Steps in a Search

Discover
NRS begins a search by learning about a client organization. Recruiters conduct interviews and focus groups with a variety of stakeholders such as board members, collaborating organizations, staff, donors, and other volunteers. They ask questions such as:
- What is special about this organization?
- Why would someone want to lead this organization right now?
- What kind of person would work well with the board and staff?
- What internal issues or external threats is the organization facing?
- What are the three most important things to focus on the first year?
During this phase, NRS also assembles and briefs a Search Committee and conducts a salary survey for the position. This phase of the search ends with the creation of a job announcement.
Recruit & Screen
Next NRS begins taps into its vast network of nonprofit professionals and leaders to identify qualified candidates. Our staff post advertisements in nonprofit and sub-sector websites and circulate announcements among nonprofit professionals and philanthropic groups. NRS recruiters also search our electronic talent bank for candidates. When a candidate applies for a position, an NRS recruiter reviews and acknowledges his/her application within 48 hours. NRS conducts a screening interview with every highly qualified candidate (usually 12-20) then narrows the pool to 5-10 candidates for the Search Committee to review.
Interview
NRS schedules interviews with the Search Committee and works with the Committee to create an interview guide, including questions tailored for each candidate. Our recruiters do not participate in Search Committee interviews, but come at the beginning of the day to prepare the Committee and again after the last interview to lead the group to a consensus on the candidates.
Offer
NRS drafts reference check questions and prepares an Executive Director or Board President to make the offer and negotiate counter offers.