How long will a search take?
Ideally, a search takes up to four months from the day the search is opened until the new chief executive is hired. This gives ample time to develop a profile, advertise the position, and conduct interviews. (Learn more about the process.)

Sometimes clients feel they must shorten the process and ESS will work with the board to establish a suitable time line.

What if a client is not convinced it has found the right person?
If ESS is hired to assist with a search, we provide help until the board is convinced it has found the right person.

For a search, is a site visit to the top candidate’s home district really necessary?
Yes, we believe so. The visit allows the client to confirm its impressions of the top applicant.

How are the community and staff involved in the search?
It is important that the staff and community be involved in developing the profile. This gives them a voice in the process.

The review of the applications and the interview process is strictly a board function in which the consultant assists.

Do you have a stable of candidates?
No. We are in the business to help organizations find their executives, not to help executives find jobs. We are committed to helping the employing board find the very best applicants possible.

What has been your success record with previous searches?
Since 1988, ESS consultants have conducted more than 500 searches for organizations ranging from fewer than 100 to more than 194,000 students.

In many of these, we have conducted more than one search, which is a compliment to our record. Our service allows each trustee of an employing board to evaluate the search process once it is completed, and the majority of responses have been highly complimentary.

Is continuing education credit available for trustees?
Yes. Up to three hours of continuing education credit is available.