Chicago's Leading Executive Search Firm

Advancing mission-driven nonprofits

NextGroup is Chicagoland’s leading executive search firm and nonprofit talent network — connecting mission-driven organizations with exceptional leaders who drive impact. We recruit permanent, fractional, and interim professionals across leadership, finance, development, and operations.

For Professionals

Growing and connecting talent to mission-driven careers and exciting jobs.

For Nonprofits

Leadership search and staffing to drive mission-driven teams.

Trusted by leading nonprofits and mission-driven organizations

Two paths, one mission

Whether you are hiring your next leader or growing your career

we partner to ensure the right match for mission needs and impact.

For Nonprofits

Build a leadership team that lasts

Looking to expand your leadership or executive team with the support of advisors and access to a robust, mission-driven talent pool? We are your partners, dedicated to providing the right person for your role, team, and culture.

For Leaders

Advance in a mission-driven career

NextGroup offers weekly job alerts, job search support, and professional development for those committed to nonprofit leadership. Become part of a growing network of professionals advancing in mission-driven careers.

Candance Chow & Melanie Wright
Cofounders, NextGroup

Meet the cofounders

“We have led nonprofit organizations at a staff and board level. We know how transformational leadership drives culture and impact – as your partner, we are committed to finding the right leader for your team, your unique priorities, and the communities you serve.”

Featured clients

Trusted by mission-driven leaders

NextGroup doesn’t just feed us LinkedIn leads; they’re out in the community connecting with women — which has led to the right matches for our company in several searches they’ve conducted for us.

Amy Ravi

CEO, ExtendMed

They understood not only the objectives of the role but the culture and broader needs of our organization. They quickly provided excellent candidates and worked throughout the process to ensure a great fit.

Carolyn Dolezal

CEO, Committee of 200

Candance and Melanie talked me off the cliff and helped me refocus my energy on marketing my experience. Sometimes we need a reminder of what we bring to the table — NextGroup excels at job coaching, even for those of us who think we have it all figured out.

Mary Storrs

Career Seeker

From Chief Financial Officer to Major Gifts Officer, NextGroup identified and attracted highly qualified talent at all levels of our team — while remaining thoughtful about our commitment to diverse perspectives. They were the perfect partner for us.

Sol Anderson

CEO & President, Evanston Community Foundation

NextGroup supported me during a critical time of hiring and transition for our Development team. I know I am not your only client, but you make one feel like they are your primary focus. Thank you — I appreciate your responsiveness.

Linda Tucker

Chief Development Officer

NextGroup takes a highly professional, pragmatic partnership approach to finding great talent. They are great listeners who expertly translated our business and people needs into targeted, laser-like search efforts with fast results. I would absolutely recommend NextGroup for your talent-acquisition needs and especially for that “unicorn” search, because they’ll find the right talent!

David Kaput

Chief Human Resources Officer

Stay connected

Resources & Events

Workshops & Panels

Sep 22, 2026 · 9:00 AM

Impact Network Workshop: Building a Resilient Multi-Year Revenue Strategy

Join us for an engaging conversation with leading experts on how to build resilient fundraising programs for long-term success.

Videos

Get to Know NextGroup

Learn about NextGroup’s offerings, talent network, and what we offer our clients in this short video.

Office Hours

Jun 2, 2026 · 9:00 AM

HR Strategy: Smarter Structures, Stronger Organizations

A live panel discussion designed to help leaders build sustainable capacity in achanging labor and funding environment. As organizations adapt to financial pressure, growth, and changing…

Completed searches

Placed candidates

Permanent

Mary Osman

Business Manager

Hope Ignites Chicago

Permanent

Rachel Weiss

AVP of External Affairs

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Permanent

Torine Pasek

Principal Gifts Officer

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

What's new

Our Insights

We keep you informed about the trends, tips and resources that make your next career or hiring move as seamless as possible. Our weekly posts keep you up to date on what’s next.

Insights

Aug 14, 2026

Organizational Readiness: The Conversation Nonprofits Aren’t Having

This article was written and submitted by Charrisse Ifill, Founder, Your Chief of Staff Global, who is a member of NextGroup’s network.

Insights

Mar 24, 2026

Full-Time, Fractional, Contract, or Outsourced? How to Make the Right Call for Your Nonprofit

Every nonprofit leader has been there: a critical function is understaffed, a key person just left, or growth is creating pressure that your current team can't…

Ready to build your team?

Expand your leadership or executive team with advisors and access to a robust, mission-driven talent pool.

Advancing your career?

Join a growing network of professionals advancing in mission-driven careers — with weekly job alerts and dedicated support.

Advancing mission-driven nonprofits