Fulfilling the Mission

In an era of tremendous societal transformation, not-for-profit organizations provide support and stability for individuals and their communities. These mission-driven institutions create equitable opportunities for all, leverage funds and resources for critical social programs and initiatives, and ensure at-risk and underserved individuals are not left behind. The value of not-for-profits has only intensified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding progressive social movements.

Because they are truly essential to a fair, high-functioning and equitable society, today’s not-for-profits face a growing need for exceptional leaders. Passionate, driven and talented not-for-profit leadership is vital for managing increasingly complex challenges while keeping organizations focused on their central missions. Without strong executives, nonprofits struggle and thus individuals and communities suffer. CEOs, executive directors and senior teams in the nonprofit sector must be able to envision, develop and execute strategic plans that ensure their organizations can succeed and continue to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

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Finding the Perfect Match

WittKieffer’s nonprofit executive search team includes consultants who have served in the sector and know what constitutes leadership success within it. We conduct original research and leverage our contact network to find exceptional candidates who inspire as leaders and find purpose in their work. These are often executives who are not actively seeking new positions but are open to new opportunities that align with their values and personal missions.

We take a personalized and proactive approach as we strive to understand what makes each of our clients special, from foundations to not-for-profit healthcare organizations. Our approach allows us to quickly grasp the dynamics and nuances of organizations, ensuring we match clients with leadership candidates best able to bring their vision to life.

Serving Those Who Serve

WittKieffer’s not-for-profit executive search clients include:

  • Leading philanthropic foundations and trusts, including family and alumni foundations, charitable trusts and corporate philanthropic arms
  • Major service-oriented nonprofits dedicated to education, health and well-being, and social services
  • State, regional, national and international member associations and consortia
  • Prominent testing, credentialing and accreditation bodies
  • Disease-focused organizations
  • FQHCs and other community health centers
  • Health conversion foundations and hospital and health plan foundations
  • Economic development bodies
  • Libraries, archives and historical museums
  • Other leading mission-driven civic and cultural institutions

Without great leadership, these organizations cannot carry out their important mandates. At WittKieffer, we embrace the opportunity to bring transformative executives to essential not-for-profits.

Success Story

Carla Thompson Payton - American Student Assistance
Carla Thompson Adds Passion and Expertise to American Student Assistance Board

Having dedicated much of her life and career to advocating for children, families and communities particularly in the area of early childhood education and school readiness, Carla Thompson Payton seemed like the obvious choice when American Student Assistance sought to fill a Board seat in 2019. The ASA is dedicated to helping students know themselves, their options and make informed decisions that impact their future by providing them and their educators with “digital-first resources.” Currently the Vice President for program strategy for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, she supports its efforts to support “children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society.” Previously, she oversaw the $5 billion annual budget of the Child Care Development Fund, providing oversight to 10 regional offices serving states, tribes and territories as deputy director of the Office of Child Care at the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Honored by the Administration for Children and Families, the Children’s Defense Fund and the Temple University Institute on Disabilities for her leadership in early childhood education, Carla authored three publications related to school readiness and advocacy.

Alessandra de Vaca - CHRO, Beacon Communities
Managing Culture and Innovation during the Pandemic

Just prior to the workplace disruption caused by the global pandemic, Beacon Communities, a real estate development firm in Boston that works to enhance the supply of affordable housing solutions, named Alessandra de Vaca its first Chief Human Resources Officer. She immediately set out to modernize and automate HR functions, while supporting the organization and managing from the perspective of a dispersed workforce. She is currently spearheading development of an IS system for the HR team, and creating a standardized talent acquisition process.

Connect with a Practice Leader

Our Not-for-Profit Practice team includes individuals who have served and consulted in the not-for-profit, education and healthcare sectors, and who understand what is needed for leadership success in today’s competitive environment. Practice Leader Julie Rosen can answer your questions or tell you more.

Contact a Practice Leader

Not-for-Profit Resources

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