Challenge
This was the first search assignment we had conducted for the organization. The primary challenge lay in the nature of the role of president. The position carried with it enormous stature and responsibility and the number of potential candidates was small.
Our client wanted to choose from a diverse candidate pool — with diversity in this context encompassing not only race, gender and nationality, but also career background and industry.
Candidates had to have the credibility and presence to head such a prestigious foundation. A global perspective and on-the-ground experience in the developing world were also essential. Our client needed a leader who could take the foundation to the next level and feel comfortable working in a highly egalitarian environment.
Action
We conducted extensive research into the world of foundations, the environment in which nonprofit organizations operate and the trends and issues affecting the sector. Spencer Stuart won the search as a result of this comprehensive analysis and the insight we gained put us in tune with our client’s requirements and the type of leader they required.
The client had established a search committee — within the main board — comprising a diversity of individuals. Working closely with this committee, we helped identify the ideal profile and skills required of the next president.
We accomplished this by conducting extensive interviews with current and former board members; employees; and leaders in other foundations, nonprofit groups and public sector organizations. In addition we gained valuable input and international perspectives on different industry and functional specialties from our colleagues around the world.
As a result of our detailed preparation, we were able to present the client with a rich and broad list of candidates from large multi-lateral organizations, investment banks and prestigious development organizations. Working with the search committee, we identified prospects for interview. This process was repeated, resulting in a small group of contenders, each with the stature, presence and skill necessary to take on the role.
Result
The successful candidate, viewed as a visionary leader well capable of guiding the foundation on its mission, was a woman who had been head of a major US not-for-profit institution for the past ten years. During her tenure the institution shot up the rankings into the top five among its peers.
The foundation sector is going through a period of self-assessment as a result of major global events and trends and coming under increased scrutiny with regards board independence. Working with our client, we provided advisory services on issues of public perception, appropriate compensation and assisted in the negotiation and close of the engagement.