Executive Search Associate

Executive Search Associate

• Location: Ada / Grand Rapids, MI
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid
• Compensation: $50,000–$55,000 base + incentives + benefits

Build a Career in Executive Search

WilliamCharles Executive Search is looking for an Executive Search Associate to join our Grand Rapids team. This is a great opportunity for someone early in their career who is interested in recruiting, sales, research, or relationship development and wants to learn the executive search business from an experienced team.

You'll work directly with recruiters and firm leadership while gaining exposure to both sides of our business: identifying and engaging talented professionals and supporting the business development efforts that lead to new client relationships. This isn't a traditional administrative or scheduling role. Coordination is part of the job, but we're looking for someone who enjoys connecting with people, is curious about business, isn't afraid to pick up the phone, and wants to take on more responsibility as they grow.

What You'll Do

You'll support both the recruiting and business development sides of WilliamCharles, giving you exposure to how an executive search firm finds talent, develops relationships, and grows its business.

Candidate Engagement & Recruiting

• Identify and engage prospective candidates through LinkedIn, email, and phone
• Generate interest in career opportunities and connect qualified candidates with our recruiting team
• Coordinate candidate conversations and client interviews while maintaining communication throughout the process
• Research talent markets and take on greater recruiting responsibility as you develop

Business Development & Research

• Research target companies, decision-makers, industries, and potential business opportunities
• Build and maintain prospect lists and support outreach and email marketing campaigns
• Prepare research and materials for business development conversations
• Support special projects and firm initiatives as needed

What We're Looking For

You don't need previous executive search experience.

We're looking for someone who

• Communicates confidently and enjoys connecting with people
• Is comfortable starting conversations by phone, email, and LinkedIn
• Is curious, organized, and enjoys researching companies and people
• Takes initiative, follows through, and works with a sense of urgency
• Wants coaching, increased responsibility, and an opportunity to grow

Experience in recruiting, sales, customer service, business development, or another relationship-driven environment is helpful, but not required.

How We Work

We believe people learn faster when they have access to the people they're learning from. You'll spend your first month approximately four days per week in our Ada office , working closely with the team and learning the business. After onboarding, the role will transition to a hybrid schedule of approximately two to three days per week in the office .

Where This Can Lead

We're hiring for today's needs, but we're also thinking about where this person can go. You'll gain exposure to executive recruiting, candidate development, business development, client relationships, and how an executive search firm operates. As you develop, there will be opportunities to take on more responsibility based on your strengths and interests.

If you're looking for a role where you can learn the business, contribute quickly, and build a career rather than simply perform a list of tasks, we'd like to meet you!