1114 - Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership

Course Description

The Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership (CNL) addresses various aspects of leadership that every member of your organization, from on-the-ground volunteers to Executive Directors, face on a daily basis. It offers guidance and strategies on leadership and performance expectations in times of change, strategic management models, the responsibilities of and how to engage volunteer board members, measuring success, and employing situational leadership as a tool to develop team members. Though a faculty instructor guides learners through each educational module, participants also critique articles, listen to lectures, and engage with their cohort to share insight on real-world nonprofit and public service scenarios.

Your experience within our online classroom will be a blend of graduate-level education with an applied perspective to utilize learnings to benefit personal aspirations and organizational professional commitments. The academic content is based on decades of experience from leaders in public administration education and the design reflects what we believe, addresses the most vital current and future competencies for public service leaders.

Course Outline

Module 1 Introduction: Overview of the Nonprofit Sector

Module 2 Individual Leadership: Creating Your Individual Leadership Plan

Module 3 Leadership Theory: Understanding the Basics of Leadership Theories for Nonprofits

Module 4 Strategic Management 1: Introducing Nonprofit Strategic Management

Module 5 Strategic Management 2: Utilizing the Strategic Management Cycle

Module 6 Nonprofit Boards: How to Assess and Improve Board Performance

Module 7 Performance Management: Sustaining Outcomes and Performance Drivers

Module 8 The Nonprofit Ecosystem: Utilizing Ecosystem Mapping to Strengthen Nonprofit Systems and Impact

Module 9 Fundraising: Strategic Decision-Making in Fundraising

Module 10 Conclusion: Organizational Leadership in Action

Learner Outcomes

1. Explain the structure, role, and challenges of the nonprofit sector.
2. Develop a personal leadership plan and demonstrate strategies for effective individual leadership.
3. Analyze and apply key leadership theories within nonprofit organizations.
4. Utilize strategic management models and cycles to guide nonprofit decision-making and organizational growth.
5. Assess and improve the performance, composition, and engagement of nonprofit boards.
6. Measure and sustain organizational outcomes with performance management tools and practices.
7. Apply ecosystem mapping to strengthen nonprofit systems and maximize community impact.
8. Make informed, ethical decisions in nonprofit fundraising and resource development.
9. Integrate applied leadership strategies to address real-world nonprofit challenges and advance professional effectiveness.

Notes

Accrediting Associations

• Professional Development Hours 20.0 hours