Executive Search and Talent Acquisition

We understand that resources are precious and investment in recruitment services must add value to the process.  We know that consultation and consensus can be key.  We know that not every candidate, even when they meet the technical qualifications, has what it takes to be successful.  And we know how to find leading candidates.

We have a track record of success in filling specialized, as well as senior leadership positions.  We have successfully helped clients hire the following positions:

• Executive Directors
• Chief Financial Officer
• Vice President, Research and Professional Education
• Vice President, Business Operations
• Directors of Fund Development and Communications
• Program Directors
• Marketing & Communications Managers
• Human Resources Directors and Advisors
• Development Officers (Corporate and Major Gifts)
• Finance Managers
• Administrative & Executive Assistants

Depending on your situation, we can provide full service executive search, or ‘unbundled’ talent acquisition services that provide support only with the parts of your recruitment and selection that you need.

We retained Graeme at a crossroads for our organization. We wanted a new HR leader … to help us re-imagine our culture and prepare our workforce for growth, development, and to seize future opportunities. Graeme consulted widely to engage staff at all levels and define the need. He then developed the job description for a new Director of People and Culture and supported our recruitment efforts. His expertise and professionalism were great assets throughout. Highly recommended – and a pleasure to work with.

Kelly Duffin – President and CEO, Goodwill, The Amity Group

I had the pleasure of working with Graeme, most notably successfully recruiting a professional education position which had a unique and complex set of skills and requirements.  We involved our professional stakeholders in the screening and interview processes, which presented both challenges and opportunities. Graeme added tremendous value by seeking to understand critical success factors and bringing an appropriate level of professional expertise and authority which enabled us to hire the right candidate.  Any organization or professional that chooses to work with Graeme will be duly impressed.

Carolyn Gall Casey – Director, Professional Education, Canadian Diabetes Association

Gaining Deep Understanding

A job description only tells half the story.  In order to source, screen and engage the best candidates, we conduct a ‘Hiring Needs Analysis’.  This meeting informs our sourcing strategy and enriches candidate screening, by zeroing in on the needs that are not expressed in the job description:  What are the Must Haves and the Nice to Haves?  What are the expectations in the first six months?  What kind of person works (or doesn’t work) well in the team?  What are the career progression opportunities?

 Develop and Execute Sourcing Strategy

A sourcing strategy targets the most qualified candidates for your role.  This may include direct sourcing, social media scan, professional Associations, print advertisements or general career sites, depending on the role.  The strategy includes a timeline to hire and projected budget for your financial planning.  The strategy is presented for your approval before commencing a search.  Upon your approval we proceed with sourcing and pre-qualification of candidates.

 Ongoing Progress Reports

We provide weekly status reports and are available to answer your questions 24/7.  We do not simply present a cache of résumés, but rather develop a profile for each candidate that summarize their relevant experience, designations and affiliations, motivation for applying and compensation expectations, plus any concerns or other relevant information.   These statements take the interpretation out of screening résumés and add clarity to your hiring decision.

Candidate Interviews

We coordinate your in-person interviews, thoroughly briefing candidates and preparing your hiring panel with a custom interview structure – using behavioural, situational and probing questions – that allows you to assess the candidates in detail and make the right selection.

Reference/Background Checking and Closing Off

We check references using a consistent, thorough structure and will also probe referees based on any particular themes or concerns that you identify in the interviews.  We can also provide background checking for criminal records, education verification and psychometric testing.  We recognize that your brand reputation is critical and current candidates may be future clients, volunteers or donors.  For that reason, we also contact every applicant to respectfully advise when the process is closed.