At Blair Search Partners, we are dedicated to matching exceptional individuals with mission-driven organizations to amplify their impact on communities.
Our Project Impact series highlights candidates who have recently been placed in pivotal roles, showcasing their experiences and the influence they bring to their organizations.
Today, we’re excited to feature Anne Middleton, Associate Director at WILDCOAST.
Meet Anne Middleton
Anne Middleton brings a wealth of experience in conservation and environmental policy to her role at WILDCOAST. With a strong background in building and refining operational systems, Anne has been instrumental in strengthening the organization’s fieldwork infrastructure and developing new salary structures to enhance employee retention and satisfaction.
When Anne discovered the Associate Director position at WILDCOAST, she was drawn to the opportunity to tap into her expertise in environmental policy and organizational development. While she was in a role that she loved at the time, Anne was intrigued by the potential to drive impactful change at WILDCOAST, especially given their focus on conservation and rewilding, that it warranted further exploration and consideration.
A Human-Centered Approach to Recruitment
At Blair Search Partners, we understand that life and work are interconnected. Anne’s recruitment experience with BSP was marked by thoughtful consideration of her personal and professional needs.
Anne reflects, “The recruitment process was incredibly supportive. The recruiter I worked with, Katie Do, was always checking in, answering questions, and providing guidance tailored to my needs. The thoughtful approach made the process comfortable and engaging, despite being a very busy period in my professional life.”
Our personalized approach helped Anne feel prepared and confident throughout the interview process. We know that considering a change in roles is a very big decision for leaders to make and we aim to make sure the process is supportive from beginning to end.
Making an Impact
In her first year at WILDCOAST, Anne has already made a significant impact in enhancing the organization’s operations and strategic initiatives. She has played a crucial role in hiring a Senior Director of Conservation Rewilding and implementing a new salary structure to improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
“One of my strengths is asking the right questions,” Anne said. “For me, asking the right questions is the secret sauce to all problem solving.”
Upon joining WILDCOAST, one of the first things Anne did was meet with every member of the team one-on-one and get a sense of whether the expectations of them were clear, what they would change about their role if they had a magic wand, and how she could support them in doing their best work. These questions opened up lines of communication across the organization and identified some areas where Anne could create impact right away.
What’s Next
Anne’s vision for the future includes further refining WILDCOAST’s operational models and expanding the organization’s geographical reach. Additionally, she aims to dedicate more time to policy work, leveraging her expertise to influence environmental policy at local, state, and international levels.
One of Anne’s proudest achievements has been her involvement in applying for a major $20 million grant, a significant milestone for WILDCOAST. If selected for this grant, it could have a transformative impact on their conservation efforts, further supporting the organization’s mission to protect and restore natural habitats.
Choosing Blair Search Partners
When asked about her experience with BSP, Anne expressed appreciation for the thorough and supportive recruitment process.
“Blair Search Partners’ approach was exceptionally organized and considerate,” she said. “The team provided valuable insights and guidance throughout the process, which made a big difference.”
Anne’s experience underscores the value of partnering with BSP to find the right fit for both the candidate and the organization. Our commitment to a detailed and personalized recruitment process ensures that our placements drive meaningful impact and align with organizational goals from day one.
We congratulate Anne on her remarkable achievements with WILDCOAST and look forward to seeing her continued success in the years ahead!
If your organization is striving to make a difference by hiring a team of changemakers, or an individual looking for your next career move in the nonprofit sector, visit us at blairsearchpartners.com and let’s see what we can do together.
We’d love to help you find your next great hire.