What We Do:

We find great leaders who understand your mission and know how to realize your vision.

As an executive search firm specializing in the nonprofit sector, we start with a personal commitment to your mission...but that's just the beginning.

Leadership is not generic. Our work is built around our knowledge of different kinds of nonprofit organizations, their mission, boards, supporters, operations, clients, funding sources, and challenges.

As we consult with our clients, we come to each search with a wealth of sector knowledge and an unparalleled network of sources and prospects. Then, in collaboration with our clients, we build on that knowledge and those networks as we address each client's unique circumstances and needs.

Style and fit loom large in the search for nonprofit leaders. Not all great leaders would be effective in your organization, and not all organizations are right for certain kinds of leaders. That is why our search consultants cultivate a deep understanding of how different strengths and styles may benefit our nonprofit clients.

We unite leaders and nonprofits in ways that build capacity and strengthen organizations.

Each of our consultants has a particular area of expertise, and we also ensure that all of our consultants work across sectors so that they maintain the broadest possible perspective. This enables us to avoid the narrow viewpoint of many specialist boutique firms, while ensuring that our work is deeply informed by sector knowledge and the worlds of government and business.

Practice Areas:

• Advocacy
• Arts/Cultural Institutions
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Philanthropy
• Social Justice

Our Approach:

We start by learning about you...

Our four phase process is specifically designed to engage great leaders who are always in demand and who have a broad range of professional experiences.

Developed for the nonprofit sector over 14 years, our process is designed specifically to reveal the strengths, attributes and weaknesses of candidates.

Phase One: The Client Organization. We interview all internal participants relevant to the decision-making process to formulate a position description that highlights the organization's mission, history and culture, and that details the attributes of great candidates. We do more than learn about our client's organization; we absorb the heart and soul of the mission.

Phase Two: The Marketplace and Outreach. We create a target list from our database, networks, original research and nominations from various sources, including prospects suggested by client constituencies. We interview and qualify prospects, brief clients, and identify candidates. We engage new sources and drive the process to offer clients choices they might not otherwise have.

Phase Three: Interviews. We interview all prospective candidates and help our clients to refine prospect lists. We guide clients and candidates through the interview process, ensuring that all parties are appropriately prepared and have sufficient information to make informed choices. We also facilitate the selection process.

Phase Four: Selection, Referencing, Negotiation. We provide appropriate support toward building a consensus during final selection. In collaboration with our clients, we conduct references, and help to resolve open questions and issues. We facilitate during negotiation of salary, benefits and other terms. This is a sensitive time in the process, and we are there to help bridge differences.

Additional Consulting Services:

In addition to our custom executive search services, we offer standalone leadership consulting on a project basis for nonprofit boards and executives. During these transformational times, our services can help organizations address a range of challenges, including successful executive transitions, such as CEOs and C-Suite executives who are new to their roles and/or transitioning to the nonprofit sector from the private sector, board development, and organizational design. Please reach out to one of our consultants directly or to us at info@phillpsoppenheim.com if you are interested in learning more about these services, including:

• Executive Coaching
• Board Leadership Consulting:
  • Board Development
  • Transition/Succession Planning
  • Building and maintaining effective board/CEO relationships
• Organizational Design & Strategy
• Onboarding