Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications Ep 231: Improving the Nonprofit Talent Search (with Omar Lopez)
Jun 21, 2025
Omar Lopez, Principal at DRG Talent and Deputy Mayor of Ossining, is a talent search expert dedicated to helping nonprofits succeed. He discusses the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for clear communication and engaging job descriptions. Omar elaborates on connecting purpose with opportunity and shares insights on appealing to Gen Z candidates. He advocates for intentional hiring strategies that align with organizational missions, highlighting the importance of reducing turnover to foster a healthy workplace.
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Omar's Life and Career Shift
- Omar Lopez shifted focus at 30 from career goals to defining a meaningful life and work balance.
- He balances roles in executive search, local government, and family to fulfill diverse personal goals.
Clarify Goals First
- Start every search by clarifying what the organization is looking for and why.
- Clarify candidate goals too, to reduce confusion and improve recruitment alignment.
Targeted Job Descriptions
- Write job descriptions that specifically attract the right candidates and repel others.
- Avoid casting a wide net; target language to the ideal candidate for better alignment.