Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership

Yes! This program made what seemed impossible very probable to do along with practical tools for accomplishing them!

– Amaha S., 2023

The Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is a comprehensive program that offers experienced nonprofit professionals the opportunity to increase their capacity for effective entrepreneurial leadership through applied theoretical studies, executive skills training, and reflective practices in an interactive learning environment. Through this innovative curriculum, participants will:

  1. Develop a greater mastery of leadership skills and increase their confidence in applying these effectively in the nonprofit workplace
  2. Gain an awareness of emerging trends in the nonprofit sector, including social entrepreneurship, earned income ventures, and the evolving legal landscape
  3. Master reflective practices that enhance communications, foster understanding, and lead to results
  4. Develop skills to regain balance, remaining centered in the face of complexity and chaos
  5. Enhance their network through an expanded leadership cohort of peers drawn from across the country
  6. Create a personal leadership plan to use their refined skills to take action on changes they wish to make in their organizations and communities

Benefits

As result of their participation, graduates will be better able to:

  • Forge high-performing teams driven to achieve the mission of the organization
  • Foster within their organizations the proven practices of high impact nonprofits
  • Adopt entrepreneurial competencies of opportunity orientation, innovation, resourcefulness, and adaptive persistence
  • Lead strategic change within their organizations
  • Work with other leaders across organizations, sectors, and stakeholder groups to capitalize on opportunities for synergy in addressing critical social issues 

Graduates of the Executive Certificate program will return home equipped with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to manage in fast-paced, resource-constrained, mission-driven environments that characterize today’s nonprofit sector.

Supporters

The Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership program was created in direct response from senior nonprofit managers, board members, and many of the over 2,000 graduates of Duke University’s nationally acclaimed renowned Certificate in Nonprofit Management program. Composed of nationally known experts from Duke University and leading practitioners, our faculty provides interactive instruction, practical resources, and targeted feedback to enhance and expand participants’ skills in entrepreneurial nonprofit leadership.

2023 Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Program Overview

Monday, October 9th

THEME: Leading Self

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Opening Session
Nancy Love, MPA; Director – Duke Nonprofit Management Program, nancy.love@duke.edu
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

Following a welcome by program leaders, introductions, and an onboarding activity, we will discuss participants’ expectations for the 2023 Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and identify norms and standards for our learning community. We will conclude with an overview of the curriculum.

 

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Effective Leadership in the 21st Century
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, 
suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

In this session, we will engage in a lively discussion of what leadership means for each of us. Together, we will examine the special challenges of leadership in the nonprofit sector. Finally, we will share the leadership development goals that each of us bring to the Executive Certificate program.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Engage in an interactive discussion of what leadership means for participants and the special challenges of leadership in mission-driven organizations
  • Consider how nonprofit leaders can implement internal and external practices aimed at improving the effectiveness with which the organization achieves its mission

 

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM 

Break

 

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM 

Building a Sustainable High-Impact, High-Performance Nonprofit
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, 
suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

Nonprofits occupy a unique position in the organizational landscape of the U.S. To be a successful nonprofit leader, a strong understanding of the origin story behind the social sector and how it is evolving in the 21st century is vital. Although many of the fundamental principles and practices of effective leadership apply across all sectors and forms of organization, nonprofit leaders face a distinctive set of opportunities and challenges in comparison with their counterparts in the business and government sectors. Moreover, recent research reveals a set of promising practices for high-impact, high-performance nonprofits.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Introduce the flywheel effect and learn the strategies that lead to a high-impact, high-performance nonprofit
  • Conduct an initial assessment of the nonprofit organization based on the organizational lifecycle – for reflection and collective action
  • Learn about the research behind the elements of a sustainable nonprofit organization

 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch

 

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM 

Leadership from the Inside Out!
John Curtis, PhD; President - IOD, Inc., jcurtis@iodinc.com

Leadership is perhaps one of the most overused and least understood concepts in nonprofits today. Yet, when a high-performance leader is present, nothing is as motivating or productive. The strength of the leader can become contagious, permeating the entire organization, and everyone feels the positive effects. But high-performance leadership cannot be mandated, and it rarely happens by chance. High-performance leaders are not born; instead, they are developed, and this presentation will show you how.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Learn the core characteristics consistent among all high-performance nonprofit leaders.
  • Understand the nonprofit leader’s role in mastering change
  • Recognize why nonprofit leaders build high performance cultures
  • Identify the steps needed to lead from the inside out

