Nonprofit & Impact Search Practice 

The expansion into nonprofit and mission-driven search is a natural extension of DovetailED’s work. As our independent school partners increasingly engaged us for senior leadership searches, we observed significant overlap between the independent school and nonprofit talent markets. Candidates were moving between the two sectors, and our school clients frequently asked us to identify professionals with nonprofit and mission-driven experience because those professionals often bring a strong understanding of mission, community, stakeholder engagement, and values-based organizations.

We also began hearing from candidates interested in transitioning from independent schools to broader nonprofit leadership opportunities and from nonprofit professionals interested in bringing their experience to schools. That crossover made it clear that DovetailED’s relationship-driven, proactive recruiting approach could serve both sectors well.

The expansion also builds on the professional experience of DovetailED’s partners, Zack Lehman and Lynda Hamilton-Kirk, both of whom have worked in nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. Together, these experiences made the nonprofit and impact sector a natural next step for DovetailED and an opportunity to continue doing what we do best: bringing missions and people together to find the perfect fit.

At Dovetailed, we understand that nonprofit hiring is about more than credentials, it is about finding people who connect with your mission, culture, values, community, and vision for the future. We serve as an extension of your team, combining targeted research, proactive outreach, and relationship-based recruiting to identify qualified candidates, including talented professionals who may not be actively looking for a new opportunity. Our search practice supports a range of administrative, senior leadership, and CEO/Executive Director roles, with highly personalized service and consistent communication throughout the search process.

Click here to download Dovetailed’s Nonprofit & Impact Search Practice Overview and learn more about our approach and flat-fee search model.

Every search is different depending on the role, location, and candidate market, but Dovetailed is built to move quickly. We typically begin identifying and engaging prospective candidates immediately after a search launches, and in many searches, we are able to introduce an initial group of qualified candidates within the first two weeks.

Our goal is to build a viable pool of qualified, interested candidates, not simply generate applications. Organizations do not pay the Viable Pool Fee until Dovetailed has developed and delivered at least three qualified, interested candidates whose experience and interests align with the opportunity and organization.

From there, we continue recruiting, sharing additional candidates, and supporting the search through the interview and hiring process. Our proactive outreach and relationship-based recruiting also allow us to reach candidates who may never encounter the opportunity through a traditional job posting. In many searches, we are able to introduce five to ten candidates within the first two weeks.

Yes. Dovetailed builds a custom candidate pool specifically for your organization and opportunity based on the role, mission, culture, priorities, and experience you are seeking. Candidates actively engaged in your search are not presented to other Dovetailed clients while they remain under consideration. If you decide not to move forward with a candidate or formally release them from your search, we may then consider them for another appropriate opportunity.

This better reflects Dovetailed’s emphasis on creating a tailored candidate pool through targeted research, direct outreach, and relationship-based recruiting rather than simply circulating the same candidates across multiple searches.

Dovetailed offers a straightforward two-stage, flat-fee structure with no annual membership fees, commissions, or fees based on a percentage of a candidate’s compensation. This approach keeps search costs predictable, transparent, and focused on finding the right person for your organization.

The Viable Pool Fee is due only after Dovetailed has developed and delivered a pool of at least three qualified, interested candidates. The Hiring Fee is due only when your organization successfully hires a Dovetailed candidate or a candidate who applies during the exclusivity period.

This two-stage model provides a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional retained search while keeping Dovetailed and our client partners focused on the same outcome: Finding the Perfect Fit.

• Administrative

• Senior Leadership

• CEO/Executive Director

If you still have questions, click here to fill out the inquiry form, and we will schedule an initial call to learn more about you and your organization’s needs. If you are ready to launch your search, click here to complete the Dovetailed intake form, and we will be in touch within 24 hours to get started!