Not-for-profit recruitment specialists

Q: 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.

Peak bodies, foundations, community service organisations and member-based bodies. From specialists in communications, fundraising and BD through to General Managers and CEOs.

What purpose-driven means in not-for-profit

In not-for-profit, purpose-driven means mission first. Whether it's a peak body, a foundation, an advocacy organisation or a community service, your people need to believe in the work - and have the skills to deliver it under tight budgets, complex governance, and high public accountability.

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 cultures inside these 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 specialists and leaders across people & culture, marketing, communications, fundraising, finance, operations, and executive leadership. Typical roles include Executive Directors, General Managers, Heads of P&C, Communications Managers, Fundraising Managers, and Corporate Partnerships Managers. We recruit for permanent, contract and 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 values fit. A successful corporate executive may not thrive in an NFP environment without genuine alignment to the work. NFP is one of four sectors we specialise in, so we understand these nuances deeply.

What does NFP recruitment cost?

We offer retained search for executive appointments and exclusive engagement for senior specialist and leadership roles. Fees are calculated as a percentage of the appointed candidate's full-time-equivalent salary package and vary depending on the role and engagement model. Contact us for a confidential discussion.

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.