Functional specialization and expertise

DSG Fundraising & Advancement

As the only full-service, top 10 executive search firm that offers a dedicated practice for senior-level search in fundraising and advancement, DSG Fundraising & Advancement is primed to build the high-impact teams that are determining the success of many U.S. 501(c)(3)s.

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The DSG Fundraising & Advancement difference

DSG Fundraising & Advancement ensures searches are optimized on an enterprise-wide scale through a systematic, strategic approach and are further supported by the firm’s global networks and extraordinary reach. The practice brings 25 years of firsthand frontline fundraising and executive experience for nonprofits, academic institutions, and healthcare entities, as well as a deep understanding of best practices and trends in fundraising roles and the philanthropic field at large. Our proven track record includes successfully placing Chief Development Officers, Chief Advancement Officers, and other key fundraising leaders, as well as their direct reports. Nearly all our team members have worked side by side for more than the past decade, building the kind of cohesion and consistency that drives exceptional outcomes.

  • Firsthand Fundraising Experience

    Our team members have experience serving as frontline fundraisers and executives for nonprofit and academic organizations themselves, giving them key insight into the qualities and skills necessary to be successful as a modern development and advancement professional.

  • Strong Ties to Leaders of Color

    For the fourth consecutive year, we have been featured on the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy’s list of “Top Search Firms for Women of Color” —a reflection of our commitment to expanding leadership pathways at the highest levels.

  • Cross-Sector Reach in the Nonprofit Space

    When you work with our team, you benefit from the collective insight of our partners across healthcare, education, and the entire nonprofit ecosystem. Each placement reflects not only our sector-specific expertise, but also the best practices we’ve cultivated across industries.

  • Access to Tomorrow's Leaders

    For nonprofits especially, succession planning can determine long-term success. We build future leadership pipelines by taking on a select number of senior searches beyond Chief Development and Advancement roles and staying connected with rising talent.

The sectors we serve

  • Arts and Culture
  • Environment and Conservation
  • Foundations and Philanthropy
  • Global NGOs
  • Social Justice and Advocacy
  • Social Services
  • Associations and Membership Societies
  • Education
  • Healthcare

  • Arts and Culture

    We partner with leading arts and cultural institutions, including art, history, science, and children’s museums, botanical gardens and conservancies, performing arts organizations, associations advancing the arts, and the funders that support this work.

  • Environment and Conservation

    We partner with environmental and conservation organizations supporting hyper-local, national, and global spaces, and whose focus areas span environmental justice, policy, advocacy, wildlife protection, climate, and energy.

  • Foundations and Philanthropy

    We have a long history of engaging with clients in public, private, and family foundations. We understand the philanthropic sector and how to best support funders and their constituents through leadership transitions.

  • Global NGOs

    The need for strategic leaders who can communicate and solutionize across geographical and interpersonal borders is more critical than ever. Our clients span NGOs to global foundations addressing human rights, food and water security, refugee support, and so much more.

  • Social Justice and Advocacy

    We are proud of our long history partnering with social justice and advocacy organizations around the country working to protect and uplift marginalized voices and communities. Our clients in this space are creating systemic change across a range of issues, including racial justice, gender equality, criminal justice, economic justice, immigration and refugee rights, and environmental justice. We fill senior philanthropic roles with leaders who maximize organizational impact.

  • Social Services

    We have extensive experience in the social services sector, with clients who address homelessness, hunger, nutrition and food insecurity, accessibility, and health equity. We partner with funders of these initiatives to discover transformational leaders across a spectrum of roles.

  • Associations and Membership Societies

    Great associations thrive on connection. That’s why we secure fundraising leaders who can turn shared purpose into lasting impact—fueling resources, building relationships, and driving results.

  • Education

    In education, fundraising leadership defines possibility. We ensure you find the right advancement leader to help your organization thrive today and tomorrow.

  • Healthcare

    With deep expertise in healthcare fundraising, we help hospitals and health systems secure the right fundraising leaders to drive innovation, fuel growth, and ensure lifesaving care for the communities they serve.

Current Opportunities

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A specialized team

We've diversified the talent on our team to provide first-hand insight into how to build yours.

Our People
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Forge your future here

We customize every engagement to drive measurable results aligned with your business goals.

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