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Role Description

The Associate Director leads core components of retained executive searches within our Technology Practice. This is a research-led role that includes candidate first-round interviews. You are responsible for:

• Defining the target market
• Conducting rigorous market mapping
• Building accurate, high-quality pipelines
• Engaging candidates directly through structured first-stage interviews
• Contributing to candidate assessment discussions and slate development

Associate Directors typically manage ~5 concurrent retained searches.

Searches are typically staffed with a three-person team, often including:

• Senior Partner
• Managing Director
• Associate Director

As the Associate Director, you lead research and market mapping, conduct first-round candidate interviews, and manage early-stage candidate development. You work directly with senior leadership on search strategy, target identification, and candidate evaluation.

Because teams are small and accountability is clear, scope and responsibility are visible. Progression from Associate Director to Director is based on demonstrated capability and readiness rather than tenure, and can occur more quickly than in larger, more layered search firms.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage ~5 concurrent retained searches with consistent quality and pace (approximately 12+ searches annually)
• Proven strength in research strategy and systematic market mapping
• Track record of building accurate target company lists and candidate pipelines, achieving 80%+ mapping accuracy
• Experience conducting first-round candidate interviews and contributing to structured candidate assessment
• Ability to independently draft client-ready materials with minimal edits
• Strong discipline in maintaining accurate search workflow within an ATS
• Experience supporting VP, SVP, or C-suite searches
• Technology search experience is helpful but not required
• Open to outstanding researchers from retained executive search firms with a strong interest in technology leadership markets
• Consideration for executive search researchers or recruiters from in-house teams supporting VP, SVP, or C-suite hiring within technology companies or large enterprises
• Demonstrated rigor in market mapping, structured candidate assessment, and executive-level engagement

Benefits

• Purpose-Driven Work: Join a team committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and giving back to the community by donating 10% of annual profits to support underserved youth and educational opportunities.
• Impactful Projects: Contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact clients’ organizations, communities, and the development of diverse leaders.
• Professional Growth: Gain exposure to various aspects of the business, with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and career advancement.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) match.
• Flexibility & Balance: Benefit from a flexible remote work environment, paid parental leave, and an office setup stipend to support your work-from-home needs.

Company Description

Modern Executive Solutions is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, national origin, age, disability status, veteran or military status, or caregiver status.

Please contact us at careers@modernexec.com if you need assistance completing this application.