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Certificate Programs
Certificate in Leadership

Certificate in

leadership

The Certificate in Leadership is a 10-week program for nonprofit professionals who are new to managing people or programs (have been in their position for less than three years). Through peer-based learning groups, group coaching calls, and one-on-one coaching, the program prepares emerging nonprofit leaders to effectively lead and manage in our dynamically changing sector while strengthening their organizations and communities.

Program Components

The Certificate in Leadership consists of the following experiences:

  • Virtual orientation and meet and greet
  • Four virtual, half-day training sessions facilitated by expert practitioners 
  • In-person leadership panel and final session
  • Four virtual group coaching sessions (one hour each) in between each training session
  • A 30-minute virtual individual coaching session

Skill Development

All classes and content empower participants to practice skill development in the following areas:

  • Self-reflection
  • Reflective writing
  • Critical thinking
  • Giving and receiving feedback

Proven Impact

  • 100% of graduates say they can respond authentically to changes and challenges facing today’s nonprofit leaders, up from 59% before the program.
  • Participants’ ability to understand themselves and manage their organizational responsibilities increased from 88% to 100% from the beginning to the end of the program.
  • 100% of participants say they understood their leadership style and could develop a plan to enhance their skills after the program, up from 77% before the program began.

How to Apply

Acceptance into the Certificate in Leadership program is by application only and consists of the following steps.

Step 1: Individuals or organizations nominate eligible nonprofit professionals to participate. 

Step 2: Nominees who meet eligibility requirements are invited to complete an application.

Step 3: Certificate participants are selected and announced.

NOMINATE A LEADER

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must be new to their position (three years or less) in managing people or programs for the first time. Examples include a CEO or executive director who has just joined an organization, a first-time manager who is learning how to effectively lead others or a professional who is new to overseeing a program or department. 
  • Candidates must commit to attending all content sessions on the published dates. 
  • Candidates must have the support from executive staff and senior leaders to attend,  practice and implement what they’re learning through the program.

What Graduates

are saying:

Earning the Certificate in Leadership from the Nonprofit Leadership Center was one of the best decisions I made as a young professional. The program was designed with intention to bring in outside experts to discuss topics that directly applied to real-life situations. I continue to be impressed with the program facilitators and their ability to create an inclusive, respectful and stimulating environment. Their ability to role model leadership helped me understand what it really looks like in action. The cohort developed a bond that will last long beyond the program.

Erica N., Program graduate