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Mary Dell provides holistic services, easily integrating into organizations, and always considering the bigger picture of fulfilling your vision.
SERVICES
Nonprofit organizations face critical challenges during transitional periods, where a gap in leadership or key functions can significantly hinder operations. StopGap Solutions offers interim leadership to bridge these transitions, allowing organizations to assess the necessary skill sets and duties before committing to permanent hires. Through stakeholder interviews and organizational assessments, we ensure continued progress toward strategic goals. For planned transitions, we develop comprehensive succession plans, review community landscapes, and provide action-oriented timelines for offboarding and onboarding. For unplanned transitions, we can immediately assume an interim leadership role ensuring ongoing operations and facilitating the hiring process for the next leader. By contracting with StopGap Solutions, organizations can successfully execute projects without HR burdens or capacity issues. Whether closing out projects with limited time remaining or embarking on multi-year commitments, we ensure project success from start to finish. We recognize the complexity of relationships within nonprofits, particularly between Directors of Development and Executive Directors. Serving as intermediaries, we provide comprehensive supervision and coaching for team members, fostering stronger financial and operational success for the organization.
LEADERSHIP. MANAGEMENT. OPERATIONS.
Stop The Gap!
Let's stop the gap together!
You know what you need to be done, but you’re not quite sure of all the details. StopGap excels at creating flexible project plans for developing circumstances that may require short-term and full-time help or a longer-term need on a part-time basis. Our team excels in transitional situations that help to bridge or stop gaps within an organization including project management, executive transition, and development.
Our goal is to protect and advance what you care about most.
Behind The Solutions
A StopGap solution is a temporary bridge from one place to the next. There must be a way forward, but there is not an obvious route. An experienced guide and partner will help identify the most efficient way to navigate.
What Our Clients Are Saying
TESTIMONIALS
Cheryl Long
Chair, Board of Directors
United Way of Allendale, Barnwell, and Bamberg
"Mary Dell became part of our community, taking the time to understand our dynamics and work with us to build a plan and prepare for new leadership. Her work engaged our board, facilitated our hiring process, and put us in a strong position to onboard a new Executive Director."
Heather McDonald, Executive Director, Five Points Association
Mary Dell brings such positive and compassionate energy to our team. She has a wealth of knowledge, is responsive, and takes expert care of her clients while doing her best to make sure those around her are engaged and taken care of.
Naomi Lett, United Way Association of SC, President and CEO
"Mary Dell Hayes manages complex projects with ease. I trusted her to navigate community-level projects and communicate effectively on behalf of my organization with agency leadership. She is an excellent problem-solver and brings CEO-level talent to whatever job she does while still able to take direction and feedback. She can be trusted with a project without the need for intensive management or oversight – she takes ownership of the work and does it with excellence."
You're probably
wondering...
FAQ
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I'm overwhelmed. I don't know exactly what I need. Can you help?Yes! Every project starts with an initial consultation call to evaluate your needs. Most of my projects start with a total lack of clarity. Sometimes my job is to help you design a process for a new opportunity, sometimes it's to design and implement the process, and sometimes I can identify and connect you with someone who is a better fit for your needs. It never hurts to have an exploratory conversation and start to figure out where you are going.
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Could you present to my group?Yes, I present to a variety of groups including conferences, association meetings, board retreats, staff retreats, and small groups. I am morally opposed to Death By PowerPoint. Some of my presentations include: - Succession Planning: It's critical to have a succession plan for your front-line staff, leadership, board of directors, and volunteers. Each position is critical for ongoing operations. By planning, you ensure the organization can move forward even during times of change. - Donor Acknowledgment: Donor retention rates are abysmal and it doesn't have to be that way. Immediately begin to implement retention practices that will not only retain but increase the commitment of donors. - Board Development: We expect boards to lead radical community change, but we don't always tell them how they are supposed to do that. Helping boards center on the purpose of the organization keeps them focused on strategic leadership. Let's chat! If what you want isn't in my wheelhouse, I am happy to connect you with a colleague who is a subject matter expert.
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Isn't hiring a consultant expensive?Well... lots of things are expensive. Someone with much less experience might cost less at first glance, but my experience may make it possible to complete your work in half the time it would take them and without putting a supervisory burden on an already busy team. I remember the stress of balancing the budget as a nonprofit executive and I don't want you to feel burdened. Our work together should make your life and organization better. We can navigate the budget by adjusting the scope of work, identifying someone who is a better fit, or winning the lottery. I haven't given up hope on the lottery yet, even though it hasn't worked out to date!
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How do I pick a consultant?Every consultant is a little bit different with different areas of experience and focus. I am a member of the Together SC Consultant Collaborative. We focus on building extensive relationships that work to benefit the nonprofit sector. Sometimes the best fit is about personality, sometimes it's about capacity or budget, sometimes it's about prior relationships. I have an ethical obligation to not accept work outside of my scope or capacity - my partners in the Consultant Collaborative have accepted that responsibility as well. There's plenty of work for everyone and it serves all of us best if to try to only accept the work that's uniquely suited for us.
