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Manaf, Nonprofit Consultant and Freelance Project Manager at Self-Employed: Advize Career Interview
A career in nonprofit consulting and freelance project management offers incredible variety and flexibility, as evidenced by Manaf's journey.
Initially drawn to the entertainment industry, a theater arts background unexpectedly provided transferable skills—communication, project management, and presentation abilities—that proved invaluable.
This led to a fulfilling career helping colleges, universities, and other organizations improve external engagement, fundraising, and internal infrastructure.
The work is diverse, ranging from event planning to advising deans, requiring critical thinking and strong self-branding.
While challenges exist in managing multiple clients and defining service offerings, the rewards include work-life integration, continual learning, and collaboration with mission-driven individuals.
Success hinges on proactive networking, building a strong portfolio, and mastering the art of boundary-setting.
Manaf's advice to aspiring professionals: seek diverse experiences, identify core strengths, and end projects on a high note—a strategy as impactful as a well-executed beginning.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Manaf Mansure
Nonprofit Consultant and Freelance Project Manager
Self-Employed
University of California, Los Angeles
Harvard University, MEd in Organizations, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship
Fine Arts, Music
Nonprofit
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, First Generation College Student
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Career path of a Self-Employed Nonprofit Consultant and Freelance Project Manager
Manaf initially aspired to a career in the entertainment industry, majoring in theater arts and developing "transferrable skills" like communication and project management through theater production and internships. These skills proved highly valuable in their current roles as a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager, where they leverage their ability to "present to clients" and "put together a cohesive project" honed from their theatrical background.
Main Responsibilities of a Self-Employed Nonprofit Consultant and Freelance Project Manager
As a self-employed nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager, Manaf works with colleges, universities, and other organizations to "expand and exemplify and amplify their external engagement work," encompassing fundraising strategy, marketing, communications, and strengthening internal infrastructure to better serve constituents. This involves helping clients engage diverse groups, from alumni and students to donors, and developing strategies to inspire philanthropic giving.
A Day In The Life Of A Freelance Nonprofit Consultant And Project Manager
Manaf's work as a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager is incredibly varied, with "every day look[ing] very, very, very different," ranging from event planning to advising deans on fundraising to optimizing donor strategies for art museums. The common thread is Manaf's dedication to providing "best service utilization" and remaining committed to each organization's goals.
Most Important Skills for a Freelance Consultant Working for Yourself
Manaf, a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager, emphasizes the importance of self-branding and identifying one's core strengths as a freelancer, noting that "expertise can shift" depending on the organization's needs. The ability to utilize "critical thinking skills" and "ask tough questions" to help nonprofits expand their impact are also crucial for success in this field.
Favorite Parts of Being a Freelance Nonprofit Consultant and Project Manager
Manaf most enjoys the "work life integration" afforded by the flexibility of their freelance consulting role, allowing for deep work interspersed with personal time. This career path also enables continual learning through diverse projects and collaborations with "different people, different organizations, different challenges," fostering professional growth and fulfilling their desire for "continual learning and continual giving."
Biggest Challenges As a Self-Employed Nonprofit Consultant and Project Manager
Manaf's biggest challenges as a self-employed nonprofit consultant and project manager include "continually defining and redefining" their service offerings to appeal to clients seeking specialists, and managing competing demands from multiple clients simultaneously. This requires ongoing work on branding and prioritization to avoid overextending themselves while meeting client needs.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Nonprofit Industry as a Freelance Nonprofit Consultant
Manaf, a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager, finds the most rewarding aspect of the industry to be "the people," specifically their mission-driven nature and commitment to positive societal impact, even amidst challenges. This aligns perfectly with Manaf's own career focus on helping these individuals "expand their impact."
What Type Of Person Thrives In Freelancing According To A Self-Employed Consultant And Project Manager
Manaf, a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager, identifies a thriving freelancer as someone who enjoys "working with different people, different organizations," and relishes autonomy and varied challenges. Success in this field requires a strong skillset, the ability to market oneself, and comfort with the inherent uncertainties of client acquisition, essentially "running your own business."
What a Freelance Nonprofit Consultant and Project Manager Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Consulting and Freelancing Industry
Manaf, a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager, emphasizes the critical, often overlooked importance of "boundary setting," particularly in project-based work, advising that saying "no" and defining limitations is crucial for self-preservation and maintaining "the capacity to do good work." This skill, learned through experience as "a yes guy" transitioning to a more self-protective approach, is presented as essential for career success and well-being, regardless of industry.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Nonprofit Consultants and Freelance Project Managers
Manaf, a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager, suggests that entry-level positions in this field are less about specific titles and more about proactively seeking opportunities: "just go out there and do it, um, and ask people if they need help with a project," building a portfolio and network through internships, student organizations, and referrals are key to success, as "75% of my clients have all been through referrals."
Significant Career Lesson From a Freelance Nonprofit Consultant and Project Manager
Manaf, a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager, emphasizes the importance of "end[ing] a project or end a client relationship...on a really great note," as much as starting well, because "people remember the last interactions." This approach is particularly relevant given the nature of Manaf's varied career, moving between gigs and contracts.
College Experiences That Helped a Nonprofit Consultant and Freelance Project Manager Succeed
Manaf's undergraduate experience involved "a lot of different things," including internships, student organizations, research, and theater, allowing exploration across various disciplines and development of emotional intelligence. This broad approach, combined with identifying and focusing on "things that really resonate," directly contributed to their current success as a nonprofit consultant and freelance project manager by fostering adaptability and diverse skill sets.
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