Custom Solutions Specialist

Business Need

The Nonprofit Leadership Center (NLC) seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial Custom Solutions Specialist to expand the organization’s customized solutions and consulting portfolio, building off existing programs.

This initially grant-funded position will play a key role in elevating, cultivating, and delivering mission-aligned, fee-based and funded learning experiences across NLC’s five focus areas: Board Governance, Fund Development, Financial Management, Leadership and Management, and Marketing and Communications.

This position is designed to evolve into a self-sustaining role by developing and expanding revenue-generating custom solutions. The Custom Solutions Specialist will be responsible for building a robust pipeline of fee-based engagements and partnerships that support the financial independence of the position and contribute to NLC’s long-term sustainability.

The Custom Solutions Specialist combines business development, client relationship management, and facilitation skills to increase NLC’s reach with responsive, high-impact solutions.

Reports to: Director of Programs & Inclusion

Collaborates with: CEO, Resource Development Manager, Director of Finance & Operations, funders, and contracted trainers

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Client Engagement (20%)

• Cultivate and manage relationships with nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate partners seeking custom training and capacity-building engagements.
• Identify new opportunities through prospect research, referrals, and networking within Tampa Bay and surrounding regions.
• Conduct discovery meetings and needs assessments to determine scope, deliverables, and budget for custom solutions.
• Develop and present customized proposals and scopes of work for approval.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Resource Development Manager to align custom opportunities with funder and sponsorship goals.

Program Design & Facilitation (60%)

• Design and facilitate tailored training and consulting engagements aligned with NLC’s Areas of Excellence.
• Engage as staff lead for convening and roundtable discussions with leaders.
• Coordinate with the Director of Programs & Inclusion and trainers to ensure content quality and brand alignment.
• Adapt or combine existing NLC curriculum to address specific client challenges in leadership, management, finance, or organizational development.
• Serve as lead facilitator or project manager for select contracts and partnerships.

Cross-Team Collaboration & Marketing Alignment (10%)

• Work with the marketing team to highlight success stories, testimonials, and case studies from custom engagements.
• Partner with the Resource Development Manager to identify funding or sponsorship opportunities supporting custom projects.
• Support conference and community initiatives that generate visibility and new leads for NLC custom work.

Continuous Improvement & Systems Integration (10%)

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance & Operations to track budgets, proposals, and revenue.
• Track, analyze, and report on revenue generation, forecasting future growth and identifying opportunities to increase financial sustainability.
• Identify emerging sector needs and recommend new offerings to strengthen NLC’s value proposition.
• Contribute to a culture of learning and reflection through sharing insights from client engagements.

Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in nonprofit management, business, or education preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in c-suite nonprofit leadership, training, consulting, or business development
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and managing client or funder relationships
• Proven ability to develop and deliver professional training, coaching, or consulting services
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance, organizational development, financial management, and leadership development principles

Skills & Competencies

• Strong consultative relationship-building skills and client services orientation
• Exceptional presentation and facilitation abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong organizational, project management, and follow-through skills
• Comfort with technology platforms (Microsoft 365, CRM, Zoom, Arlo)
• Entrepreneurial and data-informed thinker who identifies opportunities for growth.

Behaviors & Attributes

• Mission-driven and relationship-centered
• Entrepreneurial mindset balanced with collaboration
• Adaptable, resourceful, and proactive
• Culturally competent and inclusive in approach
• Balances professionalism with authenticity and enthusiasm

30/60/90-Day Goals

30 Days:

• Complete onboarding and orientation with the NLC team and key funders.
• Review existing Custom and Cohort programs, clients, and referral processes.
• Shadow 1–2 custom engagements to observe NLC delivery standards.
• Develop initial prospect list for new business outreach in consultation with the program team.

60 Days:

• Conduct five client discovery calls and draft at least three custom proposals.
• Establish a tracking system for proposals, contracts, and follow-up.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Coordinator to create messaging for Custom Solutions.
• Deliver at least one small-scale custom training session or consultation.

90 Days:

• Secure and manage at least three confirmed custom engagements.
• Present a six-month business development plan outlining new opportunities and partnerships.
• Build relationships with at least 10 key referral partners or funders in the region.
• Identify one new curriculum offering or partnership to pilot in Year One.

Grant-Funded Performance Expectations (2-Year Term ending in 2027)

• Generate a minimum of 20 custom engagements annually (or $60,000 in year one), with year-over-year growth targets to ensure the position becomes self-sustaining.
• Maintain 90%+ client satisfaction scores.
• Increase NLC’s earned-revenue portfolio by 40% to meet annual budget goals.
• Develop at least two new funder or partner collaborations supporting custom or cohort work.
• Produce a sustainability plan by the end of Year Two outlining potential for ongoing funding or conversion to a permanent position.

NLC is committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected status. All applicants are considered based on qualifications and merit.