Job Summary
Isaacson, Miller (IM), a national retained executive search firm specializing in leadership recruitment in the civic sector, seeks to hire a Reference Specialist to contribute to the growth of the firm by conducting comprehensive and thorough references on candidates. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented individual who is dedicated to the success of mission-driven organizations, drawn to the intellectual demands and professional pace of executive recruiting, and wishes to have an impact on the caliber and diversity of leadership in organizations that advance the common good.
Since IM's founding in 1982, IM has been committed to strengthening and diversifying the leadership of mission-driven organizations. A belief in the power of exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to service excellence, integrity, and impact animate the firm. IM enjoys a nearly 83% returning-client rate and completes more than 300 search assignments each year across the entire civic sector. IM has practices in higher education, healthcare and academic medicine, science and technology, PreK-12 education and education improvement, conservation, environment and natural resources, associations, foundations, arts and cultural organizations, human and social service agencies, and advocacy organizations.
IM's more than 200 staff members share a fundamental commitment to its clients' missions, motivating them to continue to achieve outstanding results. IM's work is guided by the following ideals and principles that drive business forward and to which the company is held accountable:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Craft excellence.
Intellectual curiosity.
Generous collegiality.
Support of growth opportunities.
Social impact.
Transparency.
These core values anchor IM today and the firm's aspirations for the future. They guide firm strategy, client service, teammate recruitment, day-to-day interactions, and the firm's and its peoples' drive for continuous improvement.
THE REFERENCE SPECIALIST ROLE
The reference specialist must possess superior interpersonal communication, interviewing and writing skills. Experience with and knowledge of higher education and other organizations in the nonprofit sector is preferred. This individual will need strong attention to detail, superb organization skills, and the ability to assess and adjust priorities in a fast paced, dynamic setting. As the volume of work can have periods of ebb and flow, this position may provide the benefit of fitting well alongside some other flexible commitments.
Reference Specialists conduct intensive and thorough interviews to capture a comprehensive perspective of each candidate. Interviews are presented to the client in a transcript-style report that contains multiple pages of commentary on each finalist. They must quickly learn the issues in a search and engage high-level executives in substantive and meaningful conversations about the accomplishments and leadership skills of candidates. Finely tuned listening skills and the ability to follow-up and probe on specific achievements are critical, as are superlative writing and editorial abilities.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE | QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Isaacson, Miller seeks candidates interested in remote work who are drawn to our mission of strengthening and diversifying leadership in the civic sector. While the number of hours of work per week for Reference Specialists will vary, with an average of 20 hours per week, the ideal candidates will be able to consistently prioritize reference work.
The ideal candidate will possess the following experience and personal qualities:
An interest in the mission work of our client base; specific knowledge of higher education or other sectors we serve is helpful
Ability to learn new content areas quickly is essential
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity; the cultural competence to work effectively across multiple lines of difference
Exceptional written and oral communication skills
Strong interviewing skills, and the ability to ask hard questions
An engaging personality with the capacity to quickly gain the trust of and build rapport with people at all levels of an organization
The ability to work independently and efficiently
Excellent time management skills and a commitment to meeting deadlines
An existing home office (Isaacson, Miller will provide reference specialists with a laptop), dependable internet access and phone lines (cell or landline)
Maturity, discretion, and sound judgment in engaging with multiple constituencies, often involving issues of confidentiality
A collegial and collaborative nature; the inclination to connect with, learn from and help colleagues throughout the firm
Honesty, openness, and a healthy sense of humor
APPLICATION, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
Please click "Apply" to submit application materials in confidence. Applications should include a resume as well as a cover letter explaining your interest in Isaacson, Miller and the Reference Specialist role.
Isaacson, Miller offers reference specialists participation in the firm's retirement plan, as well as monthly professional development sessions with the larger reference specialist team.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are embedded in Isaacson, Miller's mission, founding impulse, core values, and practice. From the start, IM has worked hard to recruit outstanding leaders across lines of difference and has been gratified to serve clients who share IM's core values. IM has successes to celebrate and looks forward to continued growth and learning. Through the firm's commitment to be a diverse and welcoming community of colleagues where everyone can thrive, all become stronger and empowered to provide the very best service to IM's clients and contribute to a vital and powerful civic sector.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
IM is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a safe work environment for its employees free of discrimination and harassment. IM hires the most qualified individuals for each position, and does so without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), sex stereotyping (including assumptions about a person's appearance or behavior, gender roles, gender expression, or gender identity), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status of an individual or that individual's associates or relatives. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy applies to all areas of employment for all employees.
