We find the best person to take your mission forward.
We find the best person to take your mission forward.
Finding the right person to take on a leadership position at a charity or social impact organisation is hard. Carnelian Search is a small, focused and mission-driven team dedicated to getting this important job right.
We focus on the appointment of board members, CEOs and their direct reports.
We take on only a handful of projects at a time, so we can give you the deeply personalised search process that is right for you. Our work is about people, not just processes. So we treat each client and every project individually. We take the time to properly understand your team, to ensure we find someone with just the right skills and experience to meet your needs.
If you have never used an executive search company before, we know just how to support you through our tried and tested method. And even if you’ve done this dozens of times, you’ll find Carnelian Search’s bespoke and thorough approach helps us fill even the most challenging position.
Late in 2020, the CEM board approached Carnelian to discuss the search for a UK National Director. This was a newly created role, reflecting the CEO’s increasing focus on the international expansion of the ministry. A versatile leader was required to oversee a product-focussed team and take responsibility for all aspects of the ministry in the UK.
"This was a key strategic role for us. Carnelian gave access to a far wider pool of candidates than we could possibly have reached on our own. The thoroughness/rigour of the search process gave us confidence we were making the right choice when it came to the final decision on our appointment."Find out more
Our approach is tailored to the most senior and challenging appointments. We particularly enjoy developing strong partnerships with clients, listening well, conducting deep research, digging out the very best candidates, and crafting a bespoke approach to each search. We don't apply a one-size-fits-all formula.
This is what you can expect when partnering with us for your next executive search:
Excellent executive search requires deep thought, a rigorous attention to detail and painstaking research. We normally spend considerably longer on the research phase than most search firms in the sector. This is the best way to make sure no stone is unturned and is the best model for the most senior and challenging appointments.
Each search is led by a consultant who personally gives it dedicated and detailed attention. We deliberately take on only a small number of searches at a time.
We only take on projects for charities and other mission-focused organisations, which means we have a focus and expertise in your field. We understand what is unique about recruitment in this sector and where to look to find the best people.
People are not cogs in a machine and search cannot be a box-ticking process. Each search requires wisdom, discernment, relational sensitivity and creativity. Although good process is important, we love to be imaginative and go beyond the obvious solutions when conducting any search. We are not interested in a formulaic approach or easy-to-fill roles.
We only work with organisations when we believe deeply in what they do. You are not simply a client to us, but someone we are excited to partner with because we share your passion to make a difference. Fundamentally, we are mission-driven.
The way we work is different, because it is built on different values. Here’s what is important to us:
We aim for a highly-relational approach. We spend plenty of time with clients and candidates to get to know you well, so we can work together to make the best appointment. Good process is important, but candidates and clients are people, which makes executive search primarily about relationship.
Excellent search requires imagination and commitment. Our team is full of smart and dedicated people who believe in thorough, careful research. We get results because we put in the painstaking hours on each project.
Executive search is not about outsourcing but collaboration. We want to become partners with you, working as one team all pulling towards the same goal.
Good leaders don’t only have the right skills, but also the right heart. We look for character as well as competence in every search. And we hold ourselves to that same high standard to ensure we earn your trust too.
We have had the privilege of finding outstanding senior leaders for dozens of organisations with a social or charitable cause.
Here are some stories of successful searches from the last 12 months:
Christianity Explored Ministries (CEM) exists to help people meet Jesus in the pages of Scripture so that they love, live and tell the Good News. The ministry produces a range of resources which introduce Jesus Christ to those unfamiliar with his message.
The International Director of Langham Partnership is the most senior executive in the organisation. The role involves overseeing and coordinating Langham’s work globally. It was essential for us to find a leader who was highly skilled in building cross-cultural relationships, coordinating and leading change in a global and matrixed organisation.
We have much more on how Carnelian Search was able to help charities like yours.
Read the insights