Program Overview

Excellence in Nonprofit Management Certificate Program

The Excellence in Nonprofit Management Certificate Program is designed to prepare mid-level managers, program directors, supervisors, and practitioners for management and leadership success in the nonprofit sector. This program is crucial for leadership in every sector where nonprofit organizations work to fulfill their missions, including health, mental health, family services, education, community organizing, eldercare, housing, environment, arts, and civic engagement.

Program Overview

The program consists of 12 sessions spread across 7 months, with convenient bimonthly 3-hour virtual meetings. The curriculum addresses key areas such as grant writing and fundraising, communications and marketing, financial management, strategic planning and change management, governance and board development, program management and evaluation, and human resources and talent management.

Course Length and Cost

• The program lasts for 7 months.
• The cost is $2000, with a payment plan available for those who wish to pay in installments.

Continuing Education Credits

• The program offers 36 Continuing Education (CE) credits.

Target Audience

The program is designed for new and current mid-level managers, supervisors, program directors, and other human service professionals who need the management competencies, skills, and tools to employ as managers of their organizations.

Attendance Policy

• Completion of the full curriculum, including attendance at all sessions, is required for earning the certificate of completion.
• Participants are allowed to miss up to two sessions and still earn the certificate by attending those sessions when the program is repeated in the future.

Program Schedule

The program includes the following sessions:

1. Transitioning from Practice to Management - November 20, 2025
2. Managing Your Team: The Essentials for an Effective Nonprofit Manager Part 1 - December 4, 2025
3. Managing Your Team: The Essentials for an Effective Nonprofit Manager Part 2 - December 18, 2025
4. Understanding Financial Management - January 8, 2026
5. Grant Writing and Grant Management - January 22, 2026
6. Fund Development - February 5, 2026
7. Program Management and Evaluation - February 19, 2026
8. Getting More for Less – How To Be Truly Strategic in Marketing and Communications Part 1 - March 5, 2026
9. Getting More for Less – How To Be Truly Strategic in Marketing and Communications Part 2 - March 19, 2026
10. Governance and Board Development - April 9, 2026
11. Planning and Change Management - April 23, 2026
12. Continuing Your Journey and Reflections - May 7, 2026

Session Details

Transitioning from Practice to Management

This session focuses on the transition from direct practice to management, covering the challenges and necessary skills for a successful transition.

Managing Your Team: The Essentials for an Effective Nonprofit Manager

These sessions explore the major roles, functions, and competencies of an effective manager in developing and managing teams and team members, including talent acquisition, retention, and performance management.

Understanding Financial Management

This session enhances participants' understanding of financial management principles and processes, including fiscal, budgetary, and financial planning issues.

Grant Writing and Grant Management

This session guides participants through the process of writing successful grant proposals and maintaining effective grant management programs.

Fund Development

This session explores current trends in fund development and provides tools for creating and implementing a fund development plan.

Program Management and Evaluation

This session familiarizes students with the major components and steps in deciding on, designing, producing, and delivering nonprofit programs and services, including program evaluation and assessment.

Getting More for Less – How To Be Truly Strategic in Marketing and Communications

These sessions provide managers and organizations with the tools to understand how to formulate and execute applicable marketing, communications, and branding plans.

Governance and Board Development

This session addresses the major role, responsibilities, and functions of effective nonprofit Board of Directors and how Board and staff work together.

Planning and Change Management

This session focuses on the importance of developing department plans and introduces contemporary theory and practice in modern change management processes.

Continuing Your Journey and Reflections

This final session allows participants to reflect on what they've learned, explore lingering issues, and share thoughts on introducing change into their departments and organizations.

About the Speakers

The program features a range of experienced speakers, including:

• Michael Swerdlow, PhD, with over 30 years of experience managing mental health and human service programs.
• Jennifer M. Rutledge, with over 35 years of experience in providing assistance to organizational leadership.
• Nyrekia White, BS Ed, MBA, with over twenty years of nonprofit executive and director-level experience.
• Paola Muggia, a graduate of Oberlin College with a B.A. in Art History and Masters work in Art History from New York University's Institute of Fine Arts.
• Jamie Bogenshutz, with over four decades of experience in the human services field.
• Chris Tuttle, an accomplished communication professional with more than 20 years of experience.
• Alison Brock, with 10+ years of experience in consulting, nonprofit leadership, business development, and corporate social responsibility.
• Jennifer M. Rutledge, also leading the final session on reflections and career planning.