Engagement Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Engagement Director (ED) is a client-facing role, responsible for overseeing the strategy and execution of the search and placement of executive-level positions. The ED is responsible for assessing and delivering the highest qualified candidates in the marketplace while communicating with and managing the client throughout.

The ED is dually responsible for (1) managing active client searches for Jacobson’s executive search and selection business, adhering to the standards set in the established search process; and (2) supporting business development efforts for the division and the entire organization through cultivation of industry relationships. This position works in partnership with others in the business unit in a team approach, including the Managing Directors, Fulfillment Manager, Recruiters, Researchers, and Business Unit Leader to ensure the successful and timely completion of searches, with the objective of having every search result in complete client satisfaction.

The ED role provides a career path to Managing Director, providing an opportunity to learn the Jacobson process and build relationships in the insurance industry in order to seamlessly transition into this leadership role. This role is ideal for a highly motivated individual with aspirations in business development who sees the executive search process as a strategic steppingstone.

OVERALL SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific Responsibilities

• Execute search management successfully for all assigned engagements.
• Manage search assignments under the guidance of the Managing Director to Jacobson’s methodology, timeline and process.
• Consult with clients, write position profiles, conduct all final candidate interviews, write interview analysis, make recommendations, and manage client relationship for all engagements.
• Update Managing Director at various checkpoints on all searches and as needed when facing challenges.
• In partnership with the Fulfillment Manager, develop strategy and provide oversite for the activities of the assigned Executive Recruiter and Researcher.
• Have ultimate accountability for the professional presentation of all materials related to a search assignment.
• Develop and capitalize on industry relationships, supporting business development efforts on behalf of division and the entire organization.
• Be accountable for relationship expansion for additional searches and other Jacobson services to existing clients.
• Identify and develop sales opportunities through candidate relationships.
• Nurture current industry relationships and establish new relationships with targeted potential clients when time permits.
• Be an ambassador for the business and raise the profile of Executive Search by attending and participating in relevant industry events.
• Closely follow market trends and developments in order to identify resulting business opportunities. Act on development of these opportunities.
• Actively participate in Executive Search team initiatives, including knowledge sharing of best practices, development of junior team members, and broader organizational activities.
• Other duties as assigned

Measurables

• Manage between five to seven searches that are in various phases at any point throughout the year.
• Achieve positive quality ratings for all client survey results with a response rate of 80 percent or better.
• Meet delivery milestone for all searches, as agreed at engagement launch.
• Execute all searches according to the Jacobson documented search process.
• Demonstrate effective cross-sell skills and extend warm introductions to Professional Recruiting and Temporary Staffing team members.

BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS

• 10+ years of business experience
• Previous experience in insurance, executive search, talent acquisition or management consulting (2 to 3 preferred)
• Previous success working closely with senior executives in an advisory capacity
• Experience in assessing and evaluating candidates, either for own team or for other hiring authorities

DESIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Results-driven, self-initiator, learner
• Balanced perspective of high-quality service and process adherence
• Business savvy, composed, polished professional
• Interpersonal savvy; able to influence clients, candidates and internal team members
• Expertise in talent assessment, interviewing and documentation skills

The Jacobson Group is an Illinois based and equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

The Jacobson Group is the leading provider of talent to the insurance industry. For more than 50 years, Jacobson has been connecting insurance organizations with professionals at all levels across all industry verticals. Jacobson provides insurance talent solutions to support virtually any human capital need. We offer executive search and an array of staffing services including professional recruiting, temporary staffing and interim experts.