Request for Proposal (RFP): Search Consultant Services
Introduction
The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation (PMAFF) is seeking proposals from experienced search consultants or firms to support us in hiring key staff positions, including Program Officers/Senior Program Officers, Executive Assistants, Program Associates, and Operations staff. The selected consultant or firm will demonstrate a strong understanding of the performing arts, ocean conservation, and social impact sectors, aligning with PMAFF’s mission and values.
About the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
Mission
Our mission is to work towards a world of thriving and equitable communities in which the promise and power of the arts flourish, and where healthy oceans sustainably support the human and other animal species that depend on them. The foundation was created in 2011 to honor Paul M. Angell, and strives to embody the legacy of his compassion, ingenuity and industriousness.
The foundation currently employs 15 staff members and plans to expand to 25 by the end of 2025. In 2024, we awarded over 350 grants, totaling $54 million. Our central office is located in Chicago, with staff based in both Chicago and Washington, D.C. Our team operates in a hybrid work model, combining in-person and remote work.
Excellence – The Foundation’s employees and Board of Directors (we) strive for excellence in all we do—as grantmakers, collaborators, colleagues and as an employer. For the Foundation, excellence means that our grantmaking is informed and impactful, that we treat everyone with dignity and respect, and that we continuously strive for improvement. We expect the same level of excellence and commitment from ourselves as we do our grantee partners.
Respect – We deeply value our grantee partners. We respect their expertise and time. We also profoundly value the people we employ. We are committed to an equitable workplace where all employees thrive and feel they belong. We value our employees as people who care for themselves and their families.
Humility – We are a learning organization committed to continuous quality improvement. We learn from our grantee partners, their constituents, and our colleagues. We strive to adjust our practices as we learn. We welcome feedback on where we may grow.
Empathy – A cornerstone of philanthropy is compassion for others. We care deeply about the issues and people the Foundation engages through its grantmaking. We recognize there can be unforeseen barriers to the success of the work we support. We likewise recognize that challenges of everyday life can impact the plans and expectations of our grantee partners as well as our employees.
Authenticity – We take time to build relationships with honesty and transparency. We own our failures and mistakes, learn from them, and share what we’ve learned. We willingly engage challenges with curiosity, open minds, and open hearts.
Collaboration – We strive to be thoughtful grant-makers and partners in our work. We listen to, share with, and learn from grantee partners and the communities they serve.
Scope of Work
The selected search consultant or firm will be responsible for assisting in one, many, or all aspects of the hiring and search process, including:
Collaborating with PMAFF to define role-specific qualifications, competencies, and desired candidate profiles.
Creating job descriptions
Conducting a comprehensive and inclusive search process to identify qualified candidates.
Facilitating candidate outreach, screening, and evaluation.
Providing timely updates and clear communication throughout the search process.
Creating interview questions
Ensuring alignment with PMAFF’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Delivering a high-quality pool of candidates for each position within an agreed timeline.
Required Expertise
Proven experience in placing Program Officers, Executive Assistants, Program Associates, and Operations staff.
Strong understanding of any or all of the performing arts, ocean conservation, and social impact sectors.
Demonstrated ability to incorporate equity and inclusion into search processes.
Proposal Requirements
Interested consultants or firms must include the following in their proposal:
A. Experience and Qualifications
Overview of the firm/consultant, including relevant experience in conducting searches for roles such as Program Officers, Senior Grants Manager, Executive Assistants, Program Associates, and Operations staff.
B. Specific experience in the performing arts, ocean conservation, and social impact sectors.
Select which searches you will be submitting proposals for:
Performing Arts
Ocean Conservation
Social Impact
Administrative, Grants Management, Operations, and Human Resources
C. Examples of successful placements with organizations of similar size and mission.
D. Proposed Methodology
Description of the approach to executing a comprehensive and equitable search process.
Strategies for identifying and recruiting diverse talent pools.
Share your confidentiality language
E. Budget and Fee Structure
Detailed cost proposal, including all fees, estimated expenses, and payment schedule.
Any additional services or value-added benefits included in the cost.
Indicate whether the consultant/firm is able to provide specific components of the search process (e.g., recruiting, interviewing, creating interview questions, creating job descriptions) or if they only offer a full-scope search service. This distinction is critical for our evaluation.
F. Timeline
Proposed timeline for completing each stage of the search process.
Estimated duration from initiation to candidate placement.
Submission Instructions
Please submit your proposal in PDF format via JazzHR by January 31, 2025. Proposals should be submitted as a PDF document and include the subject line: “PMAFF 2025 Search Consultant RFP Proposal_Name of Consultant/Firm.”
Firms and consultants from or working with African-American, Latine, Asian, and Native (ALANA) and/or LGBTQ communities are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Relevant experience and expertise.
Alignment with PMAFF’s mission and values.
Clarity and feasibility of the proposed methodology.
Cost and value for services.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Anticipated Selection Timeline
RFP Issued: December 20, 2024
Proposal Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025
Those selected for next steps will be contacted as early as the beginning of February/March and invited to a virtual pitch with 1-2 hiring managers and committee members.