Comprehensive executive searches with a personalized approach
We recognize that having the right leadership is essential for a nonprofit to realize its mission and maximize its impact. At NPN, we are committed to finding you the right leader.
Hiring and retaining talent can be a challenge. Our skilled search consultants are experts in the sector and provide client-centered and affordable solutions to even the most complex searches. As a member of the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants, a national association, we are committed to continuously improving our process with best practices for the industry.
We combine expert knowledge and proactive outreach to complete our five-stage search process in an average of eight to ten weeks.
How it Works
Stage 1 – Consultation & Analysis
Our goal in stage one is to listen to you carefully so we understand your needs and what constitutes an ideal candidate for your role.
Your search consultant will meet with your search committee, staff, and other key stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of your organization’s goals, organizational culture, unique challenges, and specific requirements for the position.
Deliverables for this stage may include:
- Finalized job description
- Development of detailed success metrics and a custom baseline ranking tool
- Discussion of possibilities to find the right solution for your immediate and long-term needs
- Exploration of every option, including interim hires, strategic plans, and more
Stage 2 – Recruiting & Sourcing
Our goal in stage two is to proactively identify and recruit candidates with relevant experience and qualifications for the position.
When reaching out to candidates, we make sure they have been in their current role or current organization for at least two years. We leverage nonprofit industry experts who bring their knowledge of the hiring process and experience in fundraising, executive leadership, development, program management, succession planning and more.
Deliverables for this stage may include:
- Posting the position on the NPN Job Board, industry and role specific job boards, social media channels, and email newsletter
- Proactive outreach through peer networks, LinkedIn Recruiter, professional alliances, local, regional and national channels
- Developing interview questions and ranking criteria with you
Stage 3 – Assessing & Screening Candidates
Our goal in stage three is to move forward with the best possible candidates for the position and your organization’s unique needs.
Deliverables for this stage may include:
- Reviewing all cover letters and resumes submitted in our application portal
- Performing initial phone screens on all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications in the job description
- Ranking candidates based on the success metrics developed in stage 1
- Detailed profiles of the top three to five candidates for the search committee, along with information on all candidates who applied
Stage 4 – Interviewing, Candidate Selection, & Making the Offer
Our goal for stage four is to support the search committee in interviewing candidates and making an informed hiring decision. We create a customized approach to this stage based on your organization’s needs.
Deliverables for this stage may include:
- Scheduling candidates for interviews with the search committee, board, staff, and/or community members
- Communicating with candidates who are not moved on to subsequent interview rounds
- Providing additional resources to help evaluate candidates and determine ranking criteria
- Debriefing interviews with the search committee
- Contacting finalists
- Conducting background and reference checks
- Leading salary negotiations
Stage 5 – Transition Planning & Onboarding
Our goal for stage five is to ensure the success of the candidate you have selected. Our full search process includes a 90-day guaranteed placement and 10 hours of personalized onboarding for both the new hire and your team.
Deliverables for this stage may include:
- A detailed onboarding plan and checklist for the new hire’s first 90-days that outlines activities, metrics, and steps to consider before the employee joins the organization
- Coaching and support from our NPN onboarding consultant
- Participation in an executive or development director onboarding cohort with other organizations
Ready to start your search? Reach out to use to get started.
Still have questions about the search process? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.