Executive Search

Chief Executive Officer in National Disability Advocacy Organisation

Date Posted:27 November 2024
Consultant:David Baber

Conducting an Executive Search for a CEO to Lead Advocacy and Drive Equality through Empowerment at a National Disability Advocacy Organisation

National Disability Organisation

The Brief

Future Leadership™ partnered with a national advocacy organisation representing individuals requiring accessible services and advocating for disability inclusion.

The organisation sought a strategic and committed leader with a strong legacy in the disability sector, who could serve as the central voice for the community and drive positive social impact across private, public, and community sectors. This pivotal role focused on ensuring the organisation continued delivering its mission of “equality through empowerment.”

9.19.1

Candidate net Promote Score

Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.

10,000+10,000+

Candidates supported every year

We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.

50.5%50.5%

Senior Women Appointed since 2002

Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.

98%98%

Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002

Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!

The Process

Future Leadership™ designed and implemented a robust national search strategy to ensure a high-calibre appointment:

Following the briefing meeting with the Board, Future Leadership™ developed a national search strategy supported by an online advertising campaign on various channels and distributed across the organisation’s networks.

The search targeted leaders with specific and relevant experience gained in similar community services/NFP organisations, non-government health organisations, and competitive fundraising environments; individuals with a track record in leadership of complex environments similar to the organisation; and prospects currently engaged with the organisation who have lived experience.

A longlist of five (5) diverse candidates, including two (2) internal candidates, was presented to the Board. Three candidates progressed through to panel interview.

Emerging Capabilities

01.

Governance and Compliance

Establishes, champions, and measures the effectiveness of an organisation’s regulatory and reporting systems. Identifies and evaluates risks and develops strategies to mitigate risk.

02.

Culture and Engagement

Fosters a positive culture, creating a sense of belonging and inclusiveness. Creates an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and facilitates a psychologically safe environment.

03.

Stakeholder Relations

Establishes rapport with stakeholders, builds and sustains trusted and collaborative relationships. Identifies and draws on relevant and diverse perspectives and integrates them to support productive interactions.

04.

Strategy and Purpose

Develops and leads strategy for the function/organisation, taking a broad and long-term perspective. Communicates and gains buy-in to organisational goals and vision, promoting change initiatives.

05.

Communication and Influence

Communicates with clarity and impact to facilitate individual and collective understanding, inspire action and enable information exchange. Leverages human-centric communication and storytelling to effectively influence stakeholders across the physical and virtual realms.

The Outcome

The completion of reference reports on the preferred candidate and psychometric assessments was provided to the Board to support their decision-making on the successful appointment.​

An experienced NFP, community and disability sector leader with over 15 years’ experience was appointed. She herself has lived experience of the same disability and is passionate about access and inclusion. She regularly presents on topics of disability leadership, accessible education, and employment, as well as disability, sex and gender. She commenced as CEO of the organisation in January 2022.

Consultant

David Baber

Partner, Executive Search View Profile
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