Jim Thorsten

Jim Thorsten

Managing Director

Jim Thorsten is a Managing Director at Harvard Group International leading the firm's nonprofit and education practice. He has completed executive placements at foundations, universities, healthcare nonprofits, cultural institutions, and advocacy organizations.

Jim's background includes twelve years in nonprofit leadership, including senior roles at a major foundation and a national advocacy organization. This experience gives him deep understanding of the unique challenges facing nonprofit leaders, from mission-driven cultures to complex stakeholder dynamics to resource constraints.

He is known for his ability to identify leaders who can balance mission and management, drive organizational effectiveness, and navigate the increasingly complex nonprofit landscape. Jim maintains extensive relationships with nonprofit executives and board members across the sector.

Areas of Expertise
  • Nonprofit Executive Search
  • Foundation Leadership
  • University Presidents & Provosts
  • Healthcare Nonprofit
  • Cultural Institutions
Industry Focus
  • Nonprofit
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Foundations
Education
  • PhD, Higher Education Administration, University of Michigan
  • MA, Public Policy, Georgetown University
  • BA, History, Williams College
Representative Engagements

Recent Search Experience

1

President search for regional university

2

CEO search for national foundation

3

Executive Director for healthcare nonprofit

4

President search for cultural institution

Work with Jim

Ready to discuss your executive search needs? Jim and the HGI team are here to help.