Search & Research Associate: People for Purpose

People for Purpose; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

People for Purpose is seeking a Search & Research Associate to join our executive and board search practice. You will own the research phase—from market maps to longlisting, outreach, and early engagement. Build high-quality, diverse talent pools and generate market intelligence to add value beyond individual assignments.

The role is a flexible part-time position (approx. 2–3 days per week) with an initial 3–6 month engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in executive search or recruitment research.
• Familiarity with not-for-profit sector is welcomed but not essential.
• Strong written communication and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the research phase of search assignments from market mapping to longlisting.
• Conduct candidate outreach and early engagement with potential candidates.
• Proactively build diverse talent pools and market intelligence.
• Collaborate with consultants across assignments and shifting priorities.
• Utilise tools to improve search quality while maintaining human judgement.

Skills

Research

Communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Tools

LinkedIn Recruiter

JobAdder

AI-enabled platforms

Job description

Search & Research Associate: People for Purpose

At People for Purpose, we believe strong leadership and effective governance are fundamental to creating lasting social impact.

Working across executive search, board search and governance advisory, we partner with purpose-driven organisations to identify exceptional leaders, strengthen decision-making and build the leadership capability they need to maximise their impact.

Our work is underpinned by trusted relationships, professional excellence and a genuine commitment to the for-purpose sector.

We are looking for an experienced Search & Research Associate to become an integral part of our executive and board search practice.

Working closely with our consultants, you will take ownership of the research phase of search assignments—from developing market maps and identifying exceptional candidates through to longlisting, candidate outreach and early-stage engagement. You will also proactively build high-quality, diverse talent pools and develop market intelligence that creates value beyond individual assignments.

You will be naturally curious about people and leadership, enjoy connecting the dots and have the persistence to uncover outstanding and emerging talent who may not be immediately obvious. You will bring strong written communication, attention to detail and the confidence to work independently across multiple assignments and shifting priorities. Previous experience in executive search, recruitment research or a related research-intensive role is important; familiarity with the not-for-profit sector is welcomed but not essential.

Technology is an important part of how we work. You will be comfortable using tools such as LinkedIn Recruiter, JobAdder and AI-enabled platforms to improve the quality, efficiency and insight of search, while recognising that technology enhances rather than replaces sound judgement and human connection.

This is a flexible part-time opportunity, averaging approximately 2–3 days per week, with flexibility to distribute hours across the month according to active search assignments and agreed priorities.

We are open to either a contractor or part-time employment arrangement, with an initial engagement of approximately 3–6 months and the opportunity to continue. The role can be undertaken flexibly between working from home and our Sydney CBD office.

Applications close at 3pm on Saturday, 10 October 2026.