Hiring a new Executive Director–or nonprofit CEO–is one of the most important decisions your board will ever make. At Positively Partners, our nonprofit executive search services focus on more than resumes and technical qualifications. We help boards find leaders whose strengths, values, and passions align with their mission–leaders who can create lasting impact and drive organizational success.
After years of conducting successful executive searches for nonprofits, we’ve seen a clear truth: the best hires happen when boards look beyond skills to the deeper qualities that help leaders thrive in their unique environments.
Why Past Executive Director Hires Fail (And How to Avoid It)
Before you launch your next search, take a candid look at past leadership transitions. Research on over 20,000 leaders found that 89% of those who failed within 18 months struggled due to motivation, adaptability, or interpersonal skills–not technical ability.
This means boards need to go beyond job descriptions and engage in real conversations about past challenges. Identifying where things went wrong is key to preventing repeat mistakes and setting your next leader up for long-term success.
Defining the Right Nonprofit Leadership Skills for Your Search
Many boards get stuck searching for a “perfect” resume while overlooking the leadership mindset their culture truly needs. In addition to essential technical skills, the right Executive Director should bring emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability.
Ask yourselves:
- Which leadership qualities are non-negotiable?
- How will candidates respond to feedback and change?
- Can candidates inspire both staff and stakeholders through times of transition?
Aligning Leadership With Your Nonprofit’s Culture and Goals
A strong leadership match requires transparency. Candidates should clearly understand your organization’s realities–whether you’re in stabilization mode, preparing for strategic growth, or navigating major transitions.
Through our equity-focused search process, we help boards articulate both opportunities and challenges so candidates can assess their own alignment with your vision and environment.
Competing for Top Nonprofit Leaders in a Changing Talent Market
Today’s nonprofit executives have options. Attracting the right candidate requires more than competitive salary and benefits—it demands a clear connection between the leader’s values and your mission.
Our deep networks in nonprofits, philanthropy, and the public and private sectors allow us to identify both active and passive candidates who are uniquely suited to your role, even if they’re not actively looking.
Find Your Next Great Nonprofit Leader
At Positively Partners, our executive search for nonprofits combines research-driven tools with a human-centered, equity-focused approach. We assess the motivations, adaptability, and relationship skills that truly drive success–long after the hire is made.
Whether you’re six months away from launching a search or already interviewing, we can help your board navigate the deeper questions that lead to transformational hires.
Learn more or schedule a conversation with us at positivelypartners.org/contact.
