leading Nonprofit Executive Search Firms

    How to Use This Directory

    Choosing the right executive search partner depends on your nonprofit’s size, mission, budget, and culture. Use this directory to:

    • Compare sector experience – Some firms specialize in higher education or healthcare; others serve a broad range of nonprofits.
    • Check geography – National firms can run wide searches, while regional firms may have stronger local networks.
    • Consider values alignment – Many firms emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership recruitment.
    • Review active searches – Most firms list open positions, which can give insight into their clients and placements.

    Directory of Firms

    • Diversified Search Group – Koya Partners
      A premier national search firm (via Koya Partners) dedicated exclusively to mission-driven leadership across education, foundations, arts, environment, and social justice.
    • Isaacson, Miller
      A top national firm known for recruiting transformative leaders in higher education, healthcare, advocacy, and the full range of nonprofit organizations.
    • WittKieffer
      A large, established search firm with a specialized Social Impact & Nonprofit practice serving charities, foundations, advocacy groups, and associations.
    • Campbell & Company
      A nonprofit-focused consultancy offering executive search along with fundraising, strategy, and planning services for organizations nationwide.
    • Lindauer – Open Searches
      Global nonprofit search specialists with deep experience in education, healthcare, advocacy, and arts and culture leadership.
    • Kittleman & Associates
      The first U.S. firm to focus exclusively on nonprofit CEO and Executive Director searches, with a legacy dating back to 1963.
    • Phillips Oppenheim – Open Searches
      A boutique firm devoted solely to nonprofits, well regarded for high-touch leadership searches across philanthropy, social justice, and cultural institutions.
    • DRiWaterstone – Available Positions
      A Washington, DC-based firm serving nonprofits, foundations, and associations with a strong record in CEO and senior fundraising placements.
    • Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group (NPAG)
      A values-driven firm emphasizing equity and inclusion, serving foundations, advocacy organizations, and community nonprofits nationwide.
    • On-Ramps – Open Positions
      A full-service search firm that exclusively serves mission-driven organizations with a focus on diversity and inclusive recruitment.
    • Scion Executive Search
      An award-winning national firm placing nonprofit, foundation, and education leaders, recognized by Forbes among America’s best search firms.
    • PNP Staffing Group
      Professionals for Nonprofits (PNP) provides executive search and staffing solutions, with expertise in talent acquisition and nonprofit salary benchmarking.
    • DickersonBakker
      A firm with nearly 40 years of nonprofit-only experience, known for high-touch searches and its industry-leading two-year placement guarantee.
    • GoodCitizen
      A boutique firm focused on the social sector, partnering with nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises across the U.S.
    • Axis Talent Partners
      A women- and minority-owned firm specializing in inclusive executive search and talent strategy for social impact organizations.
    • BoardWalk Consulting
      Atlanta-based consultants focused on CEO and senior leader recruitment for nonprofits and foundations, especially across the Southeast.
    • Spano Pratt
      Milwaukee-based specialists in nonprofit executive recruitment, serving arts, social service, and educational organizations nationwide.
    • The Batten Group
      A North Carolina–based firm with national reach, placing CEOs and senior leaders in philanthropy, healthcare, and advocacy organizations.
    • Carlson Beck
      A San Francisco–based search firm with expertise in philanthropy, foundations, and nonprofit leadership, particularly on the West Coast.
    • McCormack + Kristel – Current Searches
      A retained national firm with a 30-year record of diversity-focused recruiting for nonprofits, including LGBTQ+, healthcare, and social justice groups.

Final Thoughts

Nonprofit executive recruiters are not just headhunters—they are partners in shaping the future of your organization. By choosing the right firm, engaging openly in the process, and keeping your mission at the center, your board can ensure a successful leadership transition that sets the stage for long-term impact.

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