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Duffy Group, Inc.
Statement of Interest
to
Town of Prescott Valley
October 3, 2023
Duffy Group, Inc.
Proposal for Recruitment Services
Town Manager
Town of Wickenburg
January 8, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WE WANT TO PARTNER WITH YOU ..................................................................... 3
DUFFY GROUP DIFFERENCE ................................................................................ 4
RECRUITMENT EXPERTS ...................................................................................... 5
DUFFY GROUP METHODOLOGY .......................................................................... 7
KATHLEEN DUFFY ............................................................................................... 9
MELISSA BARKER .............................................................................................. 10
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE ............................................................................ 11
FLEXIBLE PRICING MODEL ................................................................................. 12
REFERENCES..…………………………………………………………………………………………………..13
RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS.……………………………………………………………………..………..13
Duffy Group, Inc.
3
WE WANT TO PARTNER WITH YOU
Dear Tarah,
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce Duffy Group’s Recruitment Research Process and submit this
proposal for consideration for your Town Manager search. In today’s competitive talent landscape, it’s critical
you have the means to target passive candidates and retain the “rolodex of candidates” to hire today and in
the future.
For over 30 years, Duffy Group has partnered with internal Human Resource Directors and Councils to
complement their recruiting processes and secure the best talent available. Duffy Group approaches the
market with a methodology to find qualified candidates through market research and analysis, candidate
screening, and comprehensive candidate interviews. Duffy Group brings to a strategic partnership:
1.
Industry Expertise – Our Practice Leaders have extensive knowledge and experience in public-sector
recruiting. Our recruiters understand industry requirements, trends, and challenges, which allows them to
identify top performers.
2.
Extensive Candidate Network – We have spent years building a vast network of candidates, including
passive candidates and individuals with niche skill sets. As a strategic partner, you can tap into a pool of
talent that may not be accessible through traditional recruitment channels.
3.
Streamlined Recruitment Process—Our efficient recruitment process ensures we reach out to Town
Managers and Assistant Town Managers from like-to-like communities and do not rely solely on applicants
responding to the custom brochure we create.
4.
Access to Innovative Tools and Technologies – We keep pace with recruitment technology and
strategies. The competitive data we gather gives you access to what your competitors are doing and paying.
5.
Cost Savings and Flexibility—We provide an economical solution that saves government agencies over
traditional recruiting firms. Engaging with us ensures you avoid a hefty investment in building and maintaining
an internal sourcing team. You can leverage our expertise to scale up or down your recruiting activity.
6.
Proven Track Record – We have a strong reputation for delivering successful recruitment outcomes,
with 76% of our clients coming from referrals and recommendations.
A strategic partnership has many advantages. We’d love to support your recruiting goals, and I am confident it
will yield positive results and long-term success.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Duffy
President and CEO
Duffy Group, Inc.
Melissa Barker
VP Practice Development
Duffy Group, Inc.
Duffy Group, Inc.
4
DUFFY GROUP DIFFERENCE
Recruitment Research:
Until 1991, there was only one recruiting model, and it was based on only
one variable: compensation. Today, that concept seems almost quaint. Of
course, compensation is a key criterion, but there is so much more that goes
into a perfect match between employer and candidate.
The “more” is the foundation of Duffy Group’s Recruitment Research model.
Developed in 1991 and constantly evolving, it delivers real-world, actionable
knowledge to employers and guides the Duffy Group to unearth hidden
talent. Our approach, combined with a flexible pricing model that enables
clients to pay only for services performed, is the core of the Duffy philosophy:
to be a vigilant steward of clients’ recruiting dollars and serve as a virtual
extension of the client’s team.
Our rigorous and comprehensive recruitment process is designed to both
streamline the process and ensure the delivery of optimal candidates. The
result? Searches that reveal interested, qualified candidates quickly and that
save employers over traditional recruiting fees.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Duffy Group represents and recruits for
national and international clients across a variety of industries. One of its
main practice areas is public sector. Its extensive network allows Duffy Group
to source candidates throughout the United States.
Duffy Group, Inc.
5
RECRUITMENT EXPERTS
Duffy Group is an executive recruitment firm with special expertise in identifying “passive” talent. Duffy Group is a
certified woman-owned business that has redefined traditional recruitment to offer our clients a customized
approach to search for key roles, whether at the executive or middle management levels.
