Application Guide

How to Apply for Consultant/Search Firm for Executive Director Search

at National Network of Abortion Funds

🏢 About National Network of Abortion Funds

The National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF) is a unique organization that builds power for abortion access through a membership of 97 grassroots funds. It centers racial, economic, and gender justice, making it a compelling place for those committed to reproductive justice and systemic change.

About This Role

This consultant role leads the search for NNAF's next Executive Director, facilitating a transition that aligns with the organization's values. The work is impactful because it shapes leadership for a network that directly supports people seeking abortions and fights for reproductive autonomy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might include meeting with the LTC to refine the leadership profile, reviewing candidate applications with an eye for alignment with NNAF's values, and coordinating outreach to member funds to solicit referrals. You'd also field questions from internal stakeholders and adjust the search plan based on feedback from staff and board.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who National Network of Abortion Funds Is Looking For

  • Has deep experience in executive searches for social justice organizations, especially with internal candidates and complex stakeholder dynamics.
  • Understands and can operationalize intersectionality, compassion, autonomy, and collective power in the search process.
  • Skilled in facilitating communication among diverse groups (board, staff, bargaining unit) and managing potential conflicts of interest.
  • Familiar with abortion funds, reproductive justice, or similarly grassroots, values-driven movements.

📝 Tips for Applying to National Network of Abortion Funds

1

Highlight specific searches you've led for organizations in active transition, especially within social justice or reproductive health.

2

Explicitly address how your approach to candidate evaluation and screening embodies NNAF's core values (intersectionality, compassion, autonomy, collective power).

3

Mention experience working with unions or bargaining units, as NNAF has one and the LTC includes a bargaining unit member.

4

Tailor your proposal to show understanding of NNAF's membership structure (97 funds) and the need to center member input.

5

Include examples of how you've managed potential conflicts of interest, particularly with internal candidates.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with NNAF's mission and values, and how they guide your work.", 'Specific experience conducting executive searches in social justice organizations with complex relationships.', 'Your ability to facilitate inclusive processes that center marginalized voices, especially those most impacted by abortion restrictions.', "How you will leverage NNAF's member funds to identify and attract diverse candidates."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review NNAF's website, especially their mission, values, and history of the organization and the abortion fund movement.
  • → Read recent reports or statements on abortion access and the impact of the Dobbs decision on NNAF's work.
  • → Look at NNAF's annual reports or blog to understand current priorities, challenges, and language used.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'reproductive justice' and how it differs from 'pro-choice'.
Visit National Network of Abortion Funds's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a search with internal candidates and competing interests. How did you ensure fairness?
2 How would you engage NNAF's 97 member funds in the search process while avoiding burnout?
3 What does 'collective power' mean to you in the context of a leadership search?
4 How do you handle situations where a candidate's values don't fully align with the organization's?
5 What experience do you have working with unionized staff or bargaining units?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic language about 'nonprofit executive search' without referencing reproductive justice or NNAF's specific values.
  • Proposing a one-size-fits-all search process that doesn't account for NNAF's decentralized membership and unionized staff.
  • Failing to acknowledge the political sensitivity and urgency of the role in the current abortion access landscape.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to National Network of Abortion Funds!

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