The Case for Hiring an Interim Development Director

by Kyle Halmrast, Founder and CEO

When a development team transition leaves a gap, whether due to resignation, restructuring, or a new vision, momentum can stall at a critical time. A seasoned, professional Interim Development Director from the Ostara Group, equipped with strategic insight, hands-on experience, and a nonprofit-first perspective, can keep your mission, and your fundraising, moving forward.

The Ostara Group is well-positioned to tackle your Development Department's immediate needs with Interim Director support. We offer:

A Track Record of Interim Development Leadership

Since its founding in 2009, The Ostara Group has emerged as a leading nonprofit consulting firm, driven by a relational, "shoulder-to-shoulder" approach and deeply rooted in fundraising, leadership, and capacity-building expertise.  Over the years, Ostara has partnered with more than 450 nonprofit organizations (including more than 80 interim development roles), offering support across various sectors through shifts, transitions, and growth.

A Team of Specialists

When you hire an Ostara interim, you gain access not just to a single consultant but to a team rich in fundraising, leadership, planning, and facilitation, scalable support tailored to your moment. Plus, Ostara Consultants bring deep experience in interim leadership roles, development planning, database tools, campaign execution, and equity and inclusion-focused approaches.

Proven Fundraising Expertise (Right Now)

Ostara Group has deep roots in nonprofit fundraising. Our work includes development program assessments, grant strategy, annual giving, capital campaigns, and more, and our consultants bring decades of experience, from crafting campaigns to donor cultivation, and hit the ground running.

Stable Leadership During Periods of Uncertainty

Transitions happen but you don’t have to be in limbo. Ostara’s interim staffing and leadership services ensure your development efforts continue uninterrupted. Our consultants help sustain momentum, keep staff focused, and ensure your donor relationships remain nurtured.

Real Results from Real Organizations

1. Edmonds Food Bank brought in Ostara to lead development during a capital planning phase. Ostara built out the fundraising infrastructure, created standard operating procedures, launched campaigns, and even handled hiring for key roles like Director of Development and Individual Giving Manager. The result? A fully-functional development team positioned for long-term success.

2. Bloedel Reserve needed leadership mid-campaign and without a full development team. Ostara conducted assessments, managed campaigns, recruited the new Director of Development, and maintained fundraising progress during the transition.

These stories go beyond temporary fixes, they show how Ostara ensures your next development leader inherits a strong, sustainable infrastructure.

Planning Tailored to Your Organizations’ Needs

Ostara doesn’t do cookie-cutter. We design services to match your stage, strategy, and community: be it capital campaigns, donor development systems, grant strategy, or donor-facing communications strategy and execution. Our consultants listen, adapt, and co-create solutions with you to unlock your full fundraising potential.

Hiring an Ostara Group Interim Director of Development does more than fill a vacancy, it fuels momentum, reinforces infrastructure, and prepares your organization for its next chapter of impact. If you're ready to safeguard your development work and build for the future, Ostara offers the leadership and insight to make it happen.

If you are in need of Interim Director support, or would like to learn more about other services we offer, contact us! We are here to help.