Current Searches

Search Process

Witt/Kieffer works in partnership with our clients to design a search process that will achieve the desired outcome -- the recruitment, appointment and retention of new leadership. While each search process is unique, it shares common components with every search we undertake.

Assessment Phase and Position Specification

To determine the best strategy for the search, we commence with a thorough assessment of an institution's structure, strategic goals, culture, and leadership needs and prepare a position specification that becomes the foundation for both the search and the new executive's mandate upon appointment.

Identification, recruitment, and care of candidates

To ensure an aggressive outreach for qualified candidates, well beyond any nominations or applications, we plan a national search to target a variety of sources.
Our goal is to identify candidates whose leadership style and accomplishments meet the institution's needs and to recruit them to the pool of candidates presented for consideration.
Each candidate is treated professionally, with dignity and respect.
We provide support and counsel around the critical issues of a search: confidentiality; clarification of time-frame and process; support for family, partner, or spousal considerations; and management of candidate relationships.

Evaluation, referencing and interviews

We work closely with the search committee to structure in-depth evaluation interviews with candidates who have the greatest potential for success. We attend all screening interviews and assist the search committee in the post-interview evaluation process.
The consultants and members of the search committee make calls to references and share information about the responses.
We support the institution during the second-round interviews and will facilitate the communication about compensation package and other critical issues during the negotiation process.

Verification of Credentials

We verify academic degrees.
We carry out an intensive search of newspaper databases to gather information about occasions on which the candidate has received attention in the press.

Transition

After an offer is made and accepted, we develop and manage a transition process to enable the successful candidate and hiring institution to begin working productively together. In addition, believe in maintaining productive, long-term relationships with our clients and placements long after the search is over.