 

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM

Break

 

2:30 PM – 3:45 PM 

How Mindfulness Can Make You & Your Organization More Productive
Julie Kosey MS, MCC, CMT, NBC-HWC, RYT; Owner – Integrated Mindful Solutions, LLC, julie.kosey@gmail.com

Mindfulness makes you more productive. The secret to productivity lies in learning how to work skillfully with yourself and others to create positive organizational outcomes. The benefits of regular mindfulness practice include feeling calmer, being more open, and learning how to reduce distractions so your mind is more focused and clearer. In addition, regular mindfulness practice develops greater self-awareness and stronger relationships. Learn how powerful pauses throughout your workday help focus your time and energy as a leader and make space for powerful conversations that get results. Discover how intentionally slowing down enables you to go faster.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the neuroscience behind why mindfulness makes you more productive
  • Learn how mindfulness can be the “secret sauce” for building a high-performing team
  • Create a personal plan for practicing mindfulness to enhance your leadership performance

 

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM 

Wrap Up & Reflections
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, 
suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

 

Tuesday, October 10

THEME: Leading Others

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM 

Morning Check-In Session
Mary Sherk and Suzanne Smith

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM 

Top 4 Trending Topics in Human Resources
Gabriela Norton, SPHR, MBA; CEO - People Performance Resources, 
gnorton@pprhr.com

An immersive journey into the forefront of HR trends. In this presentation, we will delve into four critical topics shaping the modern workplace: 1) understanding the signs and solutions for burnout, 2) the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence in HR practices, 3) learning the latest in compliance, and 4) exploring the power of upskilling and reskilling strategies. Join us to discover how you can embrace technology and development to maximize talent potential and ensure sustainable success.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Burnout and Work-Related Stress: explore strategies to mitigate burnout's impact, promote employee well-being, and understand your role in creating a healthier work environment for your team
  • Artificial Intelligence and HR Tech: harness the potential of AI in HR processes to increase your ROI, evaluate ethical considerations, and uncover how HR can strategically integrate technology
  • Latest In Compliance: learn the latest about pay transparency regulations, N.L.R.B, the new I-9 form, and more
  • Upskilling and Reskilling: embrace continuous learning by upskilling and reskilling employees, understanding their distinctions, and enabling you to drive effective growth initiatives

 

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM 

Break

 

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM 

Cultural Accelerators Toward Higher Employee Engagement
Gabriela Norton, SPHR, MBA; CEO - People Performance Resources, 
gnorton@pprhr.com

In this presentation, we will discuss key topics, including navigating the complexities of remote work and hybrid models to promoting employee well-being; embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion; and uncovering the keys to

elevating employee experience and engagement. You'll gain actionable insights that empower you to navigate these transformative challenges effectively.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Remote Work and Hybrid Models – The Great Compromise: navigate the challenges of remote and hybrid work arrangements, foster collaboration, and adapt your practices to support flexible work models
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Acceptance, and Belonging (DEIAB): embrace diversity and inclusivity as drivers of innovation and learn how you can champion DEIAB initiatives for organizational success
  • Employee Experience and Engagement: elevate organizational performance through positive employee experiences and engagement strategies tailored by you to foster a motivated workforce

 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 

Lunch

 

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM 

How to Elevate Your Board Into Community Ambassadors
Suzanne Smith, MBA – Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, 
suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

The overall landscape of nonprofit governance has changed with regulators, stakeholders, and the public demanding increased accountability to ensure that nonprofit organizations achieve results. To be successful, a nonprofit organization requires strong leadership from its board of directors in close partnership with the organization’s senior leaders. In this session, we will consider how to forge effective relationships given the asymmetries in the knowledge, information, and incentives among these groups. We will also discuss how to increase board member commitment to the mission of your organization and how boards must be active and engaged to fulfill their legal and governance duties.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Gain a more effective relationship between the nonprofit’s leadership and its board of directors
  • Understand new practices in governance that can take your board to the next level
  • Increase levels of board engagement so board members become ambassadors

 

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM 

Break

 

2:30 PM – 3:45 PM 

Panel – Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
Moderated by Suzanne Smith

