Build Your Career at Direct Recruiters, Inc.
Join a high-performance recruiting firm where relationships matter, growth is intentional, and your impact is felt every day. At DRI, you’ll work alongside driven professionals, develop meaningful expertise, and build a career—not just fill roles.
Overview
Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI)—a proud member of the Starfish Partners family of companies—we’re building a team of passionate professionals who are energized by results, relationships, and growth. As part of a dynamic, people-first recruiting firm, you’ll work in an environment where collaboration, continuous learning, and entrepreneurial drive are valued, and where your contributions help shape career success for both our candidates and clients. With best-in-class training, meaningful development opportunities, and the support of the broader Starfish Partners community, a career at DRI offers both professional fulfillment and the chance to make a real impact in the world of talent acquisition.
Why Work at DRI?
DRI was founded in 1983, not long after the launch of our sister company, Kaye/Bassman in 1981. Over the decades, both firms grew through strategic expansion, new service lines, and a shared commitment to building specialized recruiting teams. In 2022, Kaye/Bassman and Direct Recruiters officially merged to form Starfish Partners, creating a unified platform with a clear structure: Starfish Partners focuses on retained, contingent and contract search.
Today, Starfish Partners operates with scale and intention—supporting a ~$45M search business with nearly 200 search professionals across more than 35 industries. Teams are organized into dedicated practice areas, allowing for deep market expertise while benefiting from a highly collaborative national platform. Just as importantly, Starfish Partners is built for long-term careers. With over 16 producing equity partners—most developed internally—the organization offers visible, earned pathways for growth and leadership. Many leaders began as individual contributors, reflecting a culture where performance, development, and impact drive opportunity.
We take the time and effort to add the right people who have a mutual desire to be part of the company, fit into the culture, and have the ability to achieve sustained success.
- CultureWise: At the core of this work are 29 fundamentals known as “The Starfish Way.” These fundamentals represent the DNA of our culture and guide how we lead, collaborate, and show up for one another across brands, practices, and roles.
- EOS: The organization operates on EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System) principles, emphasizing clear goals, accountability, transparency, and leadership alignment.
- No Revolving Door: DRI’s retention of employees is backed by outsanding tenures of top employees – over 8 team members have been with DRI for 15+ years, over 20 employees have a 10+ year tenure, and more than 15 have been with us for 5+ years. We have a low turnover rate because we are very careful about who we hire. We look for innovators with high energy, train them well, develop their talents, and promote them rapidly. We empower our people to take risks and make mistakes. New ideas keep us moving forward and top performers get rewarded!
- Passionate & Fun: We are passionate about what we do and that makes it fun to come to work everyday. This passion has helped us become a leading executive search firm; not only by attracting the best candidates for our clients but the best employees for our company. Our team hosts regular happy hours, golf outings, basketball tournaments and company picnics each year. In addition, employees have the opportunity to qualify each year for our Pacesetter trip; an all-expenses paid, all inclusive trip to reward our team in tropical locations like Costa Rica or Cancun.
Starfish Partners’ brands are supported by Next Level Exchange to provide industry-leading recruitment training that equips new recruiters with the skills, tools, and vernacular essential for a career in professional search. NLE is the largest recruiting consulting organization in the industry and has become synonymous with delivering proven best practices, training, coaching, and digital marketing solutions specifically designed for the search and staffing world.
Next Level Exchange (NLE) offers their highly regarded Facilitated Foundation Training (FFT) to employees of Starfish Partners companies. Facilitated Foundation Training (FFT) is an immersive 360 search training program that is Trainer-led via 15 live webinars during a set three-week curriculum. They train new or experienced recruiters, such as those who need a refresher or lack formal training on search fundamentals.
For years, we have participated in various fundraisers, charitable events, and opportunities to give back to the community. When our team bands together, we know that we can make a difference, help drive change, and strengthen our roots in the community. Some organizations we volunteer with:
- Values in Action
- Local Women’s shelters
- Clothes & Shoes for Kids
- Girl Rising
- Cleveland Dress for Success
- Starfish Partners Foundation
Testimonials
“Being an employee of DRI has felt more like being a part of a family. The teams are supportive; the culture is positive, and DRI genuinely values its employees. The Company’s strong history and the many long-tenured local employees reflect loyalty and stability, making it a great place to work.”
“The best part about DRI is the culture. It genuinely fosters success and teamwork, and it’s one of the few workplaces I’ve been in that truly offers real opportunities and rewards for growth & development.Some tangible examples:Our team does quarterly outings where we get to step outside of work and celebrate some wins from the past quarter together. We’ve gone to a Guardians Game, kayaking on the Cuyahoga River, shuffle-boarding, and much more.We also have monthly themed lunches (this past one was SOUP-er Bowl!) that bring everyone together.The culture at DRI is one that really values relationships. Not just with clients and candidates, but within the team as well.I also really appreciate that leadership at DRI gives us a level of autonomy. There’s a strong sense of trust that allows you to manage your work and stay on track while still knowing support is always there when you need it. Feedback is thoughtful and constructive – never critical, and conversations are focused on continuous improvement and growth.”
“Working at DRi/Starfish over the past five years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. From day one, I’ve felt genuinely supported… not just as a professional, but as a person. This is a place where growth is encouraged, wins are celebrated, and leadership truly invests in your development.
What makes DRi/Starfish special is the culture. You’re surrounded by driven, authentic people who want to see each other succeed. There’s real collaboration here, not competition, and that creates an environment where you can push yourself, learn quickly, and build something meaningful alongside your teammates.
I’ve been given the opportunity to work on impactful searches, help nearly 200 people change careers, and build deep relationships with clients in GovTech and Public Safety – all while being trusted to own my work and chart my own path. The company rewards effort, performance, and initiative, and there’s a clear runway for advancement if you’re willing to put in the work.
On top of that, DRi/Starfish understands that life happens. Becoming a mother while growing my career here was met with nothing but encouragement and flexibility, which speaks volumes about the leadership and values of this organization.
If you’re looking for a place where you can grow professionally, be challenged, make an impact, and work with genuinely great people, this place is it!”
“Working at DRI feels like being part of a team that genuinely cares about its people. There’s a strong culture of support, great training, and a real focus on long-term growth. People here stay because the work is meaningful, the leadership is invested, and the environment is collaborative and welcoming. Being part of Starfish Partners adds even more opportunity while still keeping that close-knit, community-focused feel that makes DRI a great place to build a career.“
“DRI is more than a workplace, it’s my second family. After 25 years, I’ve grown up here. The search business challenges you, stretches you, rewards you, and constantly evolves. If you love growth, competition, and impact, it’s an incredible place to build a career.
What keeps me here is our desire to inspire greatness by helping others win. I’ve watched colleagues grow into leaders, built lifelong friendships, and helped clients solve meaningful human capital challenges. We celebrate wins together from award trips with our families to daily victories in the office. We never stop investing in development or embracing new technology.
Most importantly, I’m deeply grateful for the life this career has created for my family. (they are as well!)
Be grateful, humble, and teachable.
The best is yet to come!!”
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