Nonprofit CEO / Executive Director Recruiting

On-Ramps has a specialized approach to helping nonprofit and mission-driven organizations find their next Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director. Building on our standard executive search process, we’ve developed a thoughtful yet streamlined process for working with search committees and boards to ensure that equity is a driving principle throughout the search.

Committee-Led Expertise

We identify key stakeholder groups and engage them throughout the search process by assembling a diverse selection committee and interviewers that accurately represent the communities you partner with.

~150

CEO and Executive Director placements were made by On-Ramps in the past 10 years.

Open Communication

We engage in consistent, transparent communication with stakeholders from across the organization—including search memos, weekly calls, and access to a real-time web portal—to cultivate trust between your organization’s stakeholders and On-Ramps.

Robust Outreach

We market the role widely within and beyond our proprietary network and develop a wide range of search materials, including the option to create a bespoke position profile brochure that highlights your unique brand and helps you stand out to candidates we identify as uniquely well-suited to the role.

21.5

Is the average years of experience that our CEO and Executive Director placements have.

*Based on searches completed in the last 5 years.

Equity-Centered Approach

We cultivate diverse talent pipelines and incorporate equity-focused activities throughout the search process—including anti bias training for search committee members and the creation of core competencies to ensure that all candidates are evaluated on the same criteria.

72%

of on Ramps’ CEO/ED placements identified as people of color.

62%

of On-Ramps’ CEO and Executive Director prospects use she/her pronouns.

*Based on searches completed in 2023.

**Based on searches completed in the last 5 years.

At the end of the day—our results speak for themselves.

78%

of our CEO/ED placements remained at the organization for at least 2 years.

64%

of our CEO/ED placements remained at the organization for at least 3 years.

95%

of CEO/ED searches resulted in placements.

“On-Ramps met our ambitious timeline with the best outcome we could have possibly hoped for. Not only that, but they continue to check in with us regularly to ensure we’re still happy with the decision because they really care about doing their job well.”

– Erin Mindell Cannon, Board Chair, Creative Action