Now that nonprofits have four different generations in the workplace, it is imperative for present leaders to cultivate those who will succeed them. In this session, a panel of emerging leaders will engage the participants in a dialogue on the motivations, ways of working, and aspirations of the rising generation.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be better equipped to develop strategies for fostering a diverse cohort of new leaders in their organizations.
  • Participants will be able to converse with next-generation leaders to understand their unique perspective and how to best bridge the gap in styles

 

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM 

Wrap Up & Reflections
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, 
suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

 

Wednesday, October 11

THEME: Leading as a Social Entrepreneur

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM 

Morning Check-In Session
Mary Sherk and Suzanne Smith

 

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM 

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Nonprofit Culture
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, 
suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

Nonprofit organizations are navigating tectonic shifts in the social sector that require new skills and strategies to create long-term impact. The complicated challenges facing contemporary nonprofit organizations demand a dynamic brand of leadership. An entrepreneurial outlook can help to transform the culture of nonprofits by meaningfully engaging the abilities, talents, and passions of board, staff, and supporters.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Find out what culture you prefer and how it compares to others
  • Explore how key entrepreneurial concepts and skills that make for-profit businesses competitive can be applied to nonprofit organizations to help make them more sustainable and successful
  • Understand the basic elements of an entrepreneurial mindset that will offer a practical framework for entrepreneurial activities

 

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Break

 

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM 

Mythbusting in Social Innovation: Why Innovation Is About More Than a Good Idea
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, 
suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

Universities and media are increasingly using the term “innovation” as a powerful way to disrupt current norms, but to be more than just a passing fad, true innovation needs to be coupled with discipline.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Explore a research-based approach to sustainable social innovation
  • Leverage practices to help you and your organization think in a more innovative way
  • Define your unique process for opportunity assessment to separate the good ideas from the truly great ideas

 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 

Lunch

 

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM 

Social Enterprise: Is Earned Income Right for Your Organization?
Jeff Stern, MBA; Director of Business Operations - TROSA, Inc., jeffrey.m.stern@gmail.com

In the face of increasing competition for limited and volatile philanthropic funding, many nonprofits are turning to earned income ventures as a potential alternative to traditional nonprofit fundraising strategies. While this can create a sustainable stream of unrestricted revenue, there are inherent risks as well.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand what social enterprise is and whether you are ready to pursue it within your organization
  • Learn about characteristics of a successful enterprise
  • Find out how to best pursue social enterprise in a nonprofit setting
  • Share tools to navigate starting a social enterprise, including an organizational audit and how to translate these strengths into social enterprise opportunities
  • Determine how and when to proceed, including using feasibility assessments and business plans

 

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM

Break

 

2:30 PM – 3:45 PM 

Panel – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Social Enterprise
Moderated by Suzanne Smith

A panel of nonprofit social entrepreneurs will engage participants in a lively conversation and dialogue on the opportunities and challenges of social enterprise, including the strategy, operations, and culture.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand some of the practical challenges of incorporating social enterprise into nonprofit operations
  • Identify concrete actions leaders can take to address these challenges and mitigate risks of failure to achieve mission impact and generate significant income

 

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM 

Wrap Up & Reflections
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, 
suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

 

Thursday, October 12

THEME: Leading Your Organization

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM 

Morning Check-In Session
Mary Sherk and Suzanne Smith

 

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM 

Navigating Legal Issues: A Q&A Discussion
Thomas A. Kelley, JD; James Dickson Phillips, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law and Director of the UNC School of Law Institute for Innovation, 
takelley@email.unc.edu

Nonprofit leaders must manage the affairs of their nonprofit corporation in an evolving legal landscape. As nonprofits become more entrepreneurial and explore M&A, they need to be mindful of legal and regulatory regimes that were designed for an earlier era. In this session, participants will have an opportunity to discuss these and other burning questions with an expert in nonprofit law.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Develop an awareness of significant legal doctrines that can impede entrepreneurial plans
  • Understand key considerations in structuring nonprofit-led entrepreneurial ventures

 

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM 

Break

 

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM 

Building Financial Acumen for a Sustainable Business 
Model Tracy Cox, MS, tracycox87@gmail.com

