To Hire In or Out? That is the question.
Client Relations Manager
with Purpose Possible
When running a nonprofit organization, every decision carries significant weight, especially when it comes to staffing. The choice between hiring an employee (hiring in) or a consultant (hiring out) is significant, with numerous factors to consider. Both options come with their own set of pros and cons and understanding these can help nonprofit leaders make informed decisions that align with their organization's goals and resources.
As one-half of Purpose Possible’s small but mighty business development team, I have the pleasure of navigating many of these questions with different organizations. Because I often have a front-row seat into what goes into an organization's thought process, I wanted to walk you through some of the questions and doubts that organizations of varying sizes have when making this decision. I hope that this guide can help you and the organization you represent make a more informed decision when thinking about hiring in or out. Because yes, that is always the question!
Here are some of the concerns and questions we get, and the answers we give:
Doubt #1: Consultants are entirely too expensive!
Our response: Not always true! In most cases, the cost to hire a consultant vs. a full-time staff person is much less expensive. Because the consultants you work with are not joining your organization as employees, there are a lot of costs (not to mention time and energy) that you don’t have to consider when hiring out. These costs include benefits like PTO, insurance, 401k, office space, technology.
Also, depending on your needs, we can work with you to customize a scope of work that fits your organization's budget.
Doubt #2 : We can’t get enough work done hiring someone “part-time.”
Our response: According to Zippia, the average “full-time” employee spends 4 hours and 12 minutes actively working per day. Because our team members are NOT employees, our time is solely focused on the task at hand.
By leveraging a consultant, an organization can often work with senior and experienced team members who are self-directed, results-oriented, and able to focus on revenue-generating tasks.
Doubt #3: We don’t want to get bounced around between consultants.
Our response: You absolutely won’t! We promise! Unless a consultant goes on leave, exits the firm, or there is just a mismatch between consultant and organization, with Purpose Possible, you have a dedicated consultant or consultant team. You will be able to develop a robust and intentional relationship with the consultant(s) you work with to create consistency and continuity for your projects.
Doubt #4: A consultant can’t possibly understand my mission/vision unless they are hired full-time.
Our response: We think of ourselves as an extension of your staff, meaning your mission is our mission. We work to fully understand your mission so that we, as a team, can fulfill it. Our team of dedicated professionals is passionate about seeing good happen in our respective communities. Your organization's growth and sustainability bring us joy and that truly is our purpose.
Doubt #5: If I hire a consultant for one project, I’ll become dependent on consultants forever.
Our response: Not at all! We are here to help build sustainability. Our consultants come from working in nonprofits and they know firsthand what it’s like to try to do it all: fundraising, writing strategic planning, managing employees and a board of directors, and keeping up with marketing and social media. Something is bound to fall through the cracks! While we know that nonprofit executives wear MANY hats, you don’t have to! Outsource what you can so that you can focus on the most important task: moving your mission forward. When we conclude a contract, we make sure you have all the tools you need to continue to succeed, including a check-in call after the project ends for any remaining questions you may have.
The decision to hire a consultant or a full-time employee is not a one-size-fits-all and should be guided by the unique needs, priorities, and resources of each organization. So if you are still grappling with this decision, maybe this will help:
In summary, the decision to hire a consultant or a full-time employee for your organization is a significant one. While both options have benefits, understanding the specific needs and resources of your organization can help you make an informed decision. If you still have questions or would like to discuss your options further, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help guide you through this decision-making process and support your organization's mission and goals.