Pearl Street Ranked #1 | 2021 Search Firms That Work for Women of Color

Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC)® surveyed its members and executive search firms that specialize in or have a strong practice in placements within the nonprofit or social sector. We sought to identify 10 firms that are especially noteworthy for their approach to and results when working with women of color. WOC engaged Melissa Brown & Associates, LLC for the independent compilation of the ranked list of Top 10 Executive Search Firms that Work for Women of Color.

Search firms and WOC members were asked similar questions to provide a perspective from both sides of an engagement. WOC members were also asked to provide their feedback about firms they engaged as representatives of nonprofit or social sector organizations working to fill a position.

Data collected from search firms assessed ownership and recruiters (number of women, women of color, etc.); searches completed, and placements made (again, for number or percentage of women of color; specific steps taken (or not) to reach women of color; how positions are framed (gender neutral, including salary ranges, and so on); and about follow-up after placement. WOC member reported whether recruiters focused on individual qualifications; if the firm helped them in a successful placement; and about follow-up after the engagement.