The Science

With us, it's no experiment. We've cracked the code.

Ask, then Listen - We ask the right questions, then actively listen as you define the needs of your search: who you are, what you need, and how you want to be represented in the marketplace.

Right on Spec - We compose a job description which, when taken to market, masterfully articulates the selling points of your company, along with the outstanding traits of the individual you need.

Tailor Made - We create a target list tailored to your specifications. We identify the best organizations among your competition, in the niche market you serve.

The Bull's-Eye Effect - We pinpoint our research to find individuals with exactly the skill set you require, focusing our lens on the sharpest and most accomplished candidates.

The Talent Search - We successfully sell the position and your company to candidates who are at the top of their game. Then we thoroughly develop and ready them for your tryouts.

Results Oriented - We present you with fully vetted finalists, partnering with you in each step of the hiring process to ensure that the new relationship we have facilitated is long lasting.

Making the Metrics Work - Not only will you get the candidates you need, you’ll get the information you’ve been waiting for: relevant, up-to-the-minute market research gleaned from the highest achievers in your sector of the marketplace.

The Art

Great artists spend years mastering the science and technique of their craft. We have spent more than a decade perfecting the science of search and developing the art of building relationships.

Flexible and Adaptable: We adjust to your systems and practices; we don't demand that you adjust to ours. Contracting with us feels more like delegating work to a skilled and responsive team member than working with an outsider.

Buffet-Style Servicing: Order à la carte from our unbundled menu of search services, choose just one item, or sit back and let us serve you with the complete spectrum of search.

Don't Call Us; We'll Call You: When you choose to work with us, you won't need to call and ask how the search is going. We're proactive about communication, keeping you updated on our progress and next steps. We'll check in to make sure we're on track and adjust when your requirements change.

Just Say "When": Whether we are conducting a full search from beginning to end, or handling one piece of the process, the search ends when you say so – when our results fully meet or exceed your expectations.

Relationship Building: "Long term relationships" is not just a catchphrase we throw around; it’s our commitment to your success and to our own. We conduct our business with the utmost honesty, loyalty, and integrity, thereby utilizing our uncompromised reputation in service to you. Our deep, long-term relationships allow us to garner referrals through various business associations, our vast executive network, and other retained firms.

The Artist

"A critical partner... Excellent with people... Polished and authentic -- a powerful combination."

Founder and CEO Alison Raby is part surgeon, part artist. She has the ability to cut straight to the heart of a search, and the finesse to see it through to completion.

Alison possesses a powerful mix of entrepreneurial savvy and finely honed communication skills. She has dedicated more than fifteen years to the art of communication and interpersonal dynamics. This dedication is more than evident in her insight, consideration, unsurpassed responsiveness, and utter professionalism. She successfully owned and sold a profitable Chicago restaurant. She spent the next ten years as an organizational development director and personal development counselor, before the natural evolution of her talents led her to recruiting. Before founding Mariposa Search, Alison worked at Artemis Search where she oversaw retained searches from inception to completion, and supervised teams assigned to each project.

Alison has built lasting relationships with both privately held and publicly traded companies, small and large. She has worked with the giants of Silicon Valley, as well as the startups. She currently serves as co-chair of the Bay Area Recruiters Association, and regularly partners with other leading retained firms.

Alison has always embodied the beliefs behind the term "Conscious Business." She was Green before Green was gold. Her personal integrity and global values directly translate to how she does business. She believes not only in the right person for the job, but in right action for our environment.

Team Members

The Savings

~ Minimized Transactions Costs

~ Savings without Sacrifice

~ Return on the Ebb & Flow

Skill and experience are essential, and we have them. But, in today's world, they're not enough for the best decision makers - the kind we really like to work with. There’s also that small matter of Cost to consider.

Retained Search is an airtight process. Yet, there is also a natural ebb and flow to search. We bill everything on an hourly basis, whether it's a full retained search or a smaller search-related project, such as reviewing resumes, checking references, creating a target list, assisting with interviews, or developing candidates. We minimize your transaction costs by knowing when to put our foot on the gas, and when to put on the brakes. We’ll provide our expert advice on when to do both, but, ultimately, we offer you the freedom and flexibility to make the call.

That means you're going to save money without sacrificing anything at all relating to quality. Our typical fees are substantially less than our competitors', and our ability to mesh smoothly with your team means that you can outsource specific tasks without compromising results. Our network of relationships and broad knowledge of various industries provide us with the resources and knowledge to quickly zero in on top-level talent, resulting in fewer billable hours for you.

The Proof

Quantified, qualified, undeniable results.

Our flexibility, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness have made Mariposa Search the provider of choice for companies large and small, across many industries and a broad range of positions. Our clients are clearly more than satisfied. . .

"Alison's standards of hard work and performance are exceptional..." more

People Operations Manager at one of the world's largest internet information providers

"I worked with Alison Raby during the initial days of our start up..." more

Director, Risk Reputation and Governance at a personal genetics startup

"I have worked with Alison Raby for a number of years. If she would allow us to hire her full time, we would..." more

Managing Partner at a leading retained executive search firm

"Alison works with a tremendous amount of focus, diligence, and efficiency..." more

Head of Internal Audit at one of the world's largest professional service firms

"Alison's work for us has been resourceful, professional and consultative..." more

CEO at a top financial services company