In today’s dynamic nonprofit landscape, financial acumen – understanding and interpreting financial information and making sound decisions from that information – is critical for long-term success. This course goes beyond mere number-crunching to focus on strategic integration of financial insights.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Financial Jargon Basecamp: understand how income statements and balance sheets work together to reveal the financial health of your organization; understand the differences between accrual and cash accounting
  • Predicting the Future: learn the importance of cashflow forecasting
  • Visualizing the Present: see how you can bring together key financial and impact indicators together using budgets and dashboards

 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 

Lunch

 

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM 

Nonprofit Advocacy: Influencing Policy and Making an Impact 
Kimberly Moore, PhD; kimberlywmoorephd@gmail.com

In today's connected world, we often overlook the importance of focused advocacy. When deployed successfully, an advocacy strategy can help your organization meet its mission, solve problems and give citizens a voice. Now more than ever, legislators and leaders at the local, state and federal level are looking to nonprofit organizations as subject matter experts to inform their decision making. This session will provide the tools to launch a successful advocacy agenda.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Learn the “rules of the road” used by high-performing organizations that engage with local, state and federal government officials
  • Share how to communicate with government agencies or judicial and executive branch members so your message gets heard
  • Hear how to position yourself and/or your organization as a thought leader on specific bills or laws
  • Understand the importance of preparing a nonpartisan analysis of a bill or law and distributing it broadly to add credibility to your cause
  • Discuss how to testify before a legislative committee or provide one with assistance

 

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM 

Break

 

2:30 PM – 3:45 PM 

Best Practices for Your Nonprofit’s Digital Dimension 
Darcy Knapp, MBA; CEO - SEO Web Mechanics, Darcy@SEOWebMechanics.com

Your Digital Persona is one of your nonprofit’s most valuable assets. Your website, social media pages, videos, and digital footprint define you to today’s audience. The power of your digital presence has the potential to drive awareness, increase volunteers, and deliver donations from new and current patrons.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Google Analytics & Visitor Tracking: learn how and why to maximize the value of your traffic and know what your visitors are doing
  • Google My Business Page: discover why this is must-have and likely your biggest source of ‘free’ traffic
  • Google Grants: uncover the nonprofits' best source for ‘free’ advertising assistance
  • Social Media & Tech Tricks/Hacks: get an inside look at the gateway to the world and how to best position yourself
  • Email Marketing: build TOMA (Top of Mind Awareness) consistency to ensure your organization meets its goals
  • Technology: discuss how to embrace AI
  • Cybersecurity: Identify the key areas requiring your focus to effectively safeguard your nonprofit

 

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM 

Wrap Up & Reflections
Suzanne Smith, MBA; Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

 

Friday, October 13

THEME: Leading into the Future

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM 

Morning Check-In Session
Mary Sherk and Suzanne Smith

 

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM 

Collaborative Leadership – Discovering Your Superpowers and Building Super Teams
Sanyin Siang, MBA; Executive Director - Fuqua School of Business’ Coach K Leadership & Ethics Center (COLE) at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, 
sanyin.siang@duke.edu

As the social impact landscape becomes more interdependent and complex, collaborations between private and social sectors and among nonprofits will be the key to success. Our people are also demanding a more humanizing approach to leading. This session explores ways of seeing the valu

communicating and building trust - through presentation, participant interactions, and experiential exercises.

Key Learning Objective:

  • Embrace the skills and mindset of collaborative leadership as an imperative in seeking to achieve increased impact in your community

 

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM 

Break

 


10:45 AM – 12:00 PM 

Panel – Duke Continuing Studies Alums: CEO Confidential
Moderated by Mary Sherk

A panel of past alumni of this program will share their lessons learned after they went back to their organizations and began to implement change. It will be a lively discussion geared toward their advice on how to best navigate the change ahead.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Share lessons learned and key advice that helped with the change management efforts
  • Help participants identify concrete actions that can be done both in the short and long term within their nonprofit organizations

 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 

Lunch

 

1:00 PM – 2: 15 PM 

Scaling Social Impact
Suzanne Smith, MBA – Founder & CEO - Social Impact Architects, suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com

Scale is the “holy grail” for nonprofit organizations, but they often start considering how to scale their idea too late or miss some important steps to truly be successful. But what are the various pathways to achieving increased impact, and what strategies should your nonprofit consider? What integral capacities are required to scale impact, and how should your organization go about planning for such an effort? In this session, we will examine these questions in our mutual effort to make a significant and sustainable impact in the communities we serve.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the definition of scale and the varied pathways – beyond bricks and mortar – for promising scaling strategies, including collaboration, social movements, and public policy
  • Determine key steps to scale successfully
  • Discuss varied strategies – with successful and unsuccessful case studies – on how to truly scale your idea widely as a social entrepreneur

 

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM 

Break

 

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM 

Closing Session
Nancy Love & Suzanne Smith

In this session, we will bring closure to the Virtual Duke Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership program by reviewing and discussing the key themes of the week. We will also share the revised leadership development goals that each participant will commit to pursuing in the months ahead.

