Love in the Time of Transition: 5 Reasons to Consider Interim Staffing

In the midst of so much change and uncertainty, imagine you’re suddenly faced with staff turnover in your development department. What now? What will tomorrow look like? How do you chart the best course forward?

Now, let’s reframe staffing using the language of love. At its best, permanent staffing can feel like a long-term commitment—deep attachment, enduring partnership, and shared goals. But in unpredictable times, could the answer to your staffing dilemma look different?

Rather than seeking a permanent solution right away, could interim staffing be the focused, time-limited support you need to keep moving forward with confidence?

Let’s explore five key benefits of nonprofit interim staffing—and how it just might be the perfect match for your team during times of transition.

#1 You complete me: Minimize the Negative Effects of Vacancy and Transition

There’s never a good time for an unplanned vacancy. Whether due to illness, resignation, or unexpected changes, the departure of a development staff member can place a heavy burden on the rest of the team—and threaten the momentum of your fundraising efforts.

Enter interim staffing.

An experienced fundraising professional specializing in interim staffing can step in quickly, stabilize your operations, and ensure continuity during a crucial time. These seasoned leaders thrive in uncertain environments and bring the clarity and expertise needed to keep your program running without missing a beat.

Interim staffing gives your organization breathing room. Instead of rushing the hiring process, you can take the time to make a thoughtful, strategic decision about the permanent role—without losing capacity in the meantime.

#2 Bridge of love: Build on the Opportunity for Growth

Once your interim fundraising leader is in place and activities are flowing, you gain a rare chance to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Interim staffing opens the door to internal growth and team development.

This temporary shift in leadership often sparks new energy and perspectives among your staff. With fresh insight, the interim professional can encourage new ways of working, foster collaboration, and help the team explore creative solutions to long-standing challenges.

In this way, interim staffing serves as a bridge—supporting continuity while paving the way for a stronger future.

#3 Love reveals all: Assess with Fresh and Experienced Eyes

Interim leaders don’t just fill a gap—they often illuminate new possibilities. Because they bring an outsider’s perspective and specialized experience, they can quickly assess your development operations and identify opportunities for improvement.

Whether through a formal fundraising assessment or informal observations, interim staffing provides organizations with honest, objective insights. From your campaign calendar to internal workflows, they can recommend tweaks that improve efficiency, increase capacity, and align your team with best practices.

Without the weight of “this is how we’ve always done it,” interim professionals offer clarity—and often, innovation.

#4 Love Lifts Us Up: Level up as an Agent of Change

Sometimes, interim staffing is a strategic move to prepare for transformation. Whether you’re restructuring your development department, realigning roles, or setting a new vision, an interim fundraising leader can help lay the groundwork for long-term success.

In these cases, the interim professional is empowered not just to maintain the status quo, but to shift it. They can lead change management efforts, mentor staff through transition, and position the incoming permanent leader to succeed from day one.

Interim staffing allows you to make meaningful change, without waiting for the “perfect” time—or person—to get started.

#5 Love shapes us: Help Define Leadership Needs

One of the most overlooked benefits of interim staffing is its ability to clarify what your organization truly needs in a permanent hire.

Through on-the-ground work and collaboration with leadership, the interim professional can help refine the job description, identify critical competencies, and even support the search and hiring process. Their perspective helps your organization recognize the leadership qualities and fundraising expertise that will make the most impact—ensuring a stronger, more aligned long-term hire.

Change Is the Only Constant

COVID may have accelerated staff turnover and organizational change, but the truth is: transitions will always be a part of nonprofit life. The key is to plan for change—not just react to it.

Interim staffing offers more than just a short-term fix. It’s a strategic solution that provides stability, sparks innovation, and strengthens your team during times of uncertainty.

If your organization is navigating transition—or preparing for it—consider how interim staffing could support your mission and keep your momentum strong.