NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE SEARCH & TRANSITION SUPPORT

Supporting nonprofits in their search for exceptional leaders.

a man climbs a forest hill

Hiring a new leader for your nonprofit organization is an exciting opportunity.

And it can feel overwhelming. We’ll partner with you every step of the way.

SEARCH
FACILITATION

COACHING,
ADVICE & COUNSEL

GROUP TRAINING
& WORKSHOPS

Everything you need to navigate this important moment and make great decisions for your future.

Education activists hold signs at a peaceful rally

Photo courtesy of Children’s Alliance

We believe nonprofits do some of the most important work in the world.

Nonprofits help make our communities stronger and our planet healthier, and promote equity and justice so everyone can thrive.

So when your organization needs to hire a new leader, we understand that the stakes are high! And we also understand that most nonprofit boards and staff do not have the time or expertise to conduct an effective, equitable search in today’s challenging hiring environment.

Clover facilitates all aspects of leadership searches, from the earliest exploration of what you need in a new leader to the final stage of welcoming your new hire, and everything in between.

We are not ‘head hunters.’
We are nonprofit people who specialize in search.

We approach every search with the eyes of:

  • Nonprofit executive leaders

  • Staff members

  • Board members

  • Funders

...because our team has experience in all those roles.

We think that makes a big difference in how we approach our work and how we connect with both the organizations and candidates we work with.

A team of scientists trek through mountain snow in the Pacific Northwest

We've facilitated over 100 searches for nonprofit organizations of all shapes and sizes.

We understand the array of skills and qualities that a successful leader will need, and we are attuned to the challenges and values of the organizations we work with.

Only one person will end up with the job, but we take special care to treat everyone involved equitably and respectfully. Sadly, this is not always the case in many hiring processes.

  • JANE HINTON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | COOPER HOUSE

    When tasked with finding the next Clinical Director for Cooper House, I turned to Clover because of my experience being a candidate in two searches they led. I knew I could count on the Clover team to provide tools and guidance that would add value well beyond the fee we were paying them, and this proved to be true! The entire team was responsive, thoughtful, thorough, and strategic. In each phase of the search, I felt proud of the way our shared values were manifested. When the going got tough, I felt like I could really lean on them for support and guidance. If you have the chance to work with Clover as a candidate or organization, you will leave the experience a stronger leader.

  • LAURA BRIX, CURRENT BOARD PRESIDENT, FEPPS; CO-CHAIR FEPPS ED SEARCH COMMITTEE

    "At every step of the way, the Clover team was at the ready with materials, counsel, and best practices. Their skill and talent in managing search committee discussions are unparalleled; such discussions, even with a tight group, can get sticky, but the Clover team helped us navigate our discussions such that every person felt heard and we saw things in candidates and our responses that we may not have without the Clover team's expert management of group dynamics.”

  • BRENDA LEAKS | HEAD OF SCHOOL | SEATTLE GIRLS’ SCHOOL

    "I was blown away by our partnership with Clover Search Works! They took the time to understand what our school's about - our values and our vision. Their focus on finding strong candidates that were not only qualified, but also fit with our school culture and community led to the most amazing hire. They really have something special going on!”

  • JAIME LOUCKY | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION

    As a candidate, the team at Clover took the time to get to know me, my strengths, and my interests, and connected me with an incredible opportunity that perfectly matched my professional goals and aspirations. What makes Clover unique is how thoughtful and personalized their approach is. I couldn't be happier in my role and fit with this organization! I can't recommend the Clover team highly enough.

  • AMY WHEELER | FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | HEDGEBROOK

    Clover Search Works worked with Hedgebrook to hire the perfect Director of Development & outreach to join our team. The process was not only positive and productive, it was enjoyable! They are hands-on and personable in their approach, and focused simultaneously on making sure the client organization gets what they need, while the candidates are treated with respect and empathy. I cannot recommend Clover enough!

  • CATHY LEHMAN, SEARCH COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, YWCA BELLINGHAM; SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, THE HARDER FOUNDATION

    Clover met us exactly where we were, and curated a process from beginning to end that we could step into and execute on with ease, professionalism, and integrity as a hiring team. The best part? The heart they brought to the work — Clover cared about our organization's mission just as much as we did, and it showed every step of the way. Our search process paid off with the best hire for us, and I know it's because the process Clover supported us through truly reflected our organizational culture and values.

  • JULIE PHAM, PHD, CURIOSITYBASED

    “As the co-chair of the Leadership Tomorrow executive director search committee, I found Clover Search Works’ approach to be practical, actionable, and thorough. I appreciated how they would present different decisions we had to make with pros and cons, leaving the search committee feeling both informed and empowered. We also had fun during the process because they took care of most of the tedious administrative tasks. All the candidates I spoke with said they felt cared for and respected by Clover.”

  • PRITI JOSHI, FORMER FEPPS BOARD PRESIDENT; CO-CHAIR FEPPS ED SEARCH COMMITTEE

    “The Clover team guided the Freedom Education Project Puget Sound in our search for a new Executive Director, and we are immensely in their debt. They understood our vision of higher education in prison, embraced our commitment to changing leadership patterns, and guided us to build a description and search process that helped fulfill these aspirations."

  • TANYA CERDA, CO-FOUNDER AND TRUSTEE, BODECKER FOUNDATION

    "From the beginning, the Clover team demonstrated a deep understanding of our organization's mission, values, and needs. Their thorough and thoughtful approach to the search process ensured that we were introduced to candidates who were highly qualified and aligned with our culture and vision. Clover Search Works took the time to listen to our feedback and adjusted their strategies accordingly, demonstrating flexibility and dedication to finding the perfect match."