In the nonprofit world, change is constant—whether due to leadership transitions, shifting priorities, or the need to rethink how your organization delivers on its mission. One of the most valuable (and often underutilized) tools during times of transition is interim development staffing.
But what is interim staffing, and how can it support nonprofit sustainability and success?
At Loring, Sternberg & Associates (LSA), we’ve guided organizations through dozens of transitions and growth phases—often stepping in ourselves as interim leaders. Below, we break down what interim staffing looks like, when it might be right for your organization, and what to keep in mind as you consider this solution.
What Is Interim Staffing?
Interim staffing is the practice of hiring a skilled professional to temporarily fill a critical role within an organization—most often in fundraising, development, or operations.
This is more than a placeholder. A strong interim staff member is there to:
- Keep momentum going
- Build or strengthen internal systems
- Support remaining staff
- Assist in hiring, onboarding, or training a permanent replacement
- Leave the organization more sustainable and operationally sound than when they arrived
Typical interim engagements last 3–4 months to start, though some may extend up to a year or more, depending on the needs of the organization.
Why Would a Nonprofit Hire an Interim Staff Member?
Hiring an interim professional isn’t just about filling a vacancy—it’s about positioning your organization for long-term success. Here are common reasons nonprofits turn to interim staffing:
1. Unplanned Staff Departures or Turnover
Sudden departures can leave critical roles unfilled for months. Interim staffing ensures your operations or fundraising efforts don’t grind to a halt while you search for the right long-term hire.
2. A Need to Reevaluate the Staffing Model
Sometimes it’s not just about filling a gap—it’s about asking, are we hiring the right person for the right job? An interim can help reassess the structure, roles, and responsibilities before posting a new job.
3. Limited Staff Capacity
Small or lean teams may need temporary, experienced support to guide a project, develop a roadmap, or lead during strategic planning—without the commitment of a full-time hire.
4. Hiring Will Take Time
The nonprofit hiring process often takes several months. A skilled interim ensures that key tasks move forward, deadlines are met, and your team stays focused during that gap.
“The LSA team was easy to work with, were good listeners, and worked to have a good understanding of our organization. They got the essence of our org through listening and reading, and went into the project with a ‘let’s roll up our sleeves and get this done’ attitude. They made a huge difference with our fundraising processes and database management.”
– Kraig Kinchen, Executive Director, 100 Black Men Indy
What Should You Look for in an Interim Staff Member?
Not all interim professionals are created equal. At LSA, we believe that a great interim doesn’t just advise—they roll up their sleeves and become part of your team.
Here’s what to keep in mind when hiring interim support:
✅ They need to dive in quickly.
An interim should be willing to step into meetings, communicate regularly, and get their hands dirty—from managing staff to writing strategy to running a donor campaign.
✅ Consider the logistics.
Think ahead about practicalities like:
- How will files and email be shared?
- Will the person be added to internal systems or tools?
- Will they need a background check or HR onboarding?
- Who will be their point of contact internally?
✅ Clarify expectations.
Define the scope in both directions:
- What work will be done?
- How often each week will the person be available?
- Will they be onsite or virtual?
- What are the working hours and response time expectations?
✅ Be clear on team integration.
Interims often work alongside your existing staff, board, or volunteers—so it’s essential they are collaborative, communicative, and understand how to build trust quickly.
“We had an unexpected vacancy in leadership in our department, and the last thing we needed was a consultant who’d come in, tell us what to do and leave. The moment I met Annette from the LSA team, I felt relieved. She helped streamline our tools and integrations, lead meetings, and make sense of our data. Now, my staff knows more about what they’re doing and feels good about it.”
– Karin Ogden, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana
Interim Staffing FAQs
“Isn’t interim work just babysitting a role until we find someone?”
Not at all. A skilled interim professional adds structure, insight, and momentum—and can leave your organization in better shape than when they started.
“Will they really understand our mission and culture?”
Yes—if they’re experienced. At LSA, we take the time to understand your values, people, and priorities, so we can lead with your mission in mind.
“What if we’re not in [insert the company’s state]?”
While LSA is based in Indiana, we have worked with organizations nationwide—both in-person and virtually. For us, location is not a disqualifier.
“What if we only need help for a few months?”
That’s exactly what interim staffing is for. Whether it’s three months or a year, we’ll match the timeline to your needs.
Interim Staffing with LSA
Our team has decades of experience leading nonprofits through strategic growth, leadership transitions, and operational planning. When you partner with LSA for interim staffing, you get:
- A deeply experienced nonprofit professional
- Someone who is adaptable and fits into your team culture
- Clear deliverables and communication from day one
- Strategic guidance to ensure long-term sustainability
We’ve served organizations facing sudden staff departures, growing pains, and even multi-year transitions—and we’ve helped each of them build stronger, more resilient teams.
Ready to Explore Interim Support?
If your organization is in a time of transition—or wants to grow strategically without missing a beat—interim staffing could be the smart, sustainable choice.
👉 Contact us here to start the conversation.