You really can’t have a “If we build
it, they will come” attitude about finding the best candidates for a Nonprofit
Executive position. This is especially true for small and midsize organizations
that are not well known. This article is
for you. Too often some of the best ways
of finding the best candidates are overlooked.
You need to actually recruit candidates – not expect that they will come
to you without working at it. Volume isn’t the goal – quality and good fit are
the goals. Here is my list of actions to
take to let the right people know about your executive director or other high
level executive opening.
When a small/midsize nonprofit
executive leaves, the Board usually appoints a Search Committee to find and
recommend the best candidates to fill the position. Once you have done the hard
work of developing an accurate job description then the job of finding great
candidates begins in earnest. So what
should you do? The answer: LOTS OF
THINGS! Here’s a grocery list.
Advertise – In the Right Places
There are job boards specifically for
Nonprofits. They are low cost or free
and visited by people specifically interested in Nonprofits. Idealist and The Foundation Center list full
job descriptions and yield excellent experienced candidates. In NJ I always list a nonprofit opening at
the Center for Nonprofits job board. Your
organization may belong to local professional groups that list nonprofit jobs
and that can be an excellent resource.
Your Website
I don’t understand why but some small
organizations shy away from advertising an executive position on their own
website. They are afraid of getting too
many inappropriate applications or having someone they really don’t want to
apply. Really? Just discard the inappropriate applications
and don’t consider seriously anyone you don’t want to. As a consultant I have been asked to
interview as a courtesy unqualified or underqualifed candidates for any number
of reasons. I conduct the same half hour
introductory telephone interview with them as all the other candidates and
provide honest feedback of the major criteria categories just like every other
candidate. I am an outsider and document
the same information about each candidate.
The grading against the major requirements and feedback from the telephone interview become
the basis for which candidates are interviewed in person. Bottom Line: Don’t
worry about having too many candidates
or one you rather not deal with.
Solicitation Letter
Send a letter to nonprofit leaders,
foundation executives, funders and partners announcing the opening and asking
them to pass the information on to potential candidates. This can be the most effective step you
take. People who weren’t thinking about
seeking another position, who are currently employed will consider applying for the opening. A funder may discuss the possibility with an
individual they think is a good fit. A partner may pass it on to someone not in
your network who is an excellent candidate.
Using this kind of networking can yield outstanding candidates.
Your Executive Search Consultant
Your executive search consultant
should be able to identify potential candidates for you. I always know people who are in a job search
and I always reach out to people I know to recommend potential candidates.
Social Media
Linkedin and Facebook are excellent
hunting ground for candidates if you already have a presence there. LinkedIn has an excellent program for
nonprofits and you should apply now and not wait until you need the
service. The premium membership (free
for approved nonprofits) gives you search capabilities that are excellent for
searching for Board members as well as potential job candidates. LinkedIn has also become an excellent job board
resource. If you have an active facebook
page –let your fans know that you have an opening. You never know who may learn about your
opening this way.
What other ways have you used to
recruit candidates? Please share them in
the comments.
Marion
P.S. My consulting practice is limited to executive
search for small and midsize organizations.
If you would like more information about working with me please email me
at marion@marionconway.com
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