Participants will complete the Executive Certificate in five consecutive days – October 7-11, 2024.  The Executive Certificate is a 50-hour program that meets Monday-Friday.  The program will be held as a series of live interactive classes via Zoom. Participants must attend all sessions to earn the Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. 

Individuals who apply and are accepted into the Executive Certificate will participate in its comprehensive program that offers experienced nonprofit professionals the opportunity to increase their capacity for effective entrepreneurial leadership through applied theoretical studies, executive skills training, and reflective practices in an interactive learning environment.

The Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is designed to deliver high impact training for seasoned nonprofit professionals whose leadership transforms organizations, communities and lives.

Eligibility

  • The Executive Certificate is open to those who hold the Certificate in Nonprofit Management and have 3 years of nonprofit management experience.
  • It is also open to persons not holding the Certificate in Nonprofit Management but who have 5 years of nonprofit leadership experience in a nonprofit setting.
  • Prospective participants must apply and be accepted before registering for the Program.

Application

Applications for the 2024 program will be accepted beginning January 15, 2024. 

Required Supplemental Materials

In addition to completing the online application, you will need to upload the following documents:

  • Current Resume
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Statement of Interest/Intent

Cox, Tracy, MS, tracycox87@gmail.com, has over 40 years of public and private sector experience involving financial and business analysis. Tracy has held various roles for over 20 plus years at Self-Help Credit Union, one of the largest community development financial institutions. Additionally, she has over 10 years of experience in serving on nonprofit boards, most recently as Treasurer of Durham Habitat for Humanity. Tracy has a B.A in Behavioral Science and an M.S. in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development.

 Curtis, John, PhD, jcurtis@iodinc.com, is a nonprofit consultant, researcher, and organizational development specialist. He is the President of IOD, Inc., which has been providing consulting services to nonprofits since 1986. His experience spans nearly 30 years and involves planning and leading organizational development projects for hundreds of organizations nationwide in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.  John holds a B.A. in Education, master’s in Counseling, and Ph.D. in Organizational Development.

Kelley, Thomas, JD, takelley@email.unc.edu, joined the Carolina Law faculty in 1999. He serves as the James Dickson Phillips Distinguished Professor of Law, the Director of the UNC-Law Institute for Innovation, and the faculty supervisor of the Community Development Law Clinic. His teaching and research interests include nonprofit organizations (with an emphasis on nonprofit social entrepreneurship) and international law (with an emphasis on Africa). His scholarly work has appeared in such publications as the Fordham and Tulane Law Reviews, Global Jurist, and the American Journal of Comparative Law. His article, “Unintended Consequences of Legal Westernization in Niger: Harming Contemporary Slaves by Reconceptualizing Property,” won Carolina Law’s 2009 Chadbourn Award for outstanding scholarship. In 2003-2004, Kelley was a Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor at Abdou Moumouni University (University of Niamey) in Niger. He has also served as a visiting lecturer at Universite Jean Moulin 3 in Lyon France and visiting academic at University of Cape Town in South Africa. During the summers of 2013 and 2015, he led summer study abroad programs in Rwanda and The Hague, focusing on genocide, human rights, and international criminal law.

Dr. Kelley earned a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law. Before attending law school, he served as United States Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Niger. After law school, he clerked for James Dickson Phillips on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, then practiced law at Foley, Hoag & Eliot in Boston.

Knapp, Darcy, MBA, Darcy@SEOWebMechanics.com consults with businesses in all stages of development, in all industries, and has clients in all 50 states. She is an expert in web design, e-commerce, optimization, paid ads management, and all aspects of digital marketing. With over 20 years’ experience in consulting with businesses on online marketing strategies and implementations, Darcy has likely seen it all, and is not afraid to research and discover solutions for unusual situations.

