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Executive Search Services

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Executive Search Services (ESS) is NC State University’s internal executive recruitment service, committed to identifying and recruiting outstanding talent exclusively to NC State. ESS conducts retained searches for Senior Administrative and Academic Officer and other executive level positions including academic department heads and center leaders. As a dedicated internal resource and partner, ESS is committed to providing outstanding search services and technical support resulting in the “best hires” for our university. We are committed to identifying and presenting qualified, motivated, and diverse pools of candidates and providing red carpet treatment throughout the search process.

A Proven Track Record

Over 16 years of service to NC State University

Recruitment Experience

Our team has over 50 years of combined recruitment experience

200+ Successful Searches

Since 2007, ESS has successfully completed over 200 searches

We are your partner, interested exclusively in attracting top quality talent to NC State.

Meet Our Team

Justin Lang, director of Executive Search Services, has over three decades of recruiting and executive search experience in both the private and academic sectors. Before joining NC State, Justin worked in recruiting and was the owner/operator of a search firm specializing in placing information technology professionals.

NC State hired Justin in 2007 to lead and build its internal executive search unit. Since its inception, ESS has completed over 200 successful searches for deans, associate deans, vice chancellors, associate vice chancellors, department heads, directors, and distinguished faculty positions.

Justin has built strong relationships with university leadership and developed an executive search process that enables NC State to attract and hire outstanding talent for high-level positions.

Marjorie Bernardin, executive search services specialist, has more than 15 years of human resources support experience and expertise in directing priority projects and providing comprehensive support to high-level clients and candidates. Her HR experience started in companies like State Street Financial and Robert Half.

Since 2018, Marjorie has provided detailed logistical support for the unit’s executive searches. She is a master of organization and efficiency and ensures seamless operations from the application stage to the finalist stage. She enjoys ESS’ fast-paced environment and continues to effectively manage the logistics and facilitate smooth communication channels with search committees and candidates. Her strong interpersonal skills, coupled with an innate ability to anticipate the needs of ESS’ clients have contributed to the successful execution of a large number of searches.

Jennibeth Brackett was a recruiter in the pharmaceutical, biotech and clinical research industries before she came to work at NC State in 2020. Before her recruiting career, she had a successful 20-year career in public relations and marketing in the government, nonprofit and private sectors.

As the executive recruiter for ESS, Jennibeth builds relationships with higher education professionals nationwide and works side-by-side with hiring officials to match outstanding candidates with career-defining opportunities at NC State. Additionally, she guides each candidate through the search process, from their first contact with the university through on-campus finalist interviews. As the daughter of a former Wolfpack football player, playing an active role in helping this thriving university grow is a perfect fit for her. Go Pack!

Our team has over 50 years of executive recruitment experience with specialized focus in academia. As employees of NC State Human Resources, we are able to effectively collaborate with our business partners and provide the highest level of customer service.

Experience, an extensive understanding of NC State, and attention to detail are the top reasons we employ ESS for senior-level searches, leading to outstanding hires for the Office of Finance and Administration.

Catherine Phillips

Catherine Phillips

Director, Operations, Analysis and Planning
Office of Finance and Administration

Campus aerial shot

Over 16 Years of Dedicated Service to NC State

200+ Success Stories, and Counting…

Since our unit’s inception in 2007, ESS has partnered with the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, Advancement, Finance and Business, Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development, and many of the 10 colleges to successfully fill senior level leadership positions.

Some of our Successful Searches

For more information about how Executive Search Services can assist you in your next high profile search, contact Justin Lang, ESS Director, at 919-513-1963 or justin_lang@ncsu.edu.