Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants

Every profession has a variety of organizations you can join for training, professional networking and support.  HR and the Search industry have quite a few options.  One of the challenges has been finding locations that support the unique nature of nonprofit search.

NPN is a member of the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants which is a national (international if you count Canada) association specifically for us:  the nonprofit search organizations.

I’m bringing it up today to emphasize the ongoing education and engagement we are doing to make sure NPN search consultants continue to understand what is happening in our sector around the country.  While Oregon and the Pacific Northwest are unique, hearing how people conduct searches in Chicago, Kansas City or San Francisco really helps us learn new recruiting skills, better approaches to building diverse pools and understanding what candidates are looking for in nonprofit jobs.

Most recently, the network completed a 4 part series on Diversity in Search Processes.  This had a big focus on hiring/search committees, gaining understanding of what “diversity” means in different organizations and how to manage/engage in conversations with search committees around bias, microaggressions and expectations.

I’m excited to say that I’ll be serving as Treasurer of this organization in 2022!  We’re a small organization, but having the opportunity to be in a leadership role and connecting with experienced search consultants from around the country means a lot to our work here in Portland.