Avoiding Common Pitfalls of
Mission-Driven Recruiting
Laura Gassner Otting, Founder and President
Alison Falk, Vice President
Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group LLC
October 6, 2010
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Today’s Speakers
Hosting: Sam Frank, Synthesis Partnership
Assisting with chat questions: Chris Dumas, FirstGiving
Alison Falk, Vice President
Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group
978-890-7053
Laura Gassner Otting, President
Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group
617-527-9661
When Good Searches Go Bad
Avoiding the Pitfalls Overview
Hiring in a Hurry
Looking through Rose-
Colored Glasses Bride or Bridesmaid?
Unrealistic Expectations
Death by Rumors Breaches of Confidentiality
Pitfall: Hiring in a Hurry
Pitfall
#1
Watch out for: Letting Urgency Overshadow Strategy
Ways to Avoid the Problem: • Develop a strategic roadmap
• Determine who you’re looking for
• Involve staff and key constituents
Pitfall: Wearing
Rose-Colored Glasses Pitfall
#2
Watch out for: Ignoring Market Perception
Ways to Avoid the Problem: • Identify and understand market perceptions
• Develop compelling position descriptions to
address recruiting obstacles
• Mutual courtship
Pitfall: Bride or Bridesmaid? Pitfall
#3
Watch out for: Mishandling Internal Candidates
Ways to Avoid the Problem: • Don’t encourage non-viable internal candidates
• Include staff and key constituents in construction of
position description
• Create an even playing field
Pitfall: Staff Role Confusion Pitfall
#4
Watch out for: Not Setting Clear Expectations for Staff
Ways to Avoid the Problem: • Consider the staff’s point of view
• Give staff a voice in the search
• Set expectations at launch of search
• Communication is a powerful tool
Pitfall: Digging for Dirt Pitfall
#5
Watch out for: Distinguishing References From Rumors
Ways to Avoid the Problem: • Designate point person to oversee references
• Counsel the search committee
• Conduct ethical “on” and “off list” references
• Understand the complete story with negative references
Pitfall: Spilling the Beans Pitfall
#6
Watch out for: Breaches of Confidentiality
Ways to Avoid the Problem: • Set expectations at start of search
• Search Committee Confidentiality Agreements
• Collect materials after meetings
• “Scare them straight”
Pitfall: Expecting Sacrifice Pitfall
#7
Watch out for: Unrealistic Ideas About Compensation
Ways to Avoid the Problem: • Discuss compensation expectations throughout
the entire search, at every stage
• Figure out creative ways to enhance total
compensation packages if necessary
• Communicate!
When Do You Need Help?
• Consider your organizations history with external searches
• Identify potential recruiting obstacles
• Consider staff support
• Research different consultant offerings
Using a Search Firm vs. Going it Alone
Hiring a
Firm
Resources: Please see our Article Library at:
http://www.NonprofitProfessionals.com
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