Changemakers in civil society organisations
Ebbinge specialises in identifying forward-thinking leaders for public and social institutions. We connect organisations with executive and supervisory leaders who set the strategic direction with agility and decisiveness in a dynamic landscape. With the right leadership, your organisation can maintain strength, drive meaningful impact, and ensure long-term success – now and in the future.
Trust the changemakers at Ebbinge
Civil society organisations (CSOs) face unique leadership challenges. One of the key challenges is striking the right balance between social impact and financial sustainability. Many leaders grapple with how to pursue their organisation’s social mission while ensuring sufficient revenue streams.
Attracting and retaining skilled professionals is another major obstacle. CSOs often struggle to compete with salaries in the private sector. In addition, the entrepreneurial nature of these organisations requires a rare combination of skills: employees must be both committed to the social mission and equipped with strong business acumen.
Building sustainable funding structures is also a critical priority. Many organisations remain heavily reliant on grants or donations. The challenge lies in generating more independent income through products or services while maintaining accessibility for their target groups. Securing investment can also be difficult, as traditional funders often struggle to understand the intersection of social impact and entrepreneurship.
Ebbinge helps you find leaders who know how to create forward momentum: decisive changemakers who make an immediate impact and deliver lasting transformation.
Finding the right leaders for civil society organisations
CSO leaders must navigate a diverse and complex landscape. They need to have a clear vision for their organisation and the ability to develop strategic plans that align with its mission. This requires seeing the bigger picture and adapting flexibly to societal changes.
Powerful communication skills are essential. Leaders must engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, donors, government bodies, and the wider community. They must be able to articulate their message clearly and persuasively, both internally and externally.
In addition, leading an entrepreneurial CSO requires deep empathy, both for the people the organisation serves and for the broader social issues it seeks to address. Leaders must be fully committed to the well-being of others and have the ability to drive positive social change.
How can we help you?
Get in touch with Niels van Tent. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Why choose Ebbinge for Executive Search and Interim Management?
Ebbinge has been helping boards at mid-sized and large organisations staff C-level leadership positions since 1982. We identify, connect, and develop the leaders of the future, working with entrepreneurial organisations across private equity, family businesses and the public sector. Our expertise spans multiple industries, focusing on private equity, family businesses, healthcare, NGOs and civil society organisations.
Why organisations trust Ebbinge:
- We connect organisations with leaders who have a strong moral compass, guided by purpose and values.
- Our approach focuses on essential leadership qualities, built on the Eight Principles of True Leadership to provide clarity in a complex world.
- Through our unique leadership network, we foster knowledge-sharing, self-reflection, and collaboration.
- With a holistic perspective on leadership challenges, we advise, connect, develop, and inspire to drive lasting impact.