Let’s be honest: hiring the wrong nonprofit leader is expensive.

Not just financially — although the U.S. Department of Labor says a bad hire can cost 30% of annual salary (and for executives, it’s much higher). But culturally, too. One wrong fit can derail staff morale, slow down fundraising, and even damage your donor relationships.

The problem? Most nonprofits still focus on résumés and technical skills — and skip the deeper question: “Will this person actually thrive in our culture?”

That’s where fit comes in.

Here’s a proven, three-step framework to assess candidate fit before you make the hire.

Before you evaluate a candidate, you need to know what makes you tick.

Ask yourself:

• Work style: How do we make decisions? How do we communicate?

• Performance: What traits define people who succeed here? How do we reward success?

• Workload: What are the real expectations for hours, travel, and availability?

• Flexibility: Do we support remote work, hybrid schedules, or is it all in-person?

• Atmosphere: How do we dress, collaborate, and even have fun?

Here’s the kicker: you’re not just describing your current culture — you’re deciding if this new leader will maintain it or help transform it.

Stop hiding behind generic job descriptions. They don’t tell you what you really need.

Instead, ask sharper questions:

• What adjectives describe our most successful leaders?

• What decision-making style do we want this executive to have?

• What kind of leadership style works with our board, donors, and staff?

• Do we want a culture-builder, a turnaround expert, or a steady-state manager?

Remember: skills get people in the door. But style, values, and leadership philosophy determine whether they’ll stick — and whether your nonprofit thrives under their guidance.

Resumes won’t tell you this. Interviews alone won’t tell you this. You need multiple layers of interaction to really understand someone.

Here’s how:

• Expand interview touchpoints. Don’t just have them meet the board chair. Have them interact with peers, direct reports, and even your receptionist. Everyone’s impression matters.

• Ask revealing questions. “What did you enjoy most about your last role? Least?” “Describe your favorite boss.” “What do you do for fun?” These answers show their values and mindset.

• Look beyond the office. Invite them to a brown-bag lunch, staff meeting, or even a fundraising event. See how they engage informally.

• Run the airport test. Imagine you’re stuck in an airport for two hours with this person. Are you dreading it or leaning in? That gut reaction matters more than you think.

• Trust your instincts. Data helps, but your gut has a voice. If something feels off, listen.

Fit isn’t about finding a clone of your current team. It’s about finding someone who shares your values, aligns with your mission, and can elevate your culture without breaking it.

Here’s the truth: technical skills can be taught. Fit can’t.

The right nonprofit executive doesn’t just meet job requirements. They belong in your culture, build trust with your board, inspire your staff, and align with your mission.

That’s why at The Batten Group, we don’t just run a search — we help nonprofits find leaders who are both transformational and the right fit for long-term success.

👉 Ready to make the right hire? Contact The Batten Group and let us help you find your next mission-driven leader.

The Batten Group’s commitment to finding mission-driven leaders is not just a recruitment strategy—it’s a dedication to the long-term success of nonprofit organizations and their missions. The true art of executive search lies in identifying authentic passion, aligning it with the right expertise, and matching it to the unique purpose of each organization. By doing so, The Batten Group helps nonprofits thrive and drive meaningful, lasting change.

In the nonprofit world, values-driven leadership isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. And The Batten Group is at the forefront of making that essential leadership a reality.

We are a premier national executive search and consultancy firm with more than 75 years of collective experience in nonprofit, philanthropy, and executive recruitment. We specialize in placing transformational leaders in nonprofit, healthcare, higher education, and mission-based organizations across the country.

As experts in recruiting and talent acquisition, our mission is to connect exceptional individuals with purpose-driven organizations—helping our partners achieve their boldest strategic goals.

We believe the most impactful teams are built by welcoming varied perspectives, lived experiences, and leadership styles. That belief is at the core of every search we conduct. By fostering environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered, we help build stronger, more resilient leadership for the future.

We’d love to learn more about your organization’s goals and how we can support your search for the next transformational leader. Visit thebattengroup.com to learn more, or click here to explore our proven hiring methodology.

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