Nonprofit Management and Leadership Credentials


Neighborworks-image-164Success in community development requires excellence in staff development, community outreach, policy initiatives, resource cultivation and much more. To achieve success, you must make the most of limited resources — finances as well as time.

The NeighborWorks Training Institute offers two certificates -- one in organizational management and one in organizational leadership -- designed to complement existing jobs in the nonprofit industry. In addition, we offer a micro-credential in negotation.
 

Professional Certificates

In earning a professional certificate, you will learn to plan for the future strategically and competitively, better communicate and work with your staff and board, evaluate the success of your programs and your organization as a whole, develop the resources necessary to maintain and improve products and services, and use the information from financial statements as decision-making tools.

Organizational Management Professional Certificate

Designed for all skill and responsibility levels within a nonprofit organization.  A wide variety of required and electives allow participants to tailor the certification to meet their needs.

  • Critical and strategic thinking
  • Resource development and management of human and financial capital
  • Results-Oriented management
  • Business and strategic planning

Organizational Leadership Professional Certificate

Designed for senior staff, executives and board members.  This Certificate has six required courses.

  • Critical and strategic thinking and planning to help move your organization forward
  • Cultural competency and skills and strategies to diversify your board and organization
  • Negotiation and conflict resolution skills to negotiate from principled positions
  • Board structure and governance practices to ensure your organization’s health and functionality
  • Advanced leadership skills and strategies for the experienced manager
  • Green strategies for visionary leadership

Listed below are the requirements for earning each of the professional certificates in nonprofit management and leadership. 

See Below for Program Details:

Candidates
How to Earn a Professional Certificate
Program Coursework
Online Testing

Candidates

This program is particularly appropriate for: 

  • Executive directors
  • Senior managers
  • Emerging leaders in community development
  • Members of boards of directors
  • Executive committee board members
  • Managers of community-development intermediaries
  • Government managers working in community development
  • Funders wishing to gain a better understanding of the demands on an executive director
  • Community-development educators

Interested individuals at all levels of responsibility may enroll in the program. 
 

How to Earn a Professional Certificate

Individuals seeking to earn a professional certificate in nonprofit management and leadership must:
  • Submit the enrollment form.
  • Complete all coursework, practical exercises and tests within three years.
  • Pass the final exam/practicum.
It is possible to complete all program requirements in as few as three NeighborWorks Training Institutes. With prior approval from the training division staff, candidates may receive credit for relevant courses taken no more than two years prior to enrollment.
 
Candidates must take the online tests for the applicable required courses. Learn more about online testing for professional certificate program courses. 
  
For answers to questions, call 800-438-5547 or 202-760-4000 or email [email protected].

Program Coursework

The programs consist of a series of courses that together provide the theoretical framework, specialized tools and technical skills necessary to successfully lead a dynamic community development organization in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive environment. The courses emphasize a hands-on approach, combining practical experience with lectures, case studies, site visits, small-group exercises and other participatory methods. Emphasis is placed on peer learning, critical thinking, organizational assessment and action planning for results.

Listed below are the required and elective courses for earning each of the professional certificates.


Organizational Management Professional Certificate 
Required courses (select 10): 

Organizational Leadership Professional Certificate
Required courses (all courses listed): 

Elective courses (select two):

 

Foundations of Negotiation Micro-Credential

The Foundations of Negotiation micro-credential equips learners with the skills to transform adversarial approaches into collaborative problem-solving. You'll learn how to influence, motivate, and lead individuals and teams effectively, ensuring productive and positive outcomes in various negotiation scenarios.

What You'll Learn:

  • Collaborative Negotiation Techniques: Shift from adversarial tactics to collaborative approaches that foster mutual respect and understanding.

  • Influence and Persuasion: Master the art of influencing others and persuading them to see your perspective while maintaining positive relationships.

  • Motivation Strategies: Learn how to motivate individuals and teams to achieve common goals.

  • Conflict Resolution: Develop skills to resolve common workplace disputes and turn conflicts into opportunities for growth.

  • Building Trust: Understand the importance of trust in negotiations and learn strategies to build and maintain it.

  • Effective Communication: Enhance your communication skills to articulate your needs clearly and listen actively to others.

 

Micro-Credential Course Requirements:

Micro-Credential Completion:

  • Submit the enrollment form.
  • Complete all coursework, practical exercises and tests within required timeframe
  • Pass the final exam/practicum (if applicable).

If you have any questions, call 800-438-5547 or 202-760-4000, or email [email protected].