Kosey, Julie, MS, MCC, CMT, NBC-HWC, RYTjulie.kosey@gmail.com, is a Master Certified Coach (ICF) and Certified Mindfulness Teacher (IMTA).  She is the owner of Integrated Mindful Solutions, LLC, which specializes in coaching leaders and teams to peak performance by leveraging mindfulness. Her experience with leaders in nonprofit organizations spans more than 30 years.

Love, Nancy, MPA, nl40@duke.edu, Director of the Duke University Nonprofit Management Program. Nancy has 20+ years of hands-on training and experience in the nonprofit and private sectors.

Moore, Kimberly, Ph.D.,   kimberlywmoorephd@gmail.com, is a nonprofit and government leader. Her research interests include the Triple Helix framework of government, higher education, and business interconnectedness. She is currently the Director of Civic Engagement for U.S.. House of Representatives District 2. Prior to that, she served as an executive officer in the life insurance industry and as a fundraising consultant. Her experience includes over 30 years and involves higher education fundraising, strategic planning, government, and external affairs. Kimberly holds a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations, master’s in English, and Ph.D. in Journalism History.

Norton, Gabriela, SPHR, MBA, gnorton@pprhr.com, established People Performance Resources (PPR) as a full-service Human Resources consulting firm in 2010, focusing on excellence and dedication to the nonprofit business sector. Gabriela has over 20 years of subject matter expertise in human capital. She is a passionate and strategic professional who, together with her team, delivers best practices in high-level decision-making, culture alignment, bilingual/bicultural expertise, board governance support, CEO succession planning, human capital analysis, executive placements, operational change management, and more. Gabriela holds an Executive MBA from The University of Texas at Dallas, is an active Society for Human Resources Management member, and supports several local and national causes that empower low-income communities, women’s causes, children at risk, and conservation efforts. Gabriela serves as North Texas Board Chair for Out Teach, a mission committed to educating children in less fortunate communities through school gardens.

Siang, Sanyin, MBA, sanyin.siang@duke.edu, helps leaders launch and create value by focusing on mindset, behavioral change, and team and culture building. Sanyin is a CEO Coach, Author, and the Executive Director of the Fuqua/Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics (COLE) at Duke University. The COLE center is a leadership laboratory that engages all of Duke’s Daytime MBA students and convenes high-level think tank gatherings to explore today’s complex leadership opportunities and challenges. Sanyin works with C-suite executives and generals to help them become even more successful. She is an advisor for GV (formerly Google Ventures), Duke Corporate Education, and the Sports Innovation Lab. Her thought leadership has appeared in Forbes, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN. She has more than 865,000 LinkedIn followers. She is a LinkedIn 2017 Top 10 Influencer and a 2018 Thinkers50 On the Radar. She has served on boards of startups and nonprofits, including the National Board of the Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center, the Governing Board of the Emily Krzyzewski Center, the Museum of Life & Science, and the National Governing Board of USA Taekwondo. She is a member of the 86th Joint Civilian Orientation Conference. Driven by the belief that today’s complex challenges require collaboration across public, private, and social sectors, a theme through her work is convening interdisciplinary, diverse think tank gatherings towards defining complex problems and implementing new approaches for solving them. Prior to Duke, she was at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (the world’s largest federation of science and engineering societies) where she explored the ethical, legal, and social implications of technological advances and served as AAAS Professional Ethics’ Publication’s Managing Editor. Sanyin received a BSE in Biomedical Engineering and an MBA from Duke University.

Smith, Suzanne, MBA, Suzanne@socialimpactarchitects.com, serves as a coach and consultant for social organizations seeking to maximize the impact of their social strategies and achieve real, measurable results. For nearly three decades, she has generated innovative and breakthrough social ideas. With deep national social sector expertise, she has been widely recognized for her success in building and implementing award-winning programs and initiatives within the sector. Suzanne holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where she was a CASE (Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship) scholar and studied under Greg Dees. Outside of Social Impact Architects, Suzanne is an adjunct professor in the school of management at The University of Texas at Arlington and SMU. She is also a member of the prestigious Society of Organizational Learning (founded by Peter Senge) and National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers. She is also honored to serve on the board of Aileron to help entrepreneurs go to the next level. Suzanne also authors Social TrendSpotter (@socialtrendspot), one of the sector’s top blogs according to the Huffington Post. Known for its relatable way of blending important concepts and new ways of working with storytelling, Social TrendSpotter has been hailed by readers as “the only blog I read each week.” She is frequently interviewed by regional and national media on social issues and social entrepreneurship and has published articles in Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, See Change, Nonprofit Business Advisor, Upstart and Grantmakers in Health. For her outstanding work as a leading thinker, she was recognized with the Next Generation Social Entrepreneur Award by the Social Enterprise Alliance. Suzanne is a dedicated community leader and has worn many hats, including serving the City of Dallas on over seven boards and commissions and working pro-bono/low-bono with many projects and nonprofits across Texas.

