THE POWER OF ALIGNMENT
Credibility. Capability. Caring. We bring this ethos to all that we do.
We listen deeply to our clients to align on a shared vision before the work begins. Then we follow an intentional, proven process that matches outstanding candidates to our client’s needs. Our partnership with our clients lays the foundation for identifying leaders that can make an impact immediately and carry you into the future.
We believe every client deserves a fresh slate of candidates for every search, one that is curated just for them. We map the market to find great candidates who have guided their organizations and teams to winning outcomes and are well-prepared for a new leadership role.
We help our clients meet their goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion and offer expertise, advising and clarity well beyond the time a leader accepts an offer.
“Doran Leadership Partners invested significant time in getting to know us, the business, the culture and the team. With their deep experience, they quickly crystallized the right CEO profile for the company’s future. The candidates they presented were outstanding, making our final decision a difficult one. At every step, it was evident that the DLP team genuinely cared about the long-term success of our portfolio company and its team. Their thoughtful approach helped us effectively navigate the delicate transition to the company’s first outside CEO.”
Zander Rutlin, PartnerMill City Capital (Minneapolis, MN)
Our Proprietary Process
DISCOVERY
- Broad organizational buy-in to the search process, thanks to in-depth stakeholder interviews and listening sessions
- Organization assessment that delivers deep insights into each client’s business, culture and aspirations
- Robust position specification that serves as a blueprint for current and future leadership needs
- Project roadmaps that provide clear processes and timelines
RESEARCH/MARKET MAPPING
- Strategic industry and sector mapping to identify top talent pools
- Fresh, tailored research for every engagement
- State-of-the-art, AI-enabled research tools, along with a robust, proprietary database
- Early compensation advisory that is current and market-based
CANDIDATE
CULTIVATION
- Curated pools of candidates from targeted sectors driven by systematic sourcing and outreach
- Polished, knowledgeable representation in the marketplace delivered by experienced, senior level professionals
- Higher rates of passive candidate engagement
- Diverse slates of candidates
CANDIDATE
EVALUATION
- Highly qualified finalist pools of candidates
- Multi-dimensional candidate vetting spanning experience, leadership competencies and cultural alignment
- Best-in-class candidate experiences that are developmental, caring and transparent
- 360-degree view of candidates incorporating professional references and leadership assessment
REGULAR
COMMUNICATIONS
- Resolute commitment to transparency and partnership as demonstrated through regular updates, team availability and in-depth, balanced candidate materials
- Structured onboarding support to ensure smoother assimilation of new leaders
Candidate Experience
Openness. Transparency. Care.
Our beliefs and values inform all of our interactions with candidates. We want candidates to feel like they have been treated with respect and have grown professionally as a result of working with us.
“The team at Doran Partners was wonderful throughout the entire process. All aspects of the search were handled professionally, from timely communications to thoughtful prep and debrief conversations. Everyone was simply delightful and so very supportive.”
Paul Babcock, Chief Executive Officer & PresidentMacPhail Center for Music (Minneapolis, MN)
Current Searches
The following represent many of the current executive searches underway. If you are a candidate interested in one of these positions, please submit your resume using the button under the listing.
Vice President, Southwest Construction
Our client, a large, family-owned capital equipment dealer, is seeking a Vice President to oversee the strategic direction and all operations of its multi‑location Southwest region, including Arizona and Southern California. This leader will guide a management team of nine and a total team of 300+ to ensure strong execution, continued operational excellence and profitable growth. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in multi‑site operations, a strong understanding of the dealership model and the urgency and hands‑on leadership approach needed to drive alignment, performance and growth.
Chief Financial Officer
Our client, a Minnesota-based asset management firm, is seeking a Chief Financial Officer who will report to and partner with the founder and CEO/CIO to continue the organization’s trajectory of success and growth. The ideal candidate will be a strategic finance leader who brings experience in investment management, fund accounting and administrative functions, and team and team member development.
Chief Information Officer
Our client, a large, family enterprise located in the upper Midwest, is seeking a Chief Information Officer to lead technology strategy and execution across a diversified, multi-state organization. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic leader who builds trust quickly and helps organizations evolve with clarity, cohesion and sustained momentum. They will have extensive leadership experience and 15+ years in progressive technology roles within complex or large diversified companies. This role offers the chance to modernize platforms, elevate data and digital capabilities and support the unique needs of each business unit.
Vice President, Sales, Performing Arts & Controls
Our client is an industry-leading, highly innovative family-owned manufacturer of building products and solutions. Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President of Sales, Performing Arts & Controls will drive sustained revenue growth across the Performing Arts & Controls portfolio, leading a team of experts selling into the construction ecosystem. The ideal candidate will bring extensive sales leadership experience and proven success selling through specification channels (architects, consultants, contractors).
Family Office – Director, Investment Operations
Reporting to the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), The Director of Investment Operations is a new position that supports a growing family office in suburban Minneapolis. This family office provides investment advisory, financial management, trust administration, accounting and tax services for multiple generations. The Director of Investment Operations will lead a small team responsible for building out and optimizing the investment infrastructure.
Chief Financial Officer
Located in Minnesota, our client is a leading private equity-backed provider of best-in-class behavioral health services. This organization is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to be the strategic and operational partner to the CEO and interact closely with the rest of the leadership team to ensure organizational operations fully support the clinical care and business strategies of the business.
“Doran Leadership Partners brings us so much more than great candidates. They are a true partner in organization development and help us chart the course for future growth and success.”
Johannes Burlin, Co-Founder and Co-CEOTilia Holdings, (Chicago, IL)
