You’re hiring on a nonprofit budget — up against private-sector perks — and still need someone with heart, grit and the leadership chops to carry a mission forward. It’s no wonder, then, that nearly 75% of nonprofits report open roles, according to the National Council of Nonprofits.

Add in a faith requirement, and a nonprofit executive search becomes even more complex. While these aren’t qualities that show up on a resume, experienced faith-based nonprofit recruiters know how to uncover what paper leaves out.

But what do they look for?

Mission in Action, Not Words

Many candidates speak the language of mission, but not as many can prove they live it.

Alignment shows up in the tough calls: moments where someone chose purpose over convenience or held firm to their values when it would’ve been easier not to. That kind of clarity doesn’t come through in a resume, especially when they tend to lean glossy and optimized to impress.

In faith-based nonprofit recruitment, values reveal themselves in conversation — in how someone recalls a hard decision or defends a tough call. Spotting it takes a recruiter who understands mission work and knows how to ask the questions that get beneath the surface.

Denominational Fit

A candidate can check the “right” box — Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian — and still walk into a room that feels vastly unfamiliar.

Nuance around denominations, rites and religious orders is important. Recruiters must be mindful of these differences, including congregational decision-making structures, to find candidates who not only have the skills to do the job at hand but also are a fit for their organizations.

That’s why recruiting for mission often calls for like-to-like recruitment. It focuses on finding high-performing leaders from similar organizations who already understand the rhythm and demands of faith-based service. The closer the context, the stronger the foundation for a lasting, effective hire.

The Boardroom Subtext

A nonprofit executive search carries weight, particularly when a candidate is stepping into the shoes of someone deeply respected. Board members often bring personal investment to the process, along with their own version of the “ideal” candidate.

A strong faith-based nonprofit recruiter understands both the candidate and the decision-makers. They act as an extension of the internal team, gathering input, spotting misalignment and helping the board clarify what really matters.

And when expectations outpace what the market can deliver, they know how to guide the conversation — whether that means adjusting the ask or elevating the offer to win over top talent who have options elsewhere.

Heart for the Work

Recruiters who listen closely early on to what drives a candidate, where they feel stuck and what they long to be part of, gather the insights that matter most when it’s time to promote the role.

In a sector where 72.2% of nonprofits say salary competition is a barrier to hiring, meaningful position promotion becomes vital. Recruiters who understand the heart behind the work can frame the opportunity around purpose, belonging and the chance to lead lasting impact — the kind of fulfillment no salary alone can offer.

A Faith-Based Nonprofit Executive Search That Looks Beyond Credentials

Resumes tell a partial story. We listen for the rest. At Duffy Group, we understand the realities faith-based nonprofits face. Our proprietary informed search model combines a flexible pricing model with story-driven outreach to uncover leaders who align with your needs and mission.

Reach out to our team of faith-based nonprofit recruiters to start your search with purpose.