Senior Consultant, Executive Search

Development Guild is a national consulting firm that provides executive search, fundraising counsel and BIG Question strategy services to mission-driven, nonprofit organizations. We bring a powerful combination of discipline and innovation to every client engagement, delivering solutions that are both strategic and deeply rooted in experience and data.

About the Role

Development Guild seeks a dynamic executive search professional to lead high-impact search engagements for our non-profit clients. This role offers the opportunity to partner closely with mission-focused organizations, identifying and recruiting exceptional talent that advances meaningful change. The Senior Consultant will manage full-cycle search projects—from client engagement and strategy through candidate research, outreach, and placement—while ensuring a high standard of project management and client service. The position serves as the day-to-day lead on client projects, working in close collaboration with senior leadership, with guidance and oversight from a senior advisor.

In addition to direct client services, the Senior Consultant will also contribute to business development, and represent the firm in public-facing events, such as conferences and broadcasts. The ideal candidate will value the importance of excellence, innovation, and best practices. This position is project-based, operates remotely, and collaborates with clients and team members nationwide. Occasional travel for meetings and conferences is expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end executive search projects, working directly with clients and managing project teams
• Serve as the primary day-to-day client contact, ensuring strong communication, responsiveness, and high-quality service delivery
• Develop and execute candidate research strategies, including sourcing and outreach to build diverse, high-caliber candidate pools
• Conduct candidate screening, interviews, and assessments; present qualified candidates with clear, thoughtful evaluations
• Contribute to business development for the firm, including a sales portfolio among both existing and new clients
• Initiate and maintain excellent relationships with candidates, clients, and a network of nonprofit leaders
• Uphold best practices in executive search, including a commitment to equity and professionalism
• Engage in BIG Question strategy services, participating in events publicly or for client engagements
• Represent the firm externally at conferences, webinars, and other public-facing events to enhance visibility and thought leadership
• Embrace an environment that respects staff’s experience and potential, mentor colleagues to develop their skills, and support their career development

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in executive search, consulting, and/or talent acquisition in the nonprofit space
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage diverse stakeholders and build relationships
• Proven project management skills; delivers complex initiatives on time and within scope
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence others effectively
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple and demanding projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated interest or experience in business development; leverages networks to generate new opportunities
• Ability to work with industry leaders and senior leadership teams
• Adaptable to new technologies, including AI, comfortable using a variety of digital tools and platforms
• Comfortable in public speaking roles, including facilitating group discussions both in-person and virtually; confident and engaging presenter
• Effective team leader; committed to mentorship and professional development among team members
• Values excellence, innovation, and best practices in executive search, and thrives in a collaborative, remote environment
• Willing and able to travel for occasional client meetings and public events

Pay

Compensation for project-based roles is determined on a project-by-project basis, using an hourly rate equivalent to an annual salary of $95,000 to $120,000. Project-based employees are eligible for variable sales compensation. Final compensation will be based on factors including skills, experience, and geographic location.

Benefits

A robust benefits package is available and varies based on hours worked.