Search Consultant or Senior Search Consultant, Executive Search Group

The Executive Search Group (ESG) at the University of Virginia seeks a collaborative, strategic, and intellectually curious Search Consultant or Senior Search Consultant to lead executive and senior leadership searches across the University. ESG operates as a retained in-house executive search firm serving the University's academic enterprise, health system, and affiliated foundations.

We are seeking a passionate, experienced individual to fill the search consultant role. This position may be filled at either the Search Consultant or Senior Search Consultant level. Placement will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated expertise.

Search Consultants have the opportunity to partner with senior leaders, search committees, and colleagues across a complex, mission-driven institution to identify and recruit exceptional leadership talent. The consultant will manage full-cycle executive searches, serving as a trusted advisor to hiring officials, committees, and candidates alike, guiding high-stakes processes with diplomacy and credibility, and ensuring an exceptional experience for everyone involved. This position offers a hybrid work environmentfollowing the University's flex-work policies.

All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and be able to work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools. Regular in-person presence is required for candidate interviews and other search-related meetings.

The successful candidate will thrive in a highly collaborative environment, demonstrate excellent judgment and communication skills, and possess the ability to navigate ambiguity, shifting priorities, and evolving stakeholder needs with professionalism and discretion. They will also value teamwork, foster strong partnerships with ESG colleagues, and contribute to a collegial, inclusive team culture built on trust, mutual respect, and shared success.

Responsibilities

* Lead executive and senior leadership searches from launch through successful completion across the University, health system, and affiliated foundations.

* Partner with university leaders and search committees to develop position descriptions, candidate profiles, and tailored search strategies.

* Conduct stakeholder engagement and listening sessions to understand organizational priorities, leadership needs, and institutional culture.

* Identify, research, recruit, and engage highly qualified nationwide candidates from a broad range of professional and academic backgrounds.

* Develop and execute proactive outreach strategies, including sourcing, networking, and solicitation of nominations and referrals.

* Serve as thought partner to search chairs; conduct regular check-ins on search progress, candidate pool development, and communication strategies for stakeholders.

* Manage candidate communications and cultivate strong relationships throughout the search process to ensure a high-quality candidate experience.

* In partnership with Recruiting Associate colleagues, design and coordinate multi-stage interview processes, including virtual and in-person interviews, stakeholder meetings, and committee deliberations.

* Conduct reference checks and support offer development and negotiation processes.

* Collaborate closely with ESG colleagues and campus partners to ensure efficient, thoughtful, and equitable search processes.

* Model a team-oriented approach by cultivating strong working relationships, supporting ESG colleagues, and contributing to a collegial, respectful, and high-performing workplace culture.

* Utilize systems and tools such as Workday, Qualtrics, Linked In, and related platforms to support search execution, reporting, and communication.

* Develop and maintain strong understanding of UVA structures and culture, including shared governance and institutional priorities, as well as search-related best practices.

* Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and customer service.

* Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

The ideal candidate will have relevant work experience and…