Stern, Jeff, MBA, jeffrey.m.stern@gmail.com, has worked in the social sector for over 25 years, as a volunteer, staff member, executive director, and board member. He earned his MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business in 2003, where he focused his studies on social enterprise, strategy, and marketing. Jeff is currently Director of Business Operations for TROSA, an innovative, multi-year residential program that enables people with substance use disorders to be productive, recovering individuals by providing comprehensive treatment, experiential vocational training, education, and continuing care. Prior to TROSA, Jeff worked at several nonprofits in the field of informal education, including Durham Public Schools and the Museum of Life and Science. His prior board service experience reflects his interests in the arts and social justice.

Schedule

2024 Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, Course ID: 0461-016
Class Date: October 7-11, 2024
Application Period: January 15–September 6, 2024
Registration Begins:  March 4, 2024
Registration Ends: September 13, 2024 (or until class is full)
Location: Live Virtual Program via Zoom

Registration

Once accepted in the Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Program, participants must register to guarantee their seat. Payment is due upon registration. At the close of registration, the cohort receive a link to materials.

For more information, email Mary Sherk.

 

REGISTER ONLINE for a free video conference information session scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024 from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (ET). Join us for a live, interactive webinar on Zoom where key staff will discuss nonprofit executive education and answer questions about our 2024 program.

Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Information Session via Zoom
Friday, April 12, 2024, 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. (ET)
Course ID: 0462-012
Cost: Free
Video conference details sent to registered participants 24 hours prior to the session.

Email Mary Sherk with questions about the Executive Certificate program.

2024 Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Program will be offered virtually as a series of live, interactive classes via Zoom.

To ensure an optimal online learning experience, please ensure that you have access to the following:

  • PC or Laptop (Cellphones and tablets provide only limited access to the interactive feedback tools used in our classes and are inadequate
  •  Access to a reliable internet connection, in a quiet place without a lot of background noise
  • Web camera. Being able to see the faces of those participating/speaking creates more engagement and stronger connections with the instructor and other learners
  • Microphone (charged or corded USB headset, earbuds with built-in mic, or mic on webcam) – Using a mic on a headset/earbuds will reduce the likelihood of echoes coming from your connection to our session
  • Telephone (optional, as a backup in case of technical difficulty)

· Note taking materials

Tuition: $4250

Payable at the time of registration.

Duke Employee Discount

  • Employee fee is 10% off the fee of $4250 ($425 off)
    Duke employee pays fee of $3825 for program.

Discount must be requested and applied during the registration process.

Funding Sources

Our Nonprofit Management Programs (Intensive Track and Executive Certificate* in Nonprofit Leadership) are non-credit (not degree applicable); therefore, they are NOT eligible for federal loans. DO NOT SUBMIT FAFSA FORMS for these programs. Please see individual program web pages for those details. You may qualify for other loan options. Please see info below.

*Students must apply & be accepted into the Executive Certificate Program before registering.

No loans (Wells Fargo Graduate loan, Sallie Mae Smart Option Undergraduate loan, etc.) can be construed to imply any degree-seeking status for students of Duke Continuing Studies. Duke Continuing Studies courses are non-credit.

Loan Options

Your local bank may offer other options for loans or a "line of credit" service. Contact your bank for more information on financing choices.

Other Funding Sources

The funding options listed below may not be applicable to all programs at this time. Please contact the organization offering the funding to see if you qualify and if the funds can be used for the program in which you are interested.

Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

To apply for this private student loan, visit Sallie Mae’s website, and click the I’m ready to apply button. The following application should populate with the pertinent information for Duke Continuing Studies.