Hiring a Consultant

Why Hire One?

A 'consultant' is a person who gives professional or technical advice, such as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, editor, etc ... Their advice is dependant on the academic training they have had in their chosen field and their subsequent experience in the profession.

The fundraising profession is one business in which chemistry between the client and the consultant must be strong and supportive. The consultant must be flexible to meet the organisation's needs and have enough experience to help the organisation work through its problems. The development team (or Board) must have faith in the consultant and not work counter to an agreed on strategy.

Fundraising Consultants generally offer services within four broad categories:

1. Capital and special campaigns;
2. Operating and annual programmes;
3. Other direct fundraising activities;
4. Support services

How to hire a Consultant

1. Determine the organisation's need
2. Build a list of prospective consultants
3. Refine the list
4. Arrange to meet the consultants face-to-face
5. Prepare for the interview
6. Check references
7. Manage the interview
8. Select the consultant
9. Negotiate a contract
10. Start work
11. Communicate with non-contracted consultants

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