Nonprofit Executive Search

Executive search firm with proven expertise in growing nonprofit organizations.

Having the right executives to lead your team is crucial to the success and growth of your nonprofit organization. Effective leaders manage strategy, strengthen donor and board relationships, and align teams around your mission.

Our nonprofit executive search services are designed to help organizations like yours find executives who can manage complex stakeholder needs, oversee finances responsibly, and advance the company’s long-term goals. Whether you’re a nonprofit or not-for-profit organization, our team has the expertise and the global PRAXI Alliance network to connect you with leaders who can make a measurable difference.

If you’re an individual looking for your next opportunity, please visit our Job Seekers Contact Form.

Hire executives for your nonprofit.

Our Results Speak For Themselves

Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 87

An NPS of 87 reflects our exceptional client satisfaction and loyalty—placing us among the top performers in the executive search industry.

“I found Talent Rise to be exceptional. You were highly organized, brought in outstanding candidates, were thorough and transparent, and easy to communicate with in every aspect of the search process.”

– Lisa Ludwig, BOD Art Park

Start the executive search process today.

We specialize in recruiting nonprofit executives, including:

Chief Executive Office (CEO)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Vice President
Director of Development
Executive Director

Whether your organization is focused on education, healthcare, the arts, or community development, TalentRise connects you with leaders who share your mission and have the experience to move it forward.

Our unique approach to recruiting executives for nonprofits focuses on collaboration, including recognizing the influence of your board of directors and their collective input on hiring decisions. This proven methodology tailored to nonprofits and not-for-profits includes:

Facilitating transparent communication between ourselves and the organization’s board members and stakeholders.
Utilizing a custom assessment form built for nonprofits that captures organizational needs and leadership priorities.
Leveraging our global PRAXI Alliance network to identify executives who align with your values, goals, and community impact.

Through this method, we’ve helped nonprofits build out successful and effective leadership teams.

Placements in the Nonprofit Industry

Find top talent in your industry.

Transforming HR and Leadership Practices at a Large Non-Profit

TalentRise Successfully Places Brian Luallen as CEO of Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Announces Spencer Morgan as New Executive Director

YWCA WNY Announces Michelle Sawyers as New CEO

Staying True to the Mission: How Women in Nonprofits Lead with Confidence

11 Traits to Look for in a Nonprofit Executive

Pain Points in Nonprofit Executive Search and How to Solve Them

How does TalentRise tailor executive searches specifically for nonprofit organizations?

We understand the unique dynamics of nonprofit leadership — including mission alignment, board collaboration, fundraising and development expertise, community engagement, and operating with limited resources. We apply proven recruiting and assessment practices aligned to your nonprofit’s values and goals, ensuring you secure leaders who can deliver both operational excellence and mission-impact.

What size and type of nonprofit organizations does TalentRise serve?

Our services are flexible and suited to nonprofits of various sizes and types — from community-based organizations and social services agencies to educational nonprofits, arts/culture nonprofits, and large national philanthropic organizations. Whether you’re searching for your first executive director or replacing a seasoned CEO, we can help.

Beyond executive search, what leadership development or coaching services are available?

In addition to recruiting, we provide leadership development and executive coaching services tailored to nonprofit leaders, helping them build strategic thinking, team alignment, fundraising acumen, board relations, and operational excellence. Our Fast Start Coaching 90-day program, which is included in our executive search service offering, helps them navigate their new culture, assimilate to the team, and establish habits that lead to lasting success. This combination ensures that once the right leader is placed, they’re equipped to succeed and scale the organization.

What are the key traits or competencies TalentRise looks for in nonprofit executive candidates?

Key competencies include: mission-driven leadership, financial and operational acumen, fundraising and donor relations experience, staff and volunteer engagement, strategic vision, resilience in resource-challenged environments, and ability to build inclusive, high-performing teams. Our candidate assessments emphasize both measurable skills and cultural fit.

How do I start working with TalentRise for a nonprofit executive search or leadership coaching engagement?

Simply schedule a consultation through our website. We’ll meet with your leadership team and/or board, clarify your mission, culture, and strategic priorities, define the role profile, timelines and budget, and propose a tailored engagement plan. From there, we initiate the search or coaching engagement with transparency and partnership.