CCS is unique as we are a firm that focuses solely on the nonprofit sector and has over 45 years combined experience in the areas of executive searches for positions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Development Director, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting and Administrative  We truly believe that the search process for a nonprofit is very different from a search for a for-profit organization as our firm has a greater sensitivity to budget, process, and expertise versus the larger staffing firms.

Our process is tailored for each organization and includes:

• Initial Assessment: CCS begins each engagement by taking the time necessary to understand your organization, mission and unique culture as well as the position requirements.
• Sourcing: Using information gathered during the initial assessment, CCS builds a pool of qualified and best-fit candidates.
• Initial Interview Screening: CCS screens all resumes received against criteria established in the initial assessment.
• Behavioral Interview Screening: CCS conducts behavioral, in-depth interviews with best-fit candidates.
• Final Interview: CCS facilitates the final interview with the candidate and the leadership of the organization.
• Reference Check: CCS conducts, in-depth reference interviews with past employees to verify employment.
• Background Screening: CCS can assist with background checks or drug screening as needed in collaboration with partner MBI Worldwide
• Candidate Testing: CCS provides the following pre-employment testing:
  • Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) assess capabilities such as problem-solving, critical thinking, the ability to process and apply new information, and verbal skills.
  • Employee Personality Profile (EPP)  reveals valuable information about a candidate’s likely work style and suitability for a managerial role from a behavioral perspective.
  • Emotify assess and measure of emotional intelligence, measuring a candidate’s ability to accurately identify, understand, and manage emotions. Research has shown that emotional intelligence is associated with important work related outcomes such as interpersonal effectiveness, collaboration, teamwork, decision making and success in leadership and management roles. 
  • lllustrait™ identifies the competencies required to perform in the job, using evidence-based recommendations from the US Department of Labor’s O*NET database. Or, if you prefer, you can choose from our extensive library of competencies to reflect your unique needs, capability frameworks, and culture.

Finding the right leader for a mission-driven organization requires deeper insight than traditional recruiting. As a national nonprofit executive search firm, Catalyst Consulting Services blends experience, sector knowledge, and relationship-driven recruitment to connect organizations with visionary CEOs, Executive Directors, development leaders, program executives, and operational experts. Our team understands the unique dynamics of nonprofit leadership — from donor engagement and board relations to community trust, operational sustainability, and long-term mission alignment.

Whether your organization is based in a major metro area or operates within a regional or community-based footprint, our executive search services for nonprofits are designed to meet the specific needs of foundations, associations, human services organizations, arts and culture institutions, faith-based missions, and social impact agencies. We support clients across the United States with a proven methodology that emphasizes values-based matching, candidate transparency, and organizational culture fit.

Catalyst Consulting Services takes a comprehensive, research-driven approach that includes candidate sourcing, thorough evaluations, leadership assessments, compensation benchmarking, and structured interview processes that empower your board to make the best hiring decision. Our team remains engaged through onboarding to ensure a smooth transition and long-term leadership success.

If you’re looking for a trusted nonprofit recruitment partner, Catalyst offers the structure, strategic insight, and personalized attention required for high-stakes leadership placements.

CCS observes all employment related laws in force in each of the jurisdictions in which we work. We refer quality candidates without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.