Not-for-profit recruitment specialists

Senior leadership appointments for purpose-driven organisations — people who lead with expertise and align with your values.

About Not-for-Profit Recruitment

The not-for-profit sector demands something most sectors don’t: leaders who can operate with commercial rigour and genuine mission alignment at the same time. Finding that combination is hard. That’s what we do.

Patterson Recruitment has deep roots in the NFP sector. Based in Melbourne and working with NFPs nationally, we understand governance, funding cycles, stakeholder complexity and the culture of purpose-driven organisations. We recruit across the full range of roles NFPs depend on — from fundraising managers and communications specialists through to general managers and executive directors — and bring genuine sector understanding to every search.

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Roles we place across the NFP sector

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People & culture

Head of People & Culture
HR Manager / HR Business Partner
Employee Experience & Engagement Lead
Organisational Development Manager

Operations & leadership

General Manager / Executive Director
Operations Manager
Chief of Staff / Executive Officer
Governance & Operations Manager

Communications & engagement

Manager of External Relations
Communications Manager
Community Engagement Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
Communications Specialist

Finance

Finance Manager
Financial Controller

Fundraising & partnerships

Fundraising Manager
Corporate Partnerships Manager
Individual Giving Manager

Services

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Frequently asked questions about NFP recruitment

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What types of NFP roles does Patterson Recruitment recruit for?

We place senior and mid-level leaders across people & culture, operations, communications, finance, and fundraising. Typical roles include executive directors, general managers, heads of people & culture, communications managers, and corporate partnerships managers. We recruit for both permanent and contract/interim positions.

How is NFP recruitment different from corporate recruitment?

NFP organisations operate with unique constraints — tight budgets, complex governance structures, funding cycles, and a fundamental need for mission alignment. A successful corporate executive may not thrive in an NFP environment without the right values fit. We understand these nuances because we work exclusively in this space.

What does NFP recruitment cost?

We offer retained search for senior appointments and exclusive contingency for mid-level roles. Fees vary depending on the engagement model and role complexity. Contact us for a confidential discussion about your specific requirements.

How long does an NFP executive search typically take?

Most executive searches take 6–10 weeks from brief to offer, depending on the seniority of the role and the candidate market. We’ll give you an honest timeline upfront based on our assessment of your specific search.

Do you recruit for NFP board positions?

Yes. We have experience placing governance and board-level roles for not-for-profit organisations. This includes executive officers, governance managers, and board advisory positions.

Can you help with interim NFP leadership?

Yes. We place interim and contract leaders for parental leave cover, organisational change, project-based capacity, and transition periods. All contractor placements are managed through Oncore, our compliance partner.

Do you recruit for peak bodies and member associations?

Yes. We have a strong track record placing senior leaders in peak bodies, industry associations, and membership organisations including Optometry Australia, General Practice Registrars Australia, Queensland Council of Social Service, and Community Broadcasting Foundation. We understand the unique dynamics of membership-funded organisations — elected boards, advocacy mandates, member engagement expectations, and the need for leaders who can balance stakeholder accountability with operational delivery.