Our deep and long-lasting recruiting experience, spanning over 30 years, includes individual contributor roles to the C-
Suite. Melissa Barker, VP Practice Development, would be the town's primary contact to recruit, interview, and
negotiate with the final candidate(s).
The engine behind our VP Practice Development is a team of well-trained, passionate recruiters familiar with public
sector recruiting who conduct research and initial candidate outreach. Our Recruiters know how to locate candidates in
new, unusual, and non-traditional places. They provide the insulation and confidentiality needed to reduce the number
of unqualified or unsolicited inquiries to our clients. Their expertise enables them to establish relationships with
candidates quickly and extract accurate information, ensuring the focus of the search is on the most qualified
candidates.
Duffy Group has demonstrated an ability to make successful hires. Our metrics-driven organization tracks retention rates
with a follow-up to placed candidates and clients.
Examples of roles we have recently filled or are working on in the public sector are listed below:
Company
Positions
City of Sedona, AZ
City Manager
Chief Building Official
Finance Director
City of Cottonwood, AZ
City Manager
Town of Paradise Valley, AZ
Town Manager
Director of Human Resources
City Engineer
Victim Advocate
City of Littleton, CO
Chief Building Official
Community Development Director
Public Works Director
City of Gunnison, CO
Utilities Manager
Procurement, Contracts, & Grants Manager
Construction Project Manager
Town of Payson, AZ
Chief Building Official
Assistant City Engineer
City of Flagstaff, AZ
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney
City Engineer
City of Tempe, AZ
City Clerk
City of Prescott, AZ
Public Works Director
Deputy Director Engineering
Community Development Director
City of Surprise, AZ
Civil Engineer
Duffy Group, Inc.
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Maricopa County, AZ
Director of Animal Care & Control
City of Page, AZ
Assistant City Attorney
City of Carefree, AZ
City Engineer
Santa Clara County, CA
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Finance Director
Information Architect
Data and Analytics Manager
IT Project Manager
Regulatory Liaison
Senior Management Analyst
Strategic Improvement Director
Contra Costa County, CA
Director of Personnel
Human Resources Officer
Director of Facilities and Planning
Deputy Director of Financial Planning
Town of Telluride, CO
Historic Preservation Director
Sr Planner
City of Fountain, CO
City Attorney
Sr Planner
Duffy Group, Inc.
7
DUFFY GROUP METHODOLOGY
Duffy Group will create a customized recruiting strategy to address the multiple steps associated with this critical search.
We partner with our clients every step of the way. Our clients can choose among a set of services best for their
organization. We customize the process and believe a more targeted approach will result in the strongest slate of
candidates, save countless time and money, and offer the best results.
Our process will include:
1. Intake/Strategy Meeting: We will meet with the Council in person to learn their priorities in a new Town
Manager. During the intake, we ask any questions that need clarification. We will gather the city’s selling
points from them – uncovering why someone would want to work for and relocate to Wickenburg.
2. Draft Position Specification and/or Brochure: We will finalize the position specification and brochure on behalf
of the city and send for final approval.
3. Identification of Prospective Candidates: To find a diverse set of candidates best suited for the position, we will
use various resources, drawing upon our internal research capabilities, online resources, and phone calls. We
will source passive candidates through our research finding like-to-like communities. We will produce a
brochure and post the position in industry publications. We will vet all candidates the same regardless of how
they come to us.
4. Candidate Outreach: Duffy Group will contact the candidates identified to tell your unique story. We
personalize our calls by leveraging our expert recruiting team’s ability to connect with people. As we connect
with candidates, we will do the preliminary vetting necessary to scout those individuals who are best aligned
with your culture. We will also be speaking with candidates to obtain market intelligence that you will own and
can use for future searches.
Duffy Group, Inc.
8
5. Candidate Screening: Duffy Group will use the criteria outlined during the Intake process to screen the
candidates to ensure they meet the minimum qualifications. During this screen, Duffy Group will obtain their
interest level for the role and ensure they clearly understand the position. These in-depth interviews will be
conducted via video to determine the candidate's presence.
6. Introduction of Candidate Slate: Duffy Group will submit a slate of candidates, including detailed candidate
profiles and resumes. As we progress, we will keep candidates informed and connected to ensure candidates
do not lose interest in the opportunity. We will also present a candidate comparison matrix comparing key
attributes of each candidate on the slate. This presentation will also be conducted in-person.
