Executive Search Firm - Chief Equity Officer / CM

The City of Worcester issued an RFP (8009‑W3) seeking a national executive‑search firm to conduct a full‑service recruitment for a new Chief Equity Officer who will sit on the City Manager’s Cabinet. The firm must manage every phase of the search—including position profiling, outreach, candidate vetting, interview logistics, background checks, and negotiation—while providing regular status reports and a contingency plan if the search fails. Preference was given to minority‑ and women‑owned businesses, but the contract was ultimately awarded to GovHR USA as the most advantageous proposal. • Scope: Complete end‑to‑end executive search for a senior DEI leader (Chief Equity Officer). • Requirements: Minimum 5 years executive‑search experience, at least five regional engagements in the Northeast, two prior municipal executive‑level searches in Massachusetts, and appropriate professional liability insurance. • Compensation: Vendor to propose a firm‑fixed maximum fee (percentage of a $130 k salary or a fixed amount) plus itemized ancillary costs; no set budget disclosed. • Timeline: Proposals due May 24 2023; award immediate; hired officer expected to start onboarding in Fall 2023.