Executive Search Consultant - Global Philanthropy

A mix of executive search delivery, sector-building and client partnership.

Oxford/London/Brighton

Business Development

• Identify opportunities with philanthropies, foundations and catalytic funders.
• Contribute to proposals, pitches and thought leadership.
• Cultivate long-term relationships built on trust, transparency and value.

Search Leadership

• Deliver full-cycle executive search assignments for philanthropic organisations.
• Produce high-quality market insights, longlists and shortlists.
• Conduct structured interviews and leadership assessments.
• Apply fair, transparent and bias-aware recruitment practices.

Sector & Network Development

• Build strong networks across global, regional and local philanthropic ecosystems.
• Engage with collective funding mechanisms, alliances and sector platforms.
• Represent Oxford HR in philanthropy events, roundtables and conferences.

Client Engagement

• Partner with clients to shape role profiles and leadership competencies.
• Advise on governance, trustee recruitment, and board composition.
• Support clients adopting equitable, responsible and trust-based grantmaking.
• Provide insight on funding landscapes, sector trends and emerging practices.

Internal Contribution

• Mentor junior colleagues; share philanthropic trends and insights.
• Support continuous improvement across processes and tools.
• Uphold Oxford HR’s B Corp values and ethical principles.

Essential

• Experience in executive search, senior recruitment or talent advisory.
• Curiosity and interest in philanthropy, social impact or systems change.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commercial mindset alongside purpose and values alignment.
• Excellent interviewing, assessment, writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple searches and work to tight timelines.
• Commitment to equity, transparency and ethical recruitment.

Desirable

• Knowledge of philanthropic ecosystems (Global North & South).
• Experience recruiting board or trustee roles.
• Understanding of participatory grantmaking, trust-based philanthropy or catalytic capital.
• Additional languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic).

• A developing portfolio of philanthropic clients.
• Successful delivery of multiple senior-level assignments.
• Growing sector presence in philanthropy networks and events.
• Strong client and candidate satisfaction.
• Active contribution to Oxford HR’s learning culture.
• Driving the expansion of the philanthropy practice across Europe