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Senior Associate, Talent and Executive Search


About Schaffer&Combs

Schaffer&Combs (“S&C”) is a full-service organizational consultancy that helps purpose-driven companies and nonprofits accelerate their positive social and environmental impact— by working collaboratively to affect change from the inside out. We take a holistic approach to understanding our clients’ objectives, pain points, ecosystems, and teams, and provide the experience and support they need to strengthen all facets of their organizations: redesigning structure and culture, developing practical strategic plans, identifying and cultivating exceptional talent, and operationalizing new practices and processes—all with the goal of more effectively, and efficiently, achieving their mission. S&C is proud to use business as a force for good and is a certified B Corporation. 

At Schaffer&Combs, we orient for equity in all that we do. We believe that equity is not only preferable for society and the communities where we live and work, but that it is imperative. S&C has committed to making equity a functional corporate priority, with diversity as one of several aspects by which we gauge our own performance. 

Our success is dependent on building teams that include people from different backgrounds and experiences who can challenge each other's assumptions with fresh perspectives. To that end, we look for a diverse pool of applicants including those from historically marginalized groups — women, people with disabilities, people of color, formerly incarcerated people, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or gender nonconforming, first and second generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.


About the Senior Associate

Schaffer&Combs Associates are driven, highly analytical, purpose-oriented professionals with high emotional intelligence, who can meet S&C’s quality standards and pace of work, while developing into emerging leaders. The Senior Associate role is a unique opportunity for professionals to elevate within the niche sector of purpose driven consulting by gaining exposure to multiple nonprofit sectors and receiving guidance and mentorship from senior consultants at S&C. 

As a Senior Associate, your time will primarily be allocated between client engagements within our talent and executive search practice. On these projects, you will provide leadership to your project teams, in order to deliver high quality service and deliverables to our clients. You will also spend a portion of your time contributing  to company-building initiatives and supporting business development efforts. Client engagements and internal projects are assigned to you as a function of your interest and availability, and the needs of the firm. 


Scope of Responsibilities:

Project Management 

  • Manage the pace and flow of workstreams, and adapt the pace and flow to changing circumstances / client context in partnership with the internal Project Lead
  • Confidently lead multiple projects and timelines concurrently; able to prioritize across engagements and teams
  • Lead and facilitate internal team meetings to ensure the team is meeting milestones / benchmarks and has the relevant information needed to execute 

Research, Analysis, and Oversight

  • Develop and iterate a research strategy with input from a Project Lead in order to source quality prospects 
  • Manage a team of Search Analysts to execute the research strategy, overseeing the quality of their sourcing efforts and the overall candidate pipeline, providing continuous feedback and guidance
  • Co-lead stakeholder calls; analyze, synthesize, and derive meaningful insights from the client and their stakeholders 

Candidate Assessment and Representation 

  • Assess candidates on an individual basis by reviewing application materials and conducting interviews with candidates 
  • Deliver comprehensive recommendations to the internal Project Lead and client on top candidates 
  • Prepare for and present a meaningful portion of client calls / meetings, including representing candidates / prospects
  • Lead drafting processes for client presentations and client deliverables, with support from Search Analysts and input from the Project Lead

Firm Building and Leadership 

  • Over time, train and mentor junior team members, in order to support their personal learning and development, and to ensure high quality contributions on engagements
  • Over time, provide leadership to ongoing internal initiatives (e.g. communications management, professionalizing S&C processes, trainings, and internal systems, and facilitating weekly all staff meetings)
  • Over time, lead and support short-term projects (based on interest and company needs) to continue S&C’s development as a firm
  • Over time, contribute to business development work by joining conversations with prospective clients and helping draft proposals

Qualifications and Desired Attributes 

  • 2-3 years of professional experience in a role focused on recruiting, executive search, organizational design, talent development, or relevant fields that are client-facing 
  • A highly analytical, humble, team-oriented individual who is aligned with our Core Values [1] and our Mission
  • Experience managing multiple projects concurrently, with the ability to deliver quality work products 
  • Strong research capabilities including developing market / ecosystem maps and sourcing strategies, analyzing the overall health of an organization 
  • Experience working on small teams, in a matrixed environment 
  • Enjoys working in fast-paced, client-facing environments 
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal, oral, and written communication
  • Strong organizational, project, and time management skills with demonstrated attention to detail
  • Demonstrated leadership and mentorship experience, with the ability to support the growth of junior team members 
  • Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Google Drive products and talent systems platforms (e.g. Greenhouse, Gem)
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the US 

Benefits & Compensation

  • Competitive compensation package, including healthcare and other benefits
  • Exposure to a broad variety of nonprofit sectors
  • Opportunity to pursue projects and clients that are of particular interest to Senior Associate 
  • Compensation commensurate with experience
  • This is a full-time, remote position

How To Apply

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, or sexual orientation. As an equal opportunity employer that values the organizational benefits of a diverse staff, Schaffer&Combs is committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people with a variety of backgrounds and attributes.

In order to apply, please submit a current resume and thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest and outlines your relevant skills and experience.

All inquiries should be directed to Schaffer&Combs at seniorassociate@schaffercombs [2]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.


  1. https://schaffercombs.com/about/core-values/
  2. http://seniorassociate@schaffercombs

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