TSS Guide: 5 Proven Steps to Get the Most from Consultants or Temporary Staff
Nonprofits and philanthropic organizations face enormous pressures today — tighter budgets, shifting funding streams, evolving workforce needs, and a growing demand for programs.
One increasingly effective solution is bringing in outside expertise: a consultant, a temporary hire, or a fractional staff member who can fill a critical role part-time.
At Temporary Staffing + Search (TSS), we see every day how the right professional can accelerate a project, stabilize a transition, or fill a gap without adding permanent headcount. But success doesn’t come from outside help alone — it depends on a strong three-way partnership between your organization, the professional you bring in, and TSS as the connector.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
Why clarifying goals and scope sets every project up for success
How to align leadership and staff before bringing in outside help
The role of TSS in vetting the right candidates for your organization
How to set clear expectations for communication and feedback
Why treating outside professionals as true partners leads to better outcomes
Our role is to ensure you’re matched with the right person for the right project and that the engagement is set up for success from the start.
Here’s how to get the most from your next engagement:
1. Clarify Your Goals and Scope — With Help if Needed
Before you bring someone on, define the challenge you’re trying to solve, the results you want, and the budget you can realistically dedicate.
Put it in writing — even a one-page summary — so everyone stays focused. Not sure how to frame the project? TSS regularly works with clients to develop scopes of work that are clear, actionable, and aligned with your goals. This ensures you and your consultant or temp hire start on the same page.
2. Communicate Internally and Set Expectations
Whether you’re hiring a senior consultant, a fractional staff member, or an entry-level temp, internal clarity is critical.
Make sure leadership is aligned.
Establish who has decision-making authority.
Ensure staff or board members understand why the person is being brought in and how they’ll fit into the team.
TSS can also help you plan onboarding so your new support integrates smoothly.
3. Share Your Needs and Let TSS Do the Vetting
We vet our consultants and temporary employees thoroughly — not just for skills but also for adaptability, communication style, and approach to change.
During your needs assessment with TSS, share qualities that matter most. Do you need someone who can build buy-in? Navigate organizational culture? Communicate well under pressure?
We’ll use that input to present candidates who fit. Then, when you interview them, you can focus on choosing the very best match.
4. Set Expectations for Communication and Feedback
Strong partnerships thrive on transparency. Define early on:
How often you’ll check in.
How progress will be reported.
How scope changes will be handled.
This keeps everyone aligned and avoids unpleasant surprises.
5. Treat the Engagement as a Partnership
Outside professionals are most effective when treated as partners. Equip your team to collaborate, provide timely feedback, and stay engaged throughout the process.
At TSS, we stay connected throughout the assignment to support both you and the professional, ensuring a smooth experience and stronger outcomes.
In Closing
Bringing in a consultant, fractional staffer, or temporary employee can be transformative. With preparation, clear communication, and a true partnership between your organization, TSS, and the professional, you won’t just complete a project — you’ll strengthen your team and build greater capacity for the future.
At TSS, we specialize in matching organizations with the right talent at every level — from entry-level support to seasoned experts — so you can achieve your mission with confidence.
Parts of this article were informed by “Hiring a Consultant? 4 Steps to Success” by Geoffrey Hamlyn, originally published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy.