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    • Apr 14
    • 3 min read

Advancing DEI Through Embedded Recruitment: PHE's Success Story

A Closer Look at Outsourced, Embedded Recruitment Strategies and Success


Peer Health Exchange (PHE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthier communities with young people, partnered with Imagine Consulting in early 2021 to enhance their recruitment process. As a Black and Woman-owned firm led by former educators, Imagine Impact Consulting was uniquely positioned to align with PHE's commitment to diversity and equity while attracting top talent across various roles.


An infographic for Imagine Consulting's recruitment case study showcasing their successful embedded recruitment partnership with Peer Health Exchange. It highlights 39 new hires in three years, with 29 identifying as people of color, a 70% decrease in candidate screening time, and 9 weeks from application to signed offer. The graphic also shows that 9 out of 10 hiring managers were satisfied with the process and outcomes, and nearly 50% of finalists were sourced directly from Imagine's recruiters. A pie chart illustrates the source breakdown of candidates. A testimonial from Peer Health Exchange's Chief of Staff praises the values alignment and thoughtful, human-centered recruitment process.

The Challenge

PHE faced significant challenges in filling a diverse array of positions effectively and efficiently. With a strong emphasis on management roles and a need for a more inclusive and diverse workforce, PHE required a partner with the expertise to streamline their hiring process and lead recruitment on behalf of the organization.


The primary objectives set forth for Imagine Consulting were to reduce the time to hire, increase the diversity of the candidate pool, and improve the overall candidate experience.


Strategies & Implementation

Imagine Consulting approached the recruitment process with a human-centered strategy, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. They implemented a full-cycle, embedded recruitment support system, which included:


  • Creating detailed candidate profiles and tailored job descriptions.

  • Utilizing direct sourcing and strategic job board postings to attract a diverse candidate pool.

  • Engaging in social media outreach and leveraging technology to close accessibility gaps.

  • Conducting thorough resume and phone/video screenings.

  • Providing ongoing candidate management and communication.

  • Facilitating interview scheduling and hiring team debriefs.

  • Offering finalist reference checks and negotiation support.



The Solution

Imagine Consulting has provide embedded, full-cycle recruitment services for PHE since spring 2021, successfully filling 39 roles with an additional three roles currently in process. We continue to serve as PHE's recruitment arm, freeing up their four-person Talent Team to focus on more strategic work centered around culture and DEI.


  • Holistic Recruitment Strategy: Imagine Consulting managed the recruitment process for 39 roles, spanning across programming, marketing & communications, development & fundraising, and other departments. A significant focus was placed on management hires, with 17 out of the 39 positions filled being managerial roles.


  • Efficiency and Effectiveness: Through Imagine Consulting's strategic efforts, the review time was reduced from 10.75 to 3.34 days, and the days to hire decreased from 74.2 to 66 days.


  • Diversity and Inclusion Successes:

    • 30 out of 39 hires were women, and 2 out of 39 were non-binary.

    • 22 out of 39 hires were women of color.

    • Overall, 29 out of 39 hires were people of color, across all genders.


  • Enhanced Visibility and Reach:

    • The top converting source for candidates was direct recruitment from Imagine Consulting.

    • An average of 2,435 views per role posting and 185 applications were received.

    • There was an increase in applications from 99.75 per role to 345.4 per role from spring 2021 to fall 2023.



The Results

Imagine Consulting's strategic recruitment efforts led to a more efficient hiring process, significantly diversifying PHE's workforce in line with their commitment to equity and inclusion. The increased efficiency and reach in their recruitment process not only filled vital roles but also reflected PHE's values in their approach to talent acquisition.


The candidate experience was overwhelmingly positive, with feedback highlighting the transparency, communication, and support provided by Imagine Consulting's recruiters. Candidates felt valued and respected throughout the process, enhancing both Peer Health Exchange and Imagine's reputation.


Conclusion

An infographic for Imagine Consulting's recruitment case study showcasing their successful embedded recruitment partnership with Peer Health Exchange. It highlights 39 new hires in three years, with 29 identifying as people of color, a 70% decrease in candidate screening time, and 9 weeks from application to signed offer. The graphic also shows that 9 out of 10 hiring managers were satisfied with the process and outcomes, and nearly 50% of finalists were sourced directly from Imagine's recruiters. A pie chart illustrates the source breakdown of candidates. A testimonial from Peer Health Exchange's Chief of Staff praises the values alignment and thoughtful, human-centered recruitment process.

The partnership between Peer Health Exchange and Imagine Consulting exemplifies an important shift in recruitment—prioritizing diversity, efficiency, and candidate experience.


The significant improvements in hiring metrics and the impressive diversity in new hires underscore Imagine's expertise in aligning recruitment strategies with an organization's core values. This case study stands as a model for organizations seeking to enrich their workforce with diverse talent while maintaining operational efficiency and providing an exceptional candidate experience.


If you'd like to see similar results for your organization, we're here to help! Schedule a consultation today.

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