Executive Search, Purpose-Driven.

With deep knowledge across key nonprofit sectors, we’ve helped organizations of every size find leaders who make a difference. Explore our areas of focus and the missions we’ve had the privilege to serve.

Two women smiling and discussing documents at a table inside an office, with one holding a tablet and the other holding a brochure.

Focused on What Matters Most

Nonprofits are as diverse as the communities they serve. Our work spans human services, advocacy, healthcare, education, animal welfare, and the arts—sectors united by the need for leaders who can create lasting impact.

Who We Serve

We partner with nonprofits of every size and sector, helping them identify the leadership that makes real change possible. Wherever your mission leads, we tailor our approach to meet it.

  • Leaders in human services guide organizations that touch lives at the most essential points. We help place executives who bring stability, compassion, and vision to work that supports individuals and strengthens communities.

  • Caring for animals requires leaders who can balance advocacy, operations, and public trust. We connect organizations with executives who advance humane treatment and inspire support for lasting impact.

  • Young people thrive when guided by strong mentors and programs. We find leaders who bring energy, creativity, and structure to initiatives that shape the next generation.

  • Effective philanthropy starts with thoughtful leadership. We place executives who can steward resources wisely, foster partnerships, and amplify the impact of giving.

  • Arts and culture organizations need leaders who honor tradition while embracing change. We help identify executives who can sustain creativity, engage audiences, and keep culture thriving.

  • Policy and advocacy work requires leaders who can navigate complexity with clarity and conviction. We place executives who influence change, build coalitions, and move civic missions forward.

  • "Rhyan has mastered her profession and is a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Rhyan Zweifler and Noetic."

    President, Board of Directors
    Wentcher Foundation

  • “Noetic was relentless in our extensive search to replace our founding Executive Director. Their industry-spanning network kept the best talent in our sights throughout the process.”

    Former Board Chairman
    Chicago Run

  • “Noetic really made it a two way experience. They made sure that it was not only a fit for the client but also a good fit for me as the candidate and I appreciated that.”

    Chief Executive Officer
    Aspiritech

  • “I have worked with executive recruitment firms in the past, and my experience with Noetic was just the right combination of warmth and professional expertise. The process felt so good.”

    Executive Director
    The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts

  • "I had an excellent experience working with Noetic. They were great to work with from start to finish and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Their extensive network and deep understanding of our industry helped ensure a strong match. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking a thoughtful and effective executive search partner."

    Chief Executive Officer
    Santa Barbara Humane

The Work Behind the Impact

Our client list reflects the trust nonprofits place in us to guide their most important searches. Here are some of the organizations we’ve been honored to serve.

Logo of Metropolitan Family Services with stylized abstract figures above the text

Human Services

  • Aspiritech

  • Beacon Place

  • Depaul USA

  • Dress for Success Phoenix

  • Easter Seals, Inc.

  • Global Foodbanking Network

  • Heartland Human Care Services

  • Institute for Therapy Through the Arts

  • Instituto del Progresso Latino

  • Les Turner ALS

  • Lincoln Park Community Services

  • Mercy Housing

  • Metropolitan Family Services

  • Metropolitan Planning Council

  • Neighbor by Neighbor

  • Night Ministry

  • Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society

  • Safer Foundation

  • Skills for Chicagoland’s Future

  • St. Leonard’s Ministries

  • Sunshine Enterprises

  • Women Employed

  • Smart Love

Logo of Steans Family Foundation with black and white color scheme.

Foundations & Philanthropy

  • Chicago Community Trust

  • Children's First Fund

  • Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund

  • Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation

  • Pritzker Traubert Foundation

  • Steans Family Foundation

  • Wentcher Foundation

  • William G. McGowan Charitable Fund

Animal Welfare

  • Animal Rescue League of Boston

  • Animal Welfare Society

  • Association of Animal Welfare Administrators (Formerly Society of Animal Welfare Administrators)

  • Atlanta Humane Society

  • Austin Humane Society

  • Connecticut Humane Society

  • Hawaiian Humane Society

  • Humane Society of Missouri

  • Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River Valley

  • KC Pet Project

  • Maryland SPCA

  • Michigan Humane

  • Montgomery County SPCA

  • NOCO Humane (Formerly Larimer Humane Society)

  • Oklahoma Humane Society

  • Pasadena Humane

  • PetSmart Charities

  • Potter League for Animals

  • San Francisco SPCA

  • Santa Barbara Humane

  • Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society

  • SPCA of Cincinnati

  • SPCA Serving Erie County, NY

Logo of the National Children's Museum with black, white, and gray text.

Arts, Culture & Humanities

  • The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts
    Goodman Theatre

  • Griffin Museum of Science & Industry (formerly Museum of Science & Industry)

  • Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

  • National Children’s Museum

  • National Museum of Mexican Art

  • Snow City Arts

Logo with white text on black background that reads 'AFTER SCHOOL matters'

Youth Development

  • After School Matters

  • Chicago Learning Exchange

  • Chicago Run

  • Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund

  • Duke of Edinburgh USA

  • George M. Pullman Educational Foundation

  • Girls on the Run

  • Hands Across the Sea

  • Open Books

  • Reading Power

  • San Miguel School & Community Center

  • SGA Youth & Family Services

  • Tutoring Chicago

  • Urban Initiatives

Civic, Policy & Advocacy

  • Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

  • Center for Neighborhood Technology

  • CHANGE Illinois

  • Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

  • Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

  • Impact for Equity (Formerly Business  and Professional People for the Public Interest)

  • Michigan Environmental Council

  • Secure Illinois Retirements

Logo of the Michigan Environmental Council, featuring a circular graphic with radiating lines.