DRG Seeks Leaders for NYC-Based Non-Profits

August 10, 2020 – DRG Search, which serves the non-profit sector, is conducting searches for executive directors for two New York City non-profits, an unnamed, new, family foundation and the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault.

Leading the foundation search is Dara Z. Klarfeld, CEO, and Amichaim Abramson, chief strategy officer. The alliance assignment is being spearheaded by Debbie Katz, search specialist, and Yasmine Coccoli, associate.

The mission of the family foundation, which was established last year, is to “strengthen the impact that global citizenship can have on improving the lives of future generations through engaged, informed and innovative philanthropy,” said DRG Search. The organization will focus on strengthening the non-profit community’s capacity through grantmaking in support of programmatic and operating capital needs in five broad program areas: children and family life, social justice and inclusion, health and culture, environmental conservation and the Jewish community.

The inaugural executive director will be the professional leader of the foundation, and work in close partnership with the founders. The leader “will hold the responsibility for building and implementing the day-to-day operations of the foundation, as well as shaping the future of the organization by animating the vision and values of the founders,” said DRG Search. “The executive director will be the primary face of the foundation and an important conduit of information about the status and effectiveness of the foundation’s non-profit partners; an expert in smart and thoughtful philanthropic practice; and someone who has a shared sense of values with the founders.”

Key Requirements

Candidates must have significant experience with a grantmaking foundation and/or broad experience leading a well- respected non-profit, said DRG Search. Prior experience with family philanthropy or similar experience is also required. Experience as the face of an organization; well-developed interpersonal skills; superb oral and written communication skills; able to listen and present ideas clearly and persuasively are also needed.

The ability to accurately assess non-profit leadership, operational and financial capacity, and perform other due diligence is essential to this role. Candidates should also have strong financial and organizational management experience.

The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, for its part, wants a dynamic leader who possesses visionary leadership and a passion for social change, said DRG Search. Reporting to and working closely with the board of directors, the executive director will be expected to advance the alliance’s mission and serve as the primary face and voice of the organization.

The executive director is responsible for strategic planning, program development, and oversight in the areas of public policy, advocacy, training, and technical assistance. A collaborative and inspirational management style, a data-driven and strategic fundraising sensibility and a drive to continually innovate, learn and develop, are integral to success, said the search firm.

Necessary Skills

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and, ideally, an advanced degree. The individual should have at least 10 years of progressive management experience. Expertise in leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/voluntary alliances is also essential. He or she must also have outstanding presentation and communication skills and the experience and proclivity to be an outgoing spokesperson, relationship builder, and fundraiser. Extensive experience in the sexual assault field and/or knowledge of gender-based violence is essential as is a background with related non-profit organizations or government agency.

Founded in 2000 by rape crisis centers in New York City, The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault has grown into a city-wide umbrella organization that represents the needs of survivors of sexual assault and the programs that serve them. Through public education, cutting-edge programming, advocacy for survivors and the pursuit of legal and policy changes, the alliance continues to expand as a hub for resources and information about sexual violence.

New York City-based DRG Search is a talent advisory group. Founded in 1987, the firm offers a suite of services to help non-profits search for, attract and nurture innovative, diverse leadership. It also helps organizations maximize their impact through talent assessments, transition planning, and by providing insights into compensation and organizational design.

Respected Recruiters

 Ms. Klarfeld is majority owner of DRG. Expert in identifying C-suite talent and in providing strategic direction to non-profit boards and management, she is sought out by many leading non-profit boards and leadership to help guide and advise them on issues relating to hiring talent, organizational design, negotiation and women in leadership. With over 20 years of experience working with and advising non-profits, Ms. Klarfeld is a thought leader in the talent advisory space.

Mr. Abramson advises non-profits building upon 20 years in finance and finance working on reorganizations, M&A, public and private equity raises and investing in companies across multiple industries. He has extensive expertise in business strategy, financial modeling, organizational restructuring and strategic partnerships.

Ms. Katz specializes in finding the best candidates for challenging executive placement assignments. She comes to DRG with a background in media and broadcast journalism. She spent several years as an associate producer and researcher working on non-fiction projects for the History Channel, PBS, Comedy Central and VH1.

Ms. Coccoli works in DRG’s department of research and outreach where she specializes in building candidate pools and conducting extensive research to assist outreach associates and consultants in the search process.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media