Our Nonprofit Executive Search Process

Our Award-Winning Nonprofit Executive Search Process


Find the next great leader that will take your organizations mission-impact to the next level.


The following describes the proprietary award-winning executive search process we utilize in each stage of executive recruitment. To ensure optimal results, our proven search methodology is frequently reviewed and fine-tuned to best meet your organizational goals and needs.

Step 1

Detailed Analysis

We perform an in-depth, comprehensive study of your organization and the position to evaluate your needs. Using this groundwork as the base for building a sound search strategy, Scion Executive Search meets with key stakeholders to gather information, enabling our firm to meticulously customize the search process to the needs of your unique organizational structure, mission, goals, and working environment.

Step 2

Recruiting

Scion Executive Search expertly “casts a wide net” to network and recruit a diverse group of elite nonprofit executives. For all executive searches, we conduct research to identify qualified potential candidates, utilize our robust private database of talented executive leaders to network the position, strategically advertise, and recruit the role to secure a precise candidate match for your organization’s culture.

Step 3

Networking

Utilizing our expertise, established connections, and tailored industry research, Scion Executive Search identifies and discretely connects with appropriate prospective candidate targets, nonprofit leaders, boards, associations, professional organizations, and nonprofits. Throughout this process, applicable background information, resumes, applications, and portfolios are collected.

Step 4

Screening

All applicants are rigorously screened and methodically interviewed to address the specified requirements for each nonprofit executive search we lead. Our detailed process allows us to delve deep into each prospective candidate’s background, career history, goals, motivations, career plans, and accomplishments to efficiently judge their abilities and prospective effectiveness.

Step 5

Evaluation

The goal of screening and preliminary interviews is to make initial judgments that can be tested in further interviews, interactions, and reference checking. We base our evaluations on key stakeholders’ objectives in an effort to create an ideal “match” between the identified talent pool and the needs of the position.

Step 6

Candidate Presentations

We provide detailed profiles of the most qualified executive candidates who are an exceptional “fit” for the position. Scion Executive Search candidate profiles offer factual insight into the applicant’s specific background. Each presentation includes: (1) salary expectations; (2) career highlights; (3) availability; (4) facts evidencing the employment match, (5) interpersonal skills, and (6) supplemental information to consider.

Step 7

Client Interviews

We support you throughout the interview process! Our work includes finalizing plans with the committee for interviews, coordinating candidate participation, scheduling phone calls, meetings, and offering advice on travel arrangements. Have a question along the way? You’ll be pleased to know our staff is available to you at all times as a resource!

Step 8

Final Candidate Selection

We deliver the final candidate pool to your committee. Our Executive Recruiters will assist in debriefing your committee following the in-person organizational interviews.

Step 9

Final Reference Verification

After interviews take place, additional in-depth reference checking is conducted on candidates of final interest. Based on your preferences, this process can include professional references, criminal, educational, financial, media, and/or civil litigation checks.

Step 10

Final Offer

After your committee has determined a candidate selection, we assist your organization in extending a tactful final offer and notify unsuccessful applicants of the hiring decision.

Scion Executive Search Proven Search Process
  • NATIONAL: We lead executive searches for all US cities and locations. We have a vast network of 14,000,000+ candidates nationwide.
  • WEST: San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; Las Vegas, NV and other regional locations. 
  • MOUNTAIN: Phoenix, AZ; Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT and other regional locations. 
  • MIDWEST: Kansas City, MO; Chicago, IL; Columbus/Cleveland/Cincinnati, OH; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; Appleton, WI; Minneapolis, MN; St. Louis, MO and other regional locations. 
  • SOUTH: Dallas/Austin/Houston/San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA; Miami, FL; Raleigh-Durham/Charlotte, NC and other regional locations. 
  • EAST: New York, NY; Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Philadelphia, PA, Stamford, CT and other regional locations. 
  • REMOTE: As a leader in search for the nonprofit sector we bring local, national and remote executive leadership options.

Our Guarantee

We stand behind our work with a concrete service guarantee and a full commitment to excellence and search confidentiality. Our valued clients are serviced and always represented in a highly personal, ethical, professional, and effective manner.

We do this because we are confident in the extraordinary quality of our searches, and the talented candidates that we select to represent. Thus, if a candidate that we place leaves your employment within our guarantee timeline, we will repeat the search one additional time for no additional cost.

Start Your Search Today

Executive Search is our passion and proven area of expertise. It is a great honor to recruit and support mission-driven nonprofit organizations, associations, foundations and educational institutions. One mission at a time we thrive in helping to make local communities and our world a better place. Read more information about our Mission and Values or engage our firm now to hire your next impactful organizational leader.  We look forward to the prospect of working with you!