Leodas Search Group | FAQs for Clients

How long does it typically take to complete a search?		The answer depends on the type of search. A traditional search takes longer than finding a nontraditional candidate, but our goal is to complete searches within a 16-week time frame.

What will the search cost?		For searches at the most senior level, where the client is only interested in candidates with many years of development experience, we charge the industry standard of one-third of the hire’s first year’s cash compensation. For searches where the client is considering nontraditional hires, we charge a flat fee, which we set after a brief discussion about the institution’s particular needs.

Do you take on multiple searches for an institution?		We prefer conducting multiple searches over single searches, regardless of the level of the position. Since there are usually economies of scale in situations where we are contracted to do more than two concurrent searches, this approach can be cost effective.

What salary will we have to pay the hire in order to attract a star?		There are so many variables to consider when setting the salary for a new position that it would be foolish to suggest specific numbers out of context. Salary is often not the motivator for candidates looking for new positions, especially those who are transitioning into an advancement career. With the present shortage of talent in the development field, salaries are inflated and it’s a job-seeker’s market.

For what sorts of positions do you recruit?		We focus solely on advancement (fundraising and constituent relations) positions at large nonprofit institutions, primarily those in the fields of higher education, academic medicine, and advocacy.

Do you recruit at all levels of the organization and in all functional areas, or do you limit your work to searches for chief advancement officers?		We recruit talent to all levels and areas within advancement organizations. We are skilled at building teams within organizations, and this work usually draws on our ability to find talent at various career levels.

How many searches will you conduct at any one time?		We pride ourselves on our ability to be responsive to our clients. We won’t take on a search if we can’t provide the level of service our clients deserve and expect. We are known for being straightforward in our approach and will be honest about when and how we can assist clients in finding talent.

You seem to have done a lot of work on the East Coast; do you limit yourselves geographically?		While it is true that we have done a considerable amount of work on the East Coast, we have clients all across the country.

Do you only know East Coast fundraisers?		We have a robust network of advancement professional friends and contacts throughout the country.

Do you ever look for nontraditional candidates, and, if so, how do you judge whether they will be successful?		We regularly recruit nontraditional candidates. By combining our talent identification capability with more traditional experience-oriented recruiting, and by utilizing our proprietary assessment methodology, we match superior candidates with great institutions.

Do you have experience working with search committees, and do you encourage your clients to create them?		Yes, we have plenty of experience working with search committees. We are equally comfortable working with committees or with single executives. Rather than advocate one approach or the other, we are happy to advise a process that will help a particular institution meet its goal with both internal and external audiences.

How does your firm differ from your competitors?		Our clients tell us that we have a more thorough and thoughtful process, which produces better candidates and faster hires. We are also leading the way in nontraditional hires—actually bringing productive solutions to the “advancement labor crisis.” We are known for the quality of our work product. Not only do we maintain frequent communication with our clients, but we have the conviction to speak candidly about sensitive issues.

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