Managing Director, Nonprofit and Social Impact Practice

Managing Director, Nonprofit and Social Impact Practice

• Company: DSG Global
• Location: Flexible, Washington, DC Preferred

DSG Global is a Forbes-recognized executive search and consulting firm that partners with clients to cultivate the talent and leadership they need to navigate today and thrive tomorrow. With broad expertise and a commitment to long-term partnership, we help organizations reach their full human potential and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.

Founded in 1974, DSG Global (formerly Diversified Search Group) has built a strong reputation for expertise across the corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors. Consistently ranked among America’s top executive recruiting firms by Forbes, we operate from more than a dozen offices across the U.S. and have global partners in over 35 countries.

As the largest women-led search firm in the world, we are strategic partners, providing solutions for clients across executive search, business consulting, and convening. Leveraging decades of experience and global reach, we have a proven history of partnering with leaders to navigate successful transformations that achieve sustained growth and positive impact.

Role Summary Qualifications

The Managing Director (MD) will lead executive search and consulting engagements, representing DSG Global with excellence and impact. This role demands an entrepreneurial, client-first mindset, strong business development acumen, and the ability to partner effectively with CEOs, Boards, and Leadership Teams to deliver high-value outcomes.

The MD will drive growth by securing and closing mandates, building lasting client relationships, and delivering with precision and quality. A proven leader in business development and project execution, the MD combines exceptional communication skills with the ability to inspire teams, manage complex engagements, and cultivate long-term partnerships that fuel sustained success.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategy to cultivate new clients and meet ambitious business development goals.
• Monitor market, client, and competitor trends to inform firm strategy and advise leadership.
• Collaborate with MD peers on strategic priorities, service innovation, and operational efficiency.
• Identify and cultivate internal talent for MD and Associate roles.
• Elevate the firm’s brand through exceptional client service, thought leadership, and industry presence.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Deliver a minimum of $1M in annual sales.
• Leverage networks, referrals, and client relationships to generate new opportunities.
• Build and sustain trusted client partnerships; play a key role in closing strategic deals.
• Travel for in-person meetings to deepen relationships.
• Provide consultative guidance on executive hiring and organizational development.
• Preferred direct experience with associations and professional societies, including typical governance models (501(c)(6) with affiliated 501(c)(3), member value propositions, chapters/sections, certification/credentialing, meetings/events, and policy/advocacy adjacencies.
• Lead a portfolio of client engagements in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Set clear expectations and guide Associates, Coordinators, and Researchers to ensure quality deliverables.
• Oversee accurate forecasting, pipeline tracking, and client data management.
• Consistently meet or exceed performance benchmarks for quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years in executive search, talent consulting, or related fields with proven success in leadership, client engagement, and business development.
• Deep expertise in the nonprofit and social impact sectors.
• Ideal candidates will bring experience in the Nonprofit Association space; we will also consider candidates with strong transferable experience from adjacent sectors.
• Skilled in advising organizations on executive recruitment, leadership development, succession, and organizational design.
• Strong commercial acumen with a record of revenue growth and value-added solutions.
• Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and adept at managing multiple complex projects.
• Experienced leader with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Trusted advisor to C-suite executives, with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible, detail-oriented, and effective in fast-paced environments

Annual draw: $150,000–$175,000 plus commission based on business development.

Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401k match, PTO (including sabbatical and parental leave), disability, life insurance, and FSA