Jennifer Smith

Managing Consultant, Nonprofit & Higher Education Practice

Jennifer Smith is a Managing Consultant in Korn Ferry’s Nonprofit and Higher Education Practice, where she partners with mission-driven organizations to recruit and empower transformative leaders who drive meaningful social change.

Based in Southern California, she brings deep regional expertise and trusted relationships across the philanthropic, nonprofit, and education sectors throughout Los Angeles, and beyond. She is known for her intuitive, relational approach to executive search—combining strategic insight, authentic connection, and a strong equity lens to help organizations attract leaders who reflect and advance their communities.

Ms. Smith has led and supported numerous senior-level searches for foundations, advocacy groups, independent schools, and higher education institutions. Her portfolio includes placements for Chief Executive Officers, Executive Directors, Chief Advancement and Development Officers, Chief Operating Officers, and other senior leaders across areas such as education equity, gender justice, community development, and health access.

Before joining Korn Ferry, Ms. Smith spent many years with a leading national executive search and advisory firm serving the nonprofit and social impact sector. In that role, she managed complex searches from inception to completion and partnered closely with boards and executive teams to guide thoughtful leadership transitions.

Earlier in her career, she worked in project management, communications and operations roles that strengthened her ability to listen deeply, align stakeholders, and translate mission into strategy—skills that continue to shape her approach to client and candidate engagement.

Ms. Smith earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. A lifelong advocate for equity and women’s leadership, she remains active in regional networks that connect philanthropy, education, and community impact across California’s vibrant nonprofit ecosystem.