7. Status Reporting: Communication is critical to the success of any search. At Duffy Group, we are transparent
about the work conducted. A weekly status report will be sent to the stakeholders to share the progress of the
search. The objective is to stay in close contact with the HR Director to refine the process and take action as
needed. These reports will include hours worked on the search to date, highlight each stage of the process, and
provide details on the candidate slate.
8. Interview process, Offer: As part of the recruitment process for this important role, Duffy Group will be by
your team’s side as long as they would like us there. We can prepare interview questions for the interview
process, sit in on the interviews, run background checks, conduct reference checks and social media scrubs,
help present offers, negotiate offers, and offer best practice suggestions regarding the process itself. We act as
an extension of your team and will provide all of these services, some of these services, or turn this part of the
process over to your internal team as bandwidth allows.
9. Expectations of the Town: Searches can only be successful with a strong partnership and commitment to the
process on both ends. As a result, we require your internal team to review the candidate slate promptly under
the agreed-upon strategy. Duffy Group will calibrate with your team regularly, resulting in an improved
candidate pool. The HR Director should review the weekly status report and let Duffy Group know of any
concerns as soon as possible to ensure adjustments get handled quickly.
Duffy Group, Inc.
9
KATHLEEN DUFFY
President and CEO
Kathleen Duffy is president and CEO of Duffy Group, Inc., one of the most respected recruiting firms in the
country. Kathleen’s passion for helping individuals find their path is matched by her deep knowledge of the
recruitment industry. Her commitment to serving candidates and clients alike motivated Kathleen to develop the
Recruitment Research model, which enables Duffy Group to harness marketplace intelligence, work as a discrete
(and transparent) partner, and deliver quality candidates at about half of the cost of traditional recruitment fees.
This proven approach to recruitment inspired her to write a book, Revolutionizing Recruitment: How Recruitment
Research is Reshaping the Industry.
In addition to leading her now-global company and building an engaged team of recruitment leaders, Kathleen
gives back generously to the community. She lends her expertise to business and HR-related groups on smart
hiring and retention practices; serves as a mentor for social entrepreneurs; and advocates for women through
her role on 50/50 Women on Boards, a global initiative to increase the number of women in company leadership
positions and by corporate boards to 50% by 2050. She also works tirelessly for myriad philanthropic causes.
Kathleen is also the recipient of numerous local and national awards, including the prestigious ATHENA Award
bestowed on women who exemplify leadership, community service and mentoring of other women.
As a proud graduate of Arizona State University, she is deeply committed to education, too, representing the
President’s Club, a philanthropic group of the school, along the College of Liberal Arts and Science’s Futures
Center Advisory Board. She is a member of the board of trustees and also served as chair of the ASU Alumni
Association national board of directors and council. Kathleen is a member of the TTI Success Insights Board of
Directors.
Duffy Group, Inc.
10
MELISSA BARKER
VP Practice Development
Melissa Barker's extensive experience in multiple facets of organizational management makes her an invaluable
asset to the Duffy Group team. Her 20-plus years of experience managing teams, directing operations, and
creating a strategy for multiple organizations help her understand the value of finding just the right candidate.
Skilled at creative sourcing and attracting passive candidates, her range of candidate placement spans from high-
level executives to supervisors in the government, healthcare, and non-profit industries.
Working in diverse industries since joining Duffy Group, Inc., Melissa has built a strong foundation within
government. She understands that connecting candidates with a passion for public service is as important as the
skill set specified by her clients. Her relationships with top-tier talent in government are the framework for her
success.
Her heart for philanthropy and public service is part of her DNA. Melissa’s family believed that giving to others is
expected by those with the ability. That philosophy, and watching her parents and brother selflessly share their
talents in public service careers, inspired her to give back in similar ways.
Melissa worked for the State of New Mexico for many years and served as a founding member of the New Mexico
Children's Foundation, a visionary, grassroots organization that funds small, non-profit children's organizations
throughout the state. Since then, Melissa has served on several professional, non-profit, and community boards.
She currently serves on the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Board of Directors and is the Chair of their
Governance Committee. As a mother of two boys, she participates in many activities and they are all actively
involved in Boy Scouts of America
Melissa earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of New Mexico.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-barker-9186257/
Duffy Group, Inc.
11
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
Duffy Group’s team of highly trained staff are expected to meet the client’s expectations.
Our Guarantee
•
We will provide a slate of thoroughly vetted candidates who we believe best meet your requirements.
