National Not-for-Profit organisation  – Executive Officer Case Study 

Our client, a highly respected Not-for-Profit organisation, partnered exclusively with Osborne Executive Search to assist in the recruitment of an Executive Officer. This senior leadership role was a key appointment, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the organisation’s development. The appointed individual would take full responsibility for the organisation’s performance and future strategic direction. A crucial aspect of the role was ensuring the organisation maintained the highest standards of governance and compliance, in line with its parent company. 

Our Process 

As this was a newly created position, it was essential for us to meet with the client to gain a deep understanding of the role. We needed to fully grasp the purpose of the position, the organisation’s long-term expectations, and its workplace culture. 

We held multiple virtual meetings with the organisation but also recognised the importance of visiting them onsite. This allowed us to better understand the community in which the organisation operates. 

We developed a comprehensive marketing and recruitment strategy, commencing  with the creation of a detailed candidate booklet and a microsite. The microsite featured accessible candidate information, including a sign language video. Using our full range of recruitment tools—including our extensive candidate database, professional networks, LinkedIn Recruiter, major job boards, and industry-specific sites—we attracted an exceptional calibre of candidates, both nationally and internationally. 

Our screening process was thorough. We conducted initial meetings with candidates in person and via MS Teams.  A selected longlist of candidates was presented to our client for shortlisting. Each candidate was accompanied by a CV and a detailed cover letter, providing insight into their key strengths and what they could bring to the role. After a review meeting, the recruitment selection board shortlisted candidates for first-round interview. 

A dedicated interview panel was appointed, and we supported the process by providing a range of competency-based interview questions and a structured interview marking sheet for the Panel to use. Following the first round of interviews, the panel carefully deliberated and selected the top scoring candidates to progress to the second round.  

As part of the final round selection process , the candidates were asked to deliver a presentation outlining their strategic vision for the organisation. 

The Result 

After a highly competitive second-round process, a candidate was selected. An offer was made and accepted. Both the client and the successful candidate were extremely pleased with the outcome. 

The entire recruitment process was completed within 12 weeks. 

Case Study: Recruitment for CEO of a significant Irish Charity  

The Assignment 

Osborne Executive Search partnered with a prominent Irish charity, dedicated to supporting victims of sexual abuse and violence, to appoint a visionary CEO to drive its mission forward. Following the departure of a long-serving CEO, the charity faced challenges including leadership transition, evolving service demands, policy shifts, and managing issues related to child abuse and online violence. Key to the role was developing strong, diversified funding strategies, with the charity’s operations primarily supported by the Department of Justice, HSE, grants, and fundraising coupled with demonstrated experience in non-profit leadership, financial acumen and an understanding of Ireland’s unique social sector landscape 

Our Process 

To ensure a successful and smooth recruitment process, an in-depth meeting was held with the client to understand the role, vision, mission, and the specific skills and attributes required to identify the ideal CEO. We crafted a detailed profile and competency matrix based on this information, guiding our search and selection criteria focusing on candidates with: 

• Leadership experience in the not-for-profit or charity sector 

• Strategic and operational expertise with a strong focus on mission-driven organizations 

• A network within the Irish community, including government and media relations 

• High emotional intelligence and resilience to navigate challenges and inspire staff 

 Our comprehensive sourcing strategy included a mix of proactive searches including   

• Reaching out to Osborne Executives extensive database CV libraries, LinkedIn, and social media platforms engaging with a matrix of senior executives, industry bodies, and charity sector groups. 

• Leveraged our professional networks, seeking referrals and recommendations for suitable candidates, targeting candidates with relevant experience in Irish non-profits, particularly in health, social care, and education sectors  

• Placing strategic advertisements in Irish not-for-profit, charity, and executive recruitment publications to attract wider interest. 

• Advertising over major Irish and international job boards and social media  

The recruitment process focused on assessing candidates’ alignment with the charity’s mission and their capacity to achieve sustainable impact. Key steps included: 

• Candidates were screened by Osborne Executive based on their experience and track record in strategic leadership, sectoral and resource management in addition to evaluation of their decision-making approach, values alignment, and ability to inspire teams. 

• A longlist of suitable candidates was presented to the appointed panel for shortlisting with successful candidates invited to first round competency-based interviews.  

• Three candidates were selected for final round interview and were asked to present a strategy proposal for the charity’s future, enabling the Panel to assess strategic vision, innovative thinking, and practical application. 

 The Result
After a rigorous evaluation process, the panel selected a candidate with significant experience in the Irish non-profit sector, including several years in executive leadership roles. The successful candidate demonstrated adaptability and a strategic approach that was essential to navigate future challenges and foster growth in addition to being aligned deeply with the charity’s values ensuring that strategic decisions always reflected the organisation’s mission. The client and the new CEO were both extremely satisfied with the outcome. The entire recruitment process was completed within a 10-week period, from the initial client meeting to the acceptance of the offer.  

This case study exemplifies our commitment to understanding client needs, executing targeted recruitment strategies, and delivering successful outcomes even in the most challenging circumstances.