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Hire Top Talent

Submit your open role in about two minutes and hear back from a recruiter within one business day. Most searches reach a vetted finalist shortlist in three to five weeks.

1A recruiter responds within one business day
2Vetted finalist shortlist in three to five weeks
3Retained search across five specialist practices since 2007
4No cost and no obligation to start the conversation
Follow Us

Prefer to talk now? +1 (828) 417 7094

Start your search

Tell us about the role. It takes about two minutes.

Attach a current job description if you have one. PDF or Word, up to 5 MB.

We respond within one business day. No cost or obligation to start the conversation.

Thank you. Your role is on its way.

A member of our team will be in touch within one business day. Prefer to talk now? Call +1 (828) 417 7094.

2007
Established
1
Business Day to Respond
3 to 5 wks
To Finalist Shortlist
5.0 ★
Google Rating
What Happens Next

From submit to shortlist, step by step

1

Submit your role

Use the short form above. Share as much or as little as you have; we fill in the rest on the call.

Takes about 2 minutes
2

We respond in one business day

A recruiter reaches out to confirm the details and scope a retained search built around your role.

Within 1 business day
3

Shortlist in three to five weeks

We source, approach, and vet candidates directly, then present a finalist shortlist for your review.

Finalists in 3 to 5 weeks
Our Practices

Recruiting Across Five Specialist Practices

Not sure where your role fits? Submit it above and we will route it to the right team. Or jump straight to a practice.

Higher Education

Presidents, provosts, deans, and senior administrators for colleges, universities, and trade schools.

Explore Higher Education →

Healthcare

Executives, physicians, CRNAs, nurse leaders, and allied health for hospitals and health programs.

Explore Healthcare →

Financial Services

CFOs, private equity and VC, investment banking, and blockchain talent.

Explore Financial Services →

Government

City and county managers, directors, and senior leaders for state and local government.

Explore Government →

Temporary Staffing

Vetted contract, temp-to-hire, and interim professionals across all four sectors.

Explore Temporary Staffing →
The Model

What Is a Retained Search?

Retained Search The Excelon Model

One firm, full commitment

In a retained search the firm works exclusively on your role and manages the entire process, including direct outreach to passive candidates.

Fee25 to 30% of first-year compensation, billed in thirds as the search progresses
EngagementExclusive; one firm accountable for the outcome
OutreachDirect approach to passive, currently employed high performers
Best ForSenior, hard-to-fill, and confidential searches
Contingency Search

Pay only on the hire

Contingency recruiters compete to submit resumes and are paid only if their candidate is hired, which tends to favor speed over depth.

Fee20 to 25% of first-year compensation, due only when a candidate is hired
EngagementNon-exclusive; multiple recruiters may compete on the role
OutreachLeans on active applicants and fast resume submission
Best ForStraightforward roles where speed matters most
Compare
Retained vs. Contingent Search
→ Pricing
Executive Search Fees Guide
→ Data
2026 Search Benchmarks
→ Process
Step-by-Step Search Process
→ Proof
Recent Campaigns
→
Questions

Quick Answers Before You Reach Out

How do I start a search with Excelon Associates?
Submit the short form on this page, or call us at +1 (828) 417-7094. A recruiter responds within one business day to learn about the role and scope the search.
How fast will I hear back?
Within one business day. As soon as you submit your role, a member of our team reaches out to confirm the details and outline next steps.
How long does a search take?
Most retained searches present a vetted finalist shortlist in three to five weeks, depending on the role, seniority, and market.
Which sectors does Excelon Associates recruit for?
Higher education, healthcare, financial services, and government, plus temporary and contract staffing across all four of those sectors.
Is there any cost or obligation to reach out?
No. Submitting your role and having the first conversation are free with no obligation. Retained search is a paid engagement, and we walk you through the fee structure when we scope the role, before you commit to anything.
What information do you need to start a search?
To begin we only need your name, contact details, and the role you are hiring for. We build the full role profile, requirements, compensation range, and timeline together on the first call.
What is the difference between retained search and contingency recruiting?
In a retained search the firm works exclusively on your role and manages the entire process, including direct outreach to passive candidates. Contingency recruiters compete to submit resumes and are paid only if their candidate is hired, which tends to favor speed over depth.
Can you run a confidential or replacement search?
Yes. We regularly handle confidential searches, including quietly replacing someone currently in a role, and manage every step discreetly to protect both the client and the candidates.

Ready to Start? Submit Your Role.

Tell us about your open role and a recruiter will be in touch within one business day. No cost and no obligation to start the conversation.

Prefer to talk? Call +1 (828) 417 7094

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