Attracting change agents

Nonprofit Organizations

Who We Are

For three decades, Spelman Johnson has been dedicated to understanding the unique goals of the nonprofit organizations we serve. Our seasoned executive search experts have connected a diverse range of nonprofits with leaders tailored to their missions. With a proven track record, a firm commitment to diversifying leadership, and a team of seasoned consultants, Spelman Johnson stands as the foremost choice for social impact executive search.

Nonprofit Search Specialties

  • President
  • Executive Director
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Advancement & Fund Development
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Learn More About Our Diversity Practice

Recent Nonprofit Leadership Placements

Olivia Mendoza

Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado

Lloyd Hopkins

Executive Director of Advancement
Prescott College

Chandra Bhatnagar

Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California

Bacardi Jackson

Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Florida

Miriam Nemeth

Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee

Tara Rolle

Executive Director
California Association of Private School Organizations

Melanie Gottlieb

Executive Director
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)

Edward Smith-Lewis

Director of the UNCF Career Pathways Initiative
UNCF

Christopher Raymond

Director of Procurement–Contracts and Strategic Sourcing
Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium

Successful Searches

  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), Executive Director
  • American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, Executive Director
  • American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, Executive Director
  • American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, Executive Director
  • Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I), Executive Director
  • California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO), Executive Director
  • Common Application, Inc., Executive Director
  • International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), Executive Director
  • Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC), Executive Director
  • Massachusetts State College Building Authority, Executive Director
  • National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), Executive Director
  • National Association of Campus Card Users (NACCU), Executive Director
  • National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS), Chief Executive Officer
  • National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), Executive Director
  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), Executive Director
  • North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), Executive Director
  • Onassis Foundation USA, Director of Educational Programs/Assistant Executive Director
  • Sharon Cooperative School, Executive Director
  • Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, CEO
  • The Georgia Tech Foundation, Inc., Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
  • Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA), Chief Executive Officer

Nonprofit Practice Leader

Nonprofit Newsletter

Jim Norfleet

Social Impact Practice Leader and Senior Consultant
View Bio

Stay Up To Date With Spelman Johnson’s Nonprofit Newsletter

Quarterly Publication

Open Positions

Changing lives

Nonprofit Partnerships

Spelman Johnson excels in attracting highly qualified individuals, uniquely equipped with the passion and strategic knowledge needed to navigate the nuanced structures of nonprofit organizations. We are committed to partnering with organizations to identify leaders who can propel the organization forward towards a future of enduring impact.

Nonprofit Experience

Spelman Johnson’s staff has a breadth of experience and expertise as nonprofit leaders, founders, and board members. Their involvement has impacted a variety of organizations and the industries they serve. Our staff is currently serving on the following boards:

  • Association of Fundraising Professionals Lowcountry SC Chapter
  • Christmas in Action
  • Empowering Women In Education, Inc.
  • John McClendon Foundation
  • Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island
  • Women’s Giving for Spartanburg
  • HALOS
  • A Father’s Place
  • Panhandle Animal Welfare Society

Spelman Johnson understands that effective leadership in nonprofit organizations requires a unique set of characteristics to navigate the complex challenges and goals associated with a mission-driven environment.

Top 5 Characteristics required of nonprofit organization leaders

  • Successful nonprofit leaders embrace the organizational mission, are passionate about the work of the organization, and are driven to meet the needs of their clients.
  • These leaders must possess the ability to inspire and lead team members, volunteers, donors, and community members with a sense of purpose, direction, and service.
  • Nonprofit leaders understand the critical importance of philanthropy and its relationship to the organization’s finances.
  • A compelling leader understands the nature of the changing landscape and is able to think strategically about delivering services and creating efficiencies with limited resources.
  • Impactful nonprofit leaders are partners with their boards in focusing on sustainable, ethical, and financially viable policies to ensure the organization can advance its mission.

For organizations

We partner with organizations across the country to find the perfect match for your position.

For Candidates

If you are looking for a new opportunity and want to join one of our clients, apply for one of our open searches.