executive search and leadership transition

Benson is a passionate expert on aligning an organizational executive search to the unique missional needs of a nonprofit and social impact organization. From job description to onboarding, Benson steers the board towards a successful outcome.

“Elle made our search for the next Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee easy.  Not only was it an efficient process, Elle knew the right questions to ask our candidates, and how to guide us in an impartial way.  The process felt seamless.”

-Robin L Gibson, Women’s Fund of East Tennessee Search Committee Chair

Benson doesn’t see the executive search of a piece of the pie, she digs into the entire pie as part of the process. A strategic search includes evaluating the strategic plan, the board’s roles and responsibilities, other leadership assets, and gaps in mission fulfillment.

Each search is customized to the unique nonprofit organization. Searches can include any of the following pieces and processes:

  • job description development

  • organizational assessment (iCAT assessment)

  • interim leadership options

  • staff feedback and listening sessions

  • stakeholder feedback meetings

  • job advertising plan

  • search timeline

  • recruitment and job distribution

  • pre-screening interviews and surveys

  • interview design and coordinating

  • candidate evaluation systems

  • blind screening options for equity

  • offer development and negotiation

  • background checks and references

  • onboarding plan

  • new executive announcement and marketing plan

unique approach

Benson has worked in the social sector for nearly twenty-years, her experience and passion for nonprofit leadership is why she focuses on nonprofit searches. In addition to leading sourcing software, her database of nonprofit contacts and peers expedites the process and differentiates her from a traditional recruiter. As a BoardSource consultant, she works with the board to ensure appropriate roles and responsibilities distribution between the leadership and the board of directors. She cares deeply about upholding the organization’s culture and works with the staff to keep them informed, while acting as their advocate throughout the process. Benson incorporates equity into all searches, requiring a salary range in the posting and offering additional diversity and equity tactics. Each search is tailored to the specific mission of the organization, nothing is cookie cutter.

completed searches

  • E.L.I.’s House

  • First Tee

  • Friends of Literacy

  • Human Economic Appalachian Development Corporation

  • Hollingsworth Foundation

  • Knoxville Family Justice Center

  • Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

  • Knoxville Habitat for Humanity

  • Knox Education Foundation

  • Goodwill Industries-Knoxville, Inc.

  • Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

  • Mountain Hope Clinic

  • Operation Inasmuch, Inc.

  • Safe Haven Family Shelter

  • SSURF

  • The Healing Trust

  • TN Charitable Care Network

  • United Way of Greater Knoxville

  • Urban Green Lab

  • Volunteer Ministry Center

  • Women’s Fund of East Tennessee

  • Young-Williams Animal Center

  • YWCA Knoxville and Tennessee Valley

“In late May 2022, I became acquainted with Elle Benson recruiting for the position of President & CEO of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in Dandridge, TN. During our first interview, I knew right away that Elle was prepared, organized and was the consummate professional. Her interview questions directly correlated as to what the Chamber Search Committee was searching for in their new President & CEO. Her professionalism was unparalleled to any other recruiter I have encountered during my 24-year career. Even after the first interview she kept me updated and was always quick to respond to my emails concerning the search process and my candidacy. She even called me thirty minutes before the in-person interview with the Search Committee to remind me of the location of the meeting and as to my estimated time of arrival. It was a pleasure to work with her and I would highly recommend her and look forward to working with her again on other projects together in the future.”

Michael Cole, President and CEO of Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

“Working with Elle as a candidate for a nonprofit Executive position was such an easy and seamless process which was a huge relief while going through the hiring process!”

Kirby Deal, Executive Director of Women’s Fund of East Tennessee

“Elle was a joy to work with, she found us five awesome candidates for the Jefferson County Chamber CEO position, created a hiring timeline within our time frame, and managed the interview process from beginning to end.  She exceeded our expectations which led to a great hire!

Diondre Jackson, Board Chairman, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

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