Surfer riding a wave, Nova Scotia
For candidates

every move matters.

Your career runs for decades. The next step in it deserves more than a quick yes.

We see potential

your next role should be chosen, not just accepted.

Too many moves happen reactively. An opportunity lands in your inbox and suddenly you're interviewing. We slow that down. We help you understand what you actually want, then find the role that fits it, not the other way around.

Honest counsel

We'll tell you if it's not the right fit, even if it's our search.

Our job is to protect your long-term trajectory, not to fill a role. If something doesn't line up, we'll say so before you resign.

Real preparation

You'll walk into every conversation ready.

We don't just send the job description. We brief you on the team, the leader, the culture, and what they're actually evaluating for.

Your advocate

Someone in your corner when it matters most.

Offer negotiations are uncomfortable. We handle them on your behalf, firmly, fairly, and without burning the relationship before day one.

Confidentiality

Your search stays yours until you're ready.

We don't shop your resume. We don't move without your permission. You control the pace and the disclosure, always.

From the people we've placed

what they say after the dust settles.

He makes you feel seen, like the work really matters.
Placed candidate, Director level, 2025
Scott's empathy and directness helped me make the right move, not just the easy one.
Placed candidate, VP level, 2025
What we believe

the right move is rarely the obvious one.

Selected searches

a sense of the work, by the work.

Representative mandates across sectors, from development to finance to operations.

Director, Marketing & Communications

Marketing Executive search
2023

Director of Finance

Finance Executive search
2024

Manager, Internal Communications

Communications Professional search
2024

Director of Development

Nonprofit & fund development Executive search
2025

Director, People & Culture

Human resources Executive search
2024

Executive Vice President, Business Development

Professional services Retained search
2023
Submit your CV

let's get to know you.

Not ready to apply to a specific role? Send your CV and a short note. We keep it confidential and reach out when the right search comes in.

Your information is shared only with Hawthorne Recruitment and used solely for this inquiry.

cv received.

Thank you. We review every submission personally and will be in touch, one way or another.

Quietly exploring

no rush. just the right conversation.

If you'd rather talk before sending anything, we'd like that. Tell us what you do and what you'd want next, and we'll keep it confidential.

Questions first? Read the FAQ →