On-Ramps Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2006, On-Ramps is a full-service search and consulting firm dedicated to serving mission-driven organizations within the social sector. The company's mission is to place exceptional leaders, champion equitable and inclusive talent practices, and support organizations in achieving transformational impact. On-Ramps operates with core values centered around equity, service, integrity, collaboration, and balance. Over the past 18 years, the firm has developed a rigorous candidate recruitment and selection process, resulting in a track record of successful placements that make a lasting impact on their respective organizations.

Key Strategic Focus

On-Ramps specializes in recruiting for mid to senior-level management positions across various functional areas within the social sector. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including nonprofit recruiting and executive search, nonprofit CEO and executive director recruiting, and nonprofit talent consulting services. A significant aspect of their strategic focus is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which is integrated into every step of their search process. This commitment is reflected in their efforts to build diverse candidate pipelines and design selection processes that mitigate bias and are inclusive to candidates of all backgrounds.

Financials and Funding

As of October 2024, On-Ramps reported annual revenue of $3.8 million. The firm has raised a total of $350,000 in funding over one round.

Technological Platform and Innovation

On-Ramps leverages a proprietary network comprising over 268,000 professionals, enabling them to access a broad and diverse talent pool. The firm employs a dedicated team of Research Specialists who utilize advanced research methodologies to identify and engage transformative candidates. This includes developing candidate archetypes and employing strategies such as examining conferences, events, speaker series, podcasts, and political appointments to identify potential candidates.

Leadership Team

On-Ramps is led by a team of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds:

Sarah Grayson, Co-Founder and Partner, brings over 25 years of experience in human capital consulting and people management. She has a strong focus on creating change and impact, with experience as a strategy consultant and Head of HR.

Michelle Kedem, Co-Founder and Partner, has extensive experience in executive search and consulting within the social sector. She has successfully led numerous searches and consulting engagements, helping organizations build effective teams.

Harry Weiner, Founding Partner, has over 20 years of experience in executive search. He oversees the firm's infrastructure, including operations, technology, and legal aspects, and supports continuous improvements in the search process.

Nakia James-Jenkins, Partner, has held leadership positions across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, focusing on people and culture development. She leads searches and advises clients on best practices in recruitment and hiring, with a strong emphasis on DEI.

Robert Mayer, Partner, has a background in executive search and consulting, with experience in both the private and social sectors. He leads client engagements and contributes to the firm's strategic initiatives.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The executive search and consulting industry serving the social sector is characterized by a growing demand for leaders who can drive social change and organizational effectiveness. Organizations are increasingly seeking partners who can provide access to diverse talent pools and implement equitable hiring practices.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the space include:

Battalia Winston: With 33 employees and revenue of $5.7 million, Battalia Winston offers executive search services across various industries, including the nonprofit sector.

Ralph Andersen & Associates: Employing 27 staff members and generating $18.8 million in revenue, this firm specializes in public sector executive recruitment.

Spelman Johnson: With 48 employees and $13.3 million in revenue, Spelman Johnson focuses on higher education executive search.

Analytic Recruiting Inc: This firm has 40 employees and $4 million in revenue, specializing in data analytics and technology recruitment.

J. Patrick & Associates, Inc: Employing 23 staff members and generating $17.2 million in revenue, this firm focuses on technology and telecommunications executive search.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

On-Ramps has established partnerships with a diverse range of mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises. These collaborations have enabled the firm to deepen its understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the social sector, thereby enhancing its ability to deliver tailored and effective search and consulting services.

Operational Insights

On-Ramps differentiates itself through a combination of deep sector expertise, a commitment to DEI, and a rigorous, competency-based search process. The firm's proprietary network and dedicated research team enable it to identify and engage candidates who are not only qualified but also aligned with the mission and values of client organizations. This approach has resulted in a high rate of repeat clients and successful, lasting placements.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, On-Ramps is poised to expand its impact by continuing to refine its search processes, deepen its commitment to DEI, and leverage technology to enhance candidate identification and engagement. The firm is also exploring opportunities to broaden its service offerings, including leadership development and organizational consulting, to further support the success of mission-driven organizations.