Executive Search Associate, CEO/BOD

Heidrick & Struggles•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Executive Search Associates support the full executive recruiting lifecycle, from candidate identification through placement, working closely with Search Partners and Principals and colleagues across the Search team. The role follows an apprenticeship-like model with hands-on experience, training, and mentorship. Associates help Consultants develop search strategies, manage search execution, and support business development. Work includes developing position specifications with clients; interviewing, assessing, and building pipelines of qualified candidates; developing candidate relationships; conducting references; and assisting with client relationship management. Associates research industries, executive roles, and functions in collaboration with colleagues across the globe. The role is highly visible, carries significant responsibility, and offers a clearly defined career track. Associates also maintain accurate and high-quality search information, prepare reports, manage concurrent projects, and uphold professional standards, confidentiality, and ethics.

Requirements

3–4 years of professional experience or at least 2 years of transferable recruiting experience.
Undergraduate BA/BS degree.
Developing mastery of professional communication, including writing, articulating, and delivering information confidently and effectively.
Ability to collaborate with external clients and candidates and developing understanding of techniques to influence and build positive relationships.

Nice To Haves

Prior full life-cycle recruiting experience in Executive Search, Contingent Search, or In-House Talent Acquisition; management consulting or another industry requiring applied sales and research skills is also preferred.
Experience targeting potential candidates, developing pitch materials, and conducting market research.
Proven success managing multiple projects simultaneously and working across teams.
Experience identifying market trends and researching information through various channels.
Ability to analyze, organize, and synthesize large volumes of information into insights.
Experience with Salesforce or another CRM.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Conduct industry-specific and client company research, map executive talent landscapes, and provide market insights.
Support Consultants in developing position specifications and focused search strategies.
Prepare business development and candidate assessment documents for prospective and current clients.
Contact prospective candidates to discuss client opportunities, obtain referrals, and collect market intelligence and feedback.
Assist Consultants with in-depth candidate interviews and assess qualifications against position specifications.
Manage candidate relationships throughout the search lifecycle and keep the Consultant informed of candidate updates.
Build productive and trusting relationships with colleagues and collaborate across the firm.
Contribute to firm, practice, and office initiatives and foster a collaborative team environment.
Maintain the accuracy, quality, and integrity of search information in internal and external research tools.
Maintain status reports and client-ready reports for internal and external presentations.
Manage multiple concurrent projects and deliver high-quality work on time.
Act professionally and uphold confidentiality, ethics, and the integrity of the search process.