•
Duffy Group, Inc. will not approach the selected candidate for any other position as long as they are an employee of
the Town of Wickenburg. We also will not solicit any other Town of Wickenburg employee for any other position as
long as the town remains a client. We will abide by the Tenents of the ICMA Code of Ethics.
•
If the selected individual leaves or is terminated for any reason other than an Act of God (such as total incapacitation
or death) within the first year, Duffy Group, Inc. will provide continued consulting services for one additional
recruitment/replacement at no additional professional fee but will include project-related expenses.
•
Candidates appointed from within your organization do not qualify for this guarantee. Furthermore, this guarantee
is subject to further limitations and restrictions of Arizona state laws.
Client’s Role
Our experience shows that projects are most successful when we closely partner with you. Additionally, our clients
positively impact their search when they:
•
Spend time up front with the Duffy team to develop and refine the strategy.
•
Respond as quickly as possible to inquiries from the Duffy team during the search process. Conversely, we will
respond immediately to your inquiries as well. We are committed to helping you maximize your investment in our
services.
•
Contact potential candidates quickly after the slate presentation. They have many choices, and we want their choice
to be you!
•
Keep the Duffy team in the loop as the process moves forward so we can assist with the prospects “behind the
scenes” so you can get the most out of the research.
Duffy Group, Inc.
12
FLEXIBLE PRICING MODEL
Duffy Group, Inc. offers a flexible pricing model, which means clients pay for only the effort required and the value
delivered and not fixed fees or retained fees. As a result, they are saving traditional recruiting costs. Our hourly rate is
$150.00 per hour. For City Manager searches we offer a not to exceed of $30,000.
Our pricing model is all-inclusive, with the exception of travel costs. Generally, we conduct the intake and the
presentation of the slate of candidates in person with the Council. Those travel costs would be billed separately as pass-
through costs compliant with IRS standard rates. We can also provide background checks and/or social media scrubs as
pass-through costs. We do not expect to charge additional staff costs related to this search.
We customize each project based on the organization’s specific needs and the agreed-upon strategy.
•
Our flexible pricing model gives clients control over their recruiting spend.
•
Should the search be completed in less time than anticipated, the client pays only for hours worked and,
ultimately, less than the fixed price model.
•
Should an internal candidate be selected, the individual will be vetted like external candidates since this pricing
model is not based on the candidate’s salary.
Duffy Group guarantees to speak with potential candidates who are currently in the stated position, or those whose next
logical career step is to advance to this position. We will provide factual information, as provided by candidates, relating
to their employment history and relevant work experience. We will act and think like an extension of the town’s
team. We will also provide a shortlist of thoroughly vetted candidates who we believe are the best match with the
requirements of the position. Our fees are associated with the work already completed. A client does not pre-pay, and
therefore, will not be eligible for a refund.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Constantly evolving, Duffy Group, Inc. embraces the unique abilities and perspectives each team member brings to our
organization. A psychologically safe environment at Duffy Group starts with our investment in an equitable, inclusive,
and diverse team. We have the opportunity to recruit for an array of industries and are excited to support diversity and
inclusion in more companies and communities than just our own.
As a female-owned business, Duffy Group values diversity and is committed to equity and inclusion as a matter of
principle. We will work closely with the Search Committee and will strive to have a diverse representation of candidates
in the applicant pool. As a result, Duffy will unleash a diverse set of networks and partnerships to source and enhance
our reach.
Duffy Group, Inc.
13
REFERENCES
Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner
Town of Paradise Valley
jbienwillner@paradisevalleyaz.gov
(602) 908-7227
Mayor Scott Jablow
City of Sedona
sjablow@sedonaaz.gov
928-204-7191
RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
https://worldatwork.org/resources/publications/evolve-magazine/companies-turn-to-skills-based-hiring-to-
find-qualified-candidates.
https://www.governing.com/work/how-local-government-can-recruit-and-retain-the-gen-z-workforce
https://www.route-fifty.com/workforce/2023/05/skills-based-hiring-how-public-sector-can-use-it-their-
advantage/386468/
https://www.route-fifty.com/workforce/2023/08/flexible-work-options-keeps-public-sector-competitive-
these-post-pandemic-times/389721/
https://pshra.org/experts-call-for-more-skills-based-hiring-to-strengthen-the-cyber-pipeline/
https://pshra.org/news-resources/public-eye-magazine/