How Do I Use a Consultant?

5 Questions to Ask a Consultant Before Hiring Them (And How to Make the Most of Their Expertise)

If you’re a school or nonprofit leader, chances are you’ve considered hiring a consultant at some point. Whether you’re looking to boost enrollment, refine your marketing strategy, or enhance donor engagement, bringing in an expert can be a game-changer. But how do you know if a consultant is the right fit for your organization?

Before signing a contract, asking the right questions is essential. The wrong consultant can waste time and resources, but the right one can transform your organization’s impact. Below are five crucial questions to ask before hiring a consultant—plus how to ensure you’re maximizing their expertise.

What experience do you have working with organizations like ours?

Schools and nonprofits operate differently from traditional businesses. From funding challenges to community engagement, these sectors have unique needs. That’s why working with a consultant who understands and has experience in your industry is so important.

When vetting a consultant, ask about their previous experience with similar organizations. Have they worked with schools facing enrollment struggles? Have they helped nonprofits develop donor retention strategies? Look for case studies or references that showcase their expertise in your sector.

A great consultant will be able to articulate how their work has led to tangible results—such as increased enrollment, higher engagement, or stronger brand awareness.

What is your approach to strategy and implementation?

Some consultants specialize in big-picture strategy, while others excel at hands-on execution. Before hiring, it’s crucial to clarify what you need. Do you want a roadmap you can implement yourself, or do you need someone who will roll up their sleeves and execute alongside your team? Understanding their approach is key to ensuring alignment with your goals.

Ask about their process. Do they conduct audits before making recommendations? Will they provide a detailed action plan? Understanding their approach will help ensure alignment with your goals.

If your team is small or stretched thin, consider a consultant who offers implementation support rather than just strategy.

How do you measure success?

Success looks different for every organization. It could be a 15% increase in student applications, a boost in website traffic, or more media coverage. Whatever the goal, your consultant should have a clear way to measure progress.

A results-driven consultant will outline key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide reports to track impact. If they can’t define success metrics, that’s a red flag.

Ask for examples of past projects where they successfully met or exceeded their KPIs.

How will communication and collaboration work?

Hiring a consultant isn’t just about their expertise but also how well they integrate with your team. Clear communication is key to a successful engagement.

Before hiring, ask:

• How often will we check in?
• Will you provide reports or updates?
• How do you prefer to communicate (email, Zoom, Slack)?

A consultant who sets expectations upfront will save you frustration down the road.

What happens when the engagement ends?

A great consultant doesn’t just complete a project and walk away. Ask what support they provide post-engagement. Will they train your team? Provide documentation? Offer follow-up sessions?

You want a consultant who ensures long-term success, not just short-term fixes.

If you’re investing in a consultant, maximize their impact by requesting templates, tools, or training that your team can use moving forward.

How Using a Consultant Properly Can Benefit Your Organization

Hiring a consultant is an investment and it can drive significant impact when used effectively. Here’s how schools and nonprofits can make the most of their expertise:

• Access to Specialized Knowledge – Consultants bring insights and strategies your team may not have the in-house capacity or experience to develop.
• Fresh Perspective – Sometimes, an outsider can see challenges and opportunities that internal teams overlook.
• Scalability & Efficiency – A consultant helps you move faster, whether launching a new initiative or improving existing processes.
• Capacity Building – A good consultant doesn’t just deliver results; they empower your team with skills and resources to sustain progress.
• Better Outcomes – With the right consultant, you can increase student enrollment, boost donor engagement, improve marketing strategies, and strengthen community partnerships.

Hiring a consultant can be a turning point for your school or nonprofit—but only if you choose wisely. You can find a partner who will drive meaningful, lasting impact by asking the right questions and setting clear expectations.

Looking for a consultant who understands your challenges and can deliver tangible results? Let’s chat about how we can help your organization grow.