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A talent network
built on purpose

As a woman- and minority-owned, female-led talent network and search firm, NextGroup has grown into a community of more than 12,000 mission-driven leaders and professionals in Chicago and beyond. We connect exceptional talent with the organizations that need them.

Why we exist

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

Our story

Founded by women who wanted positive change for their communities

NextGroup’s cofounders worked together for years, on boards, in volunteer roles, and as leaders of nonprofit organizations and businesses. We mentored, coached, and guided others to surface their purpose. We created spaces for leaders to grow, especially underrepresented leaders. And, through this work, we grew a community of purpose-driven professionals who wanted to advance their leadership and support the growth of others.

That network has grown to more than 12,000 professionals in Chicago and beyond. Through this network and our deep commitment to social impact, we serve both the organizations that are making change happen and the leaders fueling that change.

What we believe

Every Search Is Local and Unique

Most search firms parachute in, pull from a national database, and move on. We live here. We know your community, your funders, your culture — and what transformational leadership looks like for organizations doing this work in Chicago.

We don’t fill seats. We build teams.

Diverse Perspectives Drive Impact

We approach every search with an unwavering commitment to presenting a diverse and inclusive slate of candidates.

Our beginnings centered on women re-entering the workforce. As our network has grown, so has our range of talents — from professionals relaunching their careers to those seeking a transition or pivot, and everything in between.

“A perfect fit isn’t someone the same as your existing team — it’s someone who brings a new perspective, augments your skills, and expands on, rather than replicates, your team’s strengths.” — Candance Chow, NextGroup CEO