RFP20250201 AHA Executive Search Firm Services.pdf

February 19, 2025 Aurora Housing Authority – Colorado 2280 S. Xanadu Way, Aurora, CO 80014 | www.aurorahousing.org

RFP20250201 Executive Search Firm Aurora Housing Authority (AHA), a Colorado-based housing authority, seeks proposals for an executive search firm to assist the Board of Commissioners (Board) in recruiting the agency’s next Executive Director (ED). This RFP outlines the expectations and timeline for the scope of work. The Board seeks proposals from experienced and qualified search firms or consultants that have experience in executive searches, including experience with conducting successful CEO or executive director searches for nonprofit or government organizations of similar size and scope.

Firms also must have experience implementing equitable and inclusive sourcing and recruiting processes.

Scope of Services The selected firm will:

Work in close coordination with AHA’s Executive

Search Team, an ad-hoc committee of board and staff members charged with supporting the search

Provide an outline of recommendations for the search process and work with the Executive Search Team to implement a search process including, but not limited to, the development of a plan and timeline for recruitment, selection, and communications prioritizing equity and inclusion practices Meet with stakeholders to clarify and determine views regarding desirable qualifications, experience and characteristics of candidates Prepare a position description Perform an extensive search with a focus on local candidates, conducting all aspects of advertising and solicitation of candidate applications, to create a diverse pool of highly qualified individuals

Screen candidates, ensuring communication with all candidates who express interest in joining AHA Identify top qualified candidates Coordinate the interview process, including facilitating input and preparing summaries from conversations with staff and board members throughout the interview process Assist the Executive Search Team as requested in further review and identification of the highest qualified candidates and facilitate requests for additional information from candidates and references; conduct background screening Support the process of final negotiations that result in an accepted offer of employment

A successful search is one that results in the recruitment of a candidate that effectively meets all the job requirements, staff and board criteria and qualifications, and which receives approval for hire from the Board. The end of engagement will be marked by an accepted offer of employment. The Executive Search Team hopes to have a new ED in place no later than August 31, 2025.

RFP Submission Requirements Proposals shall be no more than six (6) pages and cover the following:

1. Organization Description: Brief history and summary of your firm and expertise. Please include a list of key personnel as well as consultant(s) proposed for this project along with the individual’s background and experience.

2. Recruitment Approach: Please tell us about the process you would go through to find a successful candidate. Detail how you will accomplish the above scope of work, including a clear delineation of what we should expect the firm to be responsible for and what you expect from AHA. Include what networks you are able to access on behalf of this search.

3. Deliverables: Identification of specific services to be provided including how success will be measured throughout the process.

4. Equity and Inclusion: Share experience, networks, and metrics recruiting diverse leaders.

Detail how you incorporate an equity lens and demonstrate inclusion throughout the search and selection process.

5. Proposed Timeline: Estimate the start and end dates for each phase of the search process.

6. Budget: Proposed cost along with a narrative description of what is included in this cost.

7. Past Performance: Information regarding the average number of years top candidates have remained on the job after placement, and replacement services if the selected individual resigns or is terminated within a certain time frame.

8. References: Provide two references: (1) A successful CEO search, where the executive has been with the organization for more than three years. Please provide contact information for both the executive and, if possible, the board member contact with whom the firm contracted. And (2) A recent (within the past 12 months) executive placement. Please provide contact information for both the executive and, if possible, the board member contact with whom the firm contracted.

Proposals must be sent electronically in a single PDF file to: tschaffter@aurorahousing.org, Subject Line:

RFP20250201 Executive Search Firm, by Monday, March 3, 2025 at 5:00pm MST. By submitting a proposal, the firm authorizes AHA to contact references to evaluate the firm’s qualifications for this project.

RFP Selection Process Timeline Proposals are due Monday, March 3, 2025 at 5:00pm MST, with a preferred start date no later than April 7, 2025.

RFP Proposal Evaluation Criteria All proposals will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:

1. Performance capability—the extent to which the proposal demonstrates the firm’s ability to provide the depth and breadth of experience, skills, knowledge and creativity generally required by this project.

2. Understanding of and commitment to AHA’s mission, values and objectives.

3. Demonstrated experience with similar-sized organizations.

4. Completeness and quality of response, including clear deliverables and reasonable approach.

5. Proposed cost and timeline.

6. References.

Top-rated candidates may be invited to interview with board and/or staff members. The selected consultant and AHA will then mutually discuss and refine the scope of work for the project and shall negotiate final conditions, compensation, and performance schedule for the subsequent contract to be executed.