August 19, 2013
Organizations are often as strong as their leaders. Top decision-makers may have a good feel for how to bring in donations and spread the word, but aren't the best people to drive an organization in the right direction. By using an executive search firm, nonprofits can not only find someone who understands their goals, but can also help them figure out how to get there, Below are some tips for taking advantage of executive search opportunities:
Stay in regular communication
Executive search firms can meet with many candidates before recommending some of the top prospects to nonprofit decision-makers. However, if many of the most talented professionals seem to be no longer interested in the nonprofit, the search firm needs to provide feedback on what organization board members may need to change about their requirements or specifications. A conversation via email or phone calls every other day can give the search firm a better chance to bring in the right people.
Use a firm that has worked with nonprofits
While nonprofits are run similarly to many businesses, there are some differences that require varying types of leaders. Search firms that are familiar with these types of organizations can provide insight that other companies simply cannot. The more experience an executive search firm has working with nonprofits, the better quality of candidates they will interview and help the organization hire.
Create guidelines for candidates
Executive search firms are often open to bringing in all types of candidates to meet about leadership roles at nonprofits. However, organizations often have strict requirements for who they want to be the next top executive at their organization. It's important to spell out these guidelines to search firms before allowing them to evaluate prospects.
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First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.
Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.
FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!
Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.
FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.
When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.
First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!