Innovation

Kittleman & Associates has transformed nonprofit executive search by deciding to focus exclusively on CEO placements, securing leaders with the skills, strength, and long-term vision that fits the organization. As opposed to traditional search firms, Kittleman specializes in nonprofit leadership, offering a two-year placement guarantee (the longest in the industry) along with post-placement evaluations to support leadership transitions. This approach is specifically crucial in the nonprofit sector because leadership turnover can disrupt services that have massive impacts on societal well-being.

Kittleman’s specific innovation lies in its methodology, developed in response to the 2008 financial crisis when resilient leadership became essential for nonprofit survival. By building an extensive database of nonprofit executives and refining their search strategy, Kittleman has professionalized nonprofit leadership recruitment so that these organizations can receive the same level of expertise that corporate searches offer. Their research-heavy approach allows nonprofits to acquire leaders who can guide them through economic and operational challenges while advancing their mission.

Kittleman’s work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by strengthening the leadership of organizations currently tackling global challenges. They have placed CEOs at Feeding America (SDG 2 - Zero Hunger), the Chicago Community Trust (SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities), and the Museum of Science and Industry (SDG 4 - Quality Education), among others. By enabling organizations to better pursue their missions, Kittleman helps expand their impact and create sustainable change in the communities they serve.

Kittleman's Non-Profit CEO Search Firm

Inspiration

Rick King, the current Chairman of Kittleman & Associates, was inspired to transform the search firm by his lifelong dedication and passion to social service. His journey began with a degree in social service administration, which led him to his first entrepreneurial role at just 26. Early in his career, he worked with at-risk youth, serving as the Executive Director of the Youthful Offender Program, where he built resources to support teens in drug rehabilitation programs. He eventually served as chief executive officer for three public charities that provide substance-abuse treatment and educational alternatives for youthful offenders. His success with these experiences reinforced his belief that strong leadership was essential for driving meaningful change in the nonprofit sector.

When King acquired Kittleman in 1985, he saw an opportunity to lift the struggling firm by specializing in nonprofit executive search. At the time, most search firms prioritized more lucrative corporate clients, leaving nonprofits with limited access to quality leadership recruitment. King recognized that, while nonprofits faced financial constraints, they needed leaders who were both well-qualified and genuinely passionate about the mission to drive impact. By focusing exclusively on CEO placements and introducing a two-year placement guarantee (the first in the industry) he has since reshaped the nonprofit executive search landscape.

King's lifelong devotion to social service is also evident in the fact that he does work in leadership education beyond Kittleman. Drawing from his experience on the Board of the Community Park Foundation, he developed a high school program to teach students about philanthropy, focusing on fundraising, grantmaking, and service. It's this lifelong dedication to leadership development that continues to shape Kittleman’s mission, ensuring that nonprofits solving global challenges have the leadership necessary to thrive.

Overall impact

Rick King’s decision to refocus Kittleman & Associates on nonprofit CEO searches was a significant innovation that reshaped leadership recruitment in the sector. By narrowing the firm's focus to nonprofit CEO placements, Kittleman addressed a critical gap in the executive search industry. In the short term, this shift allowed nonprofits to overcome recruitment challenges and build stability through executive placement. The two year placement guarantee has significantly reduced the risks associated with leadership turnover.

The long-term effects of Kittleman’s innovation can be seen in the firm’s success of its placements, as nonprofit CEOs recruited through Kittleman have demonstrated strong retention rates that far exceed industry norms. By strengthening leadership across healthcare, education, social justice, and environmental nonprofits, Kittleman has played a pivotal role in ensuring these organizations remain stable, effective, and capable of driving long-term social impact.

Business benefit

Kittleman & Associates’ innovation has allowed it to establish itself as the leading firm in a highly specialized market. Before Rick King acquired Kittleman in 1985, the firm was struggling and had not adapted to market changes. The decision to specialize differentiated Kittleman from competitors, allowing it to build strong relationships with nonprofits not accustomed to hiring executive search firms. The two-year placement guarantee also increased client trust, leading to higher retention and recurring business.

Between 2012 and 2023, Kittleman’s revenues quintupled, proving the effectiveness of its focused approach. Additionally, by establishing a reputation for successful, long-lasting placements—evidenced by an average CEO tenure of 9.5 years. Thus, this innovation not only ensured financial success but also reinforced Kittleman’s long-term impact in strengthening leadership across nonprofit sectors, benefiting both the business and the organizations it serves.

Social and environmental benefit

Kittleman & Associates’ innovation in nonprofit executive search benefits society by ensuring that mission-driven organizations have the strong, capable leadership necessary to have the biggest impact they can. Kittleman helps nonprofits secure leaders that drive organizational growth, enhance financial sustainability, and improve service delivery. This is especially critical in sectors like healthcare, education, social justice, and environmental advocacy. Effective leadership directly translates to better outcomes for communities

Organizations like Feeding America, the Chicago Community Trust, and the Museum of Science and Industry have benefitted from Kittleman’s expertise in leadership recruitment. Through it's work with a diverse range of nonprofits, Kittleman indirectly contributes to advancing multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. In the long term, this innovation helps create a more stable and effective nonprofit ecosystem. By elevating nonprofit leadership, Kittleman plays a significant in ensuring that essential services continue to thrive for future generations.

Interview

Richard M. King, Chairman