Leading Chicago nonprofit and social impact 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

Developing and connecting professionals for mission-driven leadership.

For Nonprofits

Leadership search and staffing for 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.

Get involved

Introducing the Impact Network

A new peer-learning community for social impact professionals across the nonprofit, philanthropic, and civic sectors. The Impact Network convenes nonprofit leaders across the North Shore to foster collaboration, share ideas and best practices, and deliver high quality professional development and training.

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

Our organization struggled to find a CFO candidate with the right experience and a strong commitment to our mission. When we partnered with NextGroup, that changed. NextGroup met all our candidate requirements and went above and beyond to identify talent not even actively on the market. It was clear to us that NextGroup was deeply invested in our success.

Betty Bogg

CEO, Connections for the Homeless

I cannot recommend Candance and NextGroup highly enough. We were very nervous that we could not find a “unicorn” replacement for our long-term senior Finance leader, but they delivered on every need. Their expertise, attention, and responsiveness were exceptional. They took our needs for collaboration and leadership to heart, alongside the technical rigor we require. I would recommend NextGroup to any organization that needs a senior leader to drive impact for years to come.

Patti Capouch

CEO, Impact Behavioral Health Partners

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

Stay connected

Resources & Events

Workshops & Panels

Oct 21, 2026 · 12:00 PM

Future Proofing Your Career in a Time of Uncertainty

Join us for a lunchtime presentation and discussion on how to take control of your professional career in a changing landscape.

Workshops & Panels

Nov 19, 2026 · 9:00 AM

Impact Network Workshop: Banking and Finance Best Practices for Nonprofits

A practical, governance-informed overview of financial leadership in today’s nonprofit environment.

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.

Completed searches

Placed candidates

Permanent

Jessica Arias

Paralegal/Litigation Assistant

Trapp & Geller

Permanent

Veronica Accardo

Director of Philanthropy

Hope Ignites Chicago

Permanent

Danielle Kane

Chief Financial Officer

Sertoma Star Services

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.

Career Advice, Insights, News

Oct 29, 2026

5 Strategies to Future-Proof Your Career

The time to build your network, skills and story is before the layoff, pivot, or job search. Not in the middle of it. Learn five strategies to future-proof your career.

Insights, News

Oct 8, 2026

Fundraising Is a Relationship Game Now: What We Learned at the Impact Network Panel

The Impact Network held its fall 2026 workshop and panel discussion focused on building a resilient fundraising strategy. Over 65 attendees learned from our panel experts that relationship building is key to long-term funding success, and much more.

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