Public sector executive search and recruitment
Department-head and senior leadership search for cities, counties, districts and colleges. Wider candidate pools, faster shortlists and clear fees.
Leadership searches that reach beyond the job board
The strongest candidates for a public works director or a CIO role are usually employed and not looking. Posting and waiting reaches only the active few.
Konnex runs research-led searches. Our dedicated sourcing team maps sitting leaders in comparable jurisdictions, contacts them directly and screens for fit with your community, your council and your budget.
You get a candidate pool report, a recommended slate and finalist support. You stay in control of every decision.
A typical search schedule
An example. We set the real dates with you at kickoff.
- 1Weeks 1 to 2
Kickoff and profile
Meet with your council, board or hiring authority. Agree the profile, schedule and pay range.
- 2Weeks 2 to 6
Outreach
Research and direct outreach to sitting leaders, plus advertising where you want it.
- 3Weeks 6 to 9
Screening
Structured interviews, references and a candidate pool report with a recommended slate.
- 4Weeks 9 onward
Finalists and offer
Finalist interviews on your schedule, background checks and offer support.
Board and council approval steps can add time. We plan around your meeting calendar.
US-based. Every placement.
Every professional we place with a public agency lives in the US and is authorized to work here. Work for your agency happens in the US, and your data stays in the US.
Read our delivery and compliance commitmentsCommon questions
Plain answers for hiring managers, HR and procurement. Still unsure? Ask us directly.
What roles do you search for?
Department heads and senior leaders: directors of IT, finance, public works, utilities and HR, assistant city and county managers, CIOs and CISOs, and senior district and college administrators.
How long does a search take?
We agree a staged schedule with you before we start, based on your board or council calendar. Senior public searches usually run over several months.
How do you charge?
A fixed fee paid in stages, quoted in your format. No percentage surprises at the end.
Can you respond to our RFP for search services?
Yes. Add us to your bidders list or send the solicitation, and we will respond.
Do you work alongside our HR team or another search firm?
Yes. We can run the full search, or act as the sourcing and research partner to your HR team.
Before you buy
The 3 pages procurement teams ask for most.
Planning a leadership search?
Tell us the role and your timeline. We will send a proposal with schedule and fees.