how we work 

ADVISE AND HELP DESIGN THE RIGHT SEARCH PROCESS

We always customize the search process and timeline to best meet our clients’ needs. We serve as advisors, thought partners, and project managers for the entire search process from beginning to end.

lEARN ABOUT THE POSITION AND ORGANIZATION

We start every search by meeting with the client to understand the organization’s (or foundation or family office) structure, strategic priorities, and how this hire fits within the organizational landscape. Our client may be an individual hiring manager, senior leader, or search committee. We often partner with Human Resources to ensure our process is aligned with organizational processes, protocols, and culture. Together, we determine the best interview process and who should be involved and develop an agreed-upon timeline.

FINALIZE POSITION DETAILS

We work with the client upfront to clarify the ideal candidate profile, compensation, benefits, timing, relocation, and anything else of importance about the role.

DEVELOP POSITION DESCRIPTION

We create a compelling, comprehensive, and accurate position description. We can draft a position description from scratch or edit an existing one. Our position descriptions include information about the foundation or family office, the opportunity the role represents, key responsibilities, qualifications and ideal candidate profile, compensation and benefits information (and relocation information if applicable), and directions for how to apply.

CREATE A TARGETED OUTREACH PROCESS

We create a targeted outreach strategy uniquely tailored to the specifics of each search and the particular areas of focus for the position. We create a sourcing list comprised of top organizations and leaders in the field and contacts from our extensive networks regionally and nationally across all sectors – philanthropy, non-profit, academia, public, and private sectors.  

LAUNCH THE SEARCH

We publicly launch the search by posting the position description on our website, the client’s website, topic-relevant job boards, LinkedIn, and other listservs. We also send personalized emails to several hundred contacts and sources on our targeted outreach list. We have a very high response rate of referrals of potential candidates, often hearing from prior clients and candidates we have previously placed.  

REVIEW INITIAL CANDIDATE SLATE

A few weeks after launching the search and opening the application process, we present the client with an initial slate of top candidates to review and discuss in an initial calibration meeting. This client feedback is critical because it provides a first read on what the client finds interesting about each candidate’s background, experience, and qualifications; it is also an opportunity to understand which candidates the client is not interested in and why.

SCREEN AND EVALUATE CANDIDATES

We screen and evaluate candidates on a rolling basis, conducting in-depth interviews with the top candidates. We tailor the interview questions to the specific search and assess each candidate using consistent interview questions. We share the results of those interviews with the client and help the client select the most promising candidates to advance in the process. Our experience is that it is relatively easy to find people who look good on paper, but what is ultimately most important is the chemistry, shared vision, values, and how the candidate adds unique value to the organization.

CHOOSE CANDIDATES FOR CLIENT INTERVIEWS

We present the client with a slate of top candidates and facilitate a review process and discussion to help the client choose candidates for client interviews. To assist in the review process, we share candidate resumes and cover letters and can create tailored reports that summarize our evaluation of the candidates and how they compare and contrast with each other regarding their background, experience, and areas of expertise. We will also share information regarding candidate salary requirements, location/relocation, timing, and potential start-date availability.

FACILITATE CLIENT INTERVIEWS

Once a group of top candidates is chosen for client interviews, we facilitate the interview process as the client desires.. We provide interview questions for the client and review questions and issues that should not be covered in an interview. We prepare each candidate before the interview, so they focus on the most important issues. We can also assist with travel logistics for interviews as necessary.  

REFERENCE checks

Once a finalist is chosen, we conduct in-depth reference calls that explore particular areas of interest to the client and write up comprehensive, confidential reference reports for the client.

FINAL OFFER AND NEGOTIATION WITH CANDIDATE

Depending on the client's preference, we are often involved in presenting an offer to the candidate and managing any final negotiations.