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Hiring a Consultant

Writer's picture: Kate Scherr-AdamsKate Scherr-Adams

Updated: Dec 29, 2024


Would we benefit from a consultant?

  • Even with a talented team, some tasks and projects could use an outside expert.

  • Rather than adding to your staff, you can hire a contractor on an ad-hoc basis.

  • Consultants bring skill sets or perspectives that your team may not have or simply take work off your plates.

  • Consultants can serve in roles such as advisors, facilitators, coaches and project managers or a combination of these.

  • Nonprofit organizations often hire consultants to help with strategic planning, organizational development, event planning, professional development, stakeholder engagement, human resources, executive search, outreach/marketing and more.

  • Do you have the time to focus on this project? Even with hiring a consultant, you will have work to do. Think through if this is a good time for you and your team to take on the project.

How do we choose the right consultant?

  • Define your goals and be clear with what you want to accomplish before you start speaking with consultants. 

  • Ask colleagues, professional organizations and funders for recommendations for consultants. For lists of consultants, check out:

  • Meet with the consultant(s) and be ready with questions to ask. Learn if they have the right experiences and qualifications, understand your goals, can accomplish the project in the timeline and within the budget. 


Sample questions to ask:

  • How would you approach the project?

  • What is your experience with nonprofits like mine? 

  • What is your experience with projects like this?

  • What do you need from my nonprofit to make this a successful working relationship?

  • Tell me about how your values align with ours.

  • How can  you successfully work within my budget and timeline?

  • How will we communicate and how often during the project? Will you be the project manager?

  • Consider any liability, confidentiality or security risks and figure out a plan to navigate these. For instance, you may want to include a confidentiality or non-disclosure clause in the contract once you choose a consultant.

  • Expect a written proposal from them to outline the scope of work, timeline and budget along with information about the consultant. 




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