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Advancing Your Nonprofit Career: Certificate in Leadership vs. Certificate in Nonprofit Management — Which is right for you?

Taking your nonprofit career to new heights: How to choose the certificate program that's right for you
Nonprofit Leadership Center

Strong leaders know there is no finish line when it comes to learning. Leadership requires courage, curiosity, focus and adaptability — all while motivating and empowering others to do and be their best. Yet today, half of nonprofit leaders say they lack the knowledge, experience or resources necessary to be successful (Source: ProInspire). As a nonprofit organization that exists to support and build the capacity of other nonprofits, the Nonprofit Leadership Center is working to change that.

Through our Certificate in Leadership and Certificate in Nonprofit Management programs, nonprofit professionals can take their skills to new heights while strengthening their organizations and communities. But what is the difference between the two programs and how do you know which is right for you or your team members? Let’s take a closer look at each program’s purpose, program and requirements.

Choosing the Nonprofit Certificate Program That’s Right For You

  Certificate in Leadership Certificate in Nonprofit Management
EXPERIENCE For new leaders who have fewer than three years of experience managing people or programs For experienced leaders who are on or are aspiring to be on the senior leadership team at a nonprofit
LENGTH 10 weeks
(5 sessions + coaching)
15 months
(four one-week courses + project-based follow-up learning)
PROGRAM FOCUS Non-graduate level program with a significant focus on leadership Formal graduate-level program through the University of Tampa with a significant focus on leadership and management
CURRICULUM

Emotional intelligence

Conscious leadership

Data-driven decision making

Cultivating effective teams

Facilitated leadership conversation

Thinking strategically

Marketing, research and communications

Financial management

Leadership and innovation

COACHING Formal group coaching and individual coaching Informal coaching and mentoring
SELECTION PROCESS Participants must be nominated by a leader and then complete an application Participants must apply through the University of Tampa’s formal application process (no nomination required)
REQUIREMENTS TO GRADUATE Attend all sessions and complete all courses Create and present a nonprofit business plan to a committee of leaders
COST $400 (A reduced fee thanks to generous support from Florida Blue)

$7,860 + books and parking; $3,930 with a scholarship

(Fees based on 2020-21 costs)

WHERE TO LEARN MORE https://nlctb.org/certificate-programs/leadership/ https://nlctb.org/certificate-in-nonprofit-management/

Investing in your personal and professional development is one of the most significant ways to strengthen your nonprofit and your community. Learn more about all our certificate programs and begin the first step in your career journey today.

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Earn Your Certificate Today!

The Certificate in Nonprofit Management at the University of Tampa is a graduate-level educational opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills of current and emerging nonprofit executives. This high-quality academic program is taught by Ph.D. faculty in partnership with leading nonprofit practitioners. The courses are delivered as four intensive one-week seminars over 15 months, representing 12 credit hours of graduate-level instruction.

Start your certificate today!

The Certificate in Nonprofit Management at the University of Tampa is a graduate-level educational opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills of current and emerging nonprofit executives. This high-quality academic program is taught by Ph.D. faculty in partnership with leading nonprofit practitioners. The courses are delivered as four intensive one-week seminars over 15 months, representing 12 credit hours of graduate-level instruction.

Earn Your Certificate Today!

The Certificate in Leadership is a 10-week program for nonprofit leaders who are new to managing people or programs. This life-changing learning experience helps participants grow as high-performing leaders who are adaptive, courageous and committed to results-driven change. Offered once per year, it includes peer-based learning groups, group coaching calls and one-on-one coaching.

Start your certificate today!

The Certificate in Leadership is a 10-week program for nonprofit leaders who are new to managing people or programs. This life-changing learning experience helps participants grow as high-performing leaders who are adaptive, courageous and committed to results-driven change. Offered once per year, it includes peer-based learning groups, group coaching calls and one-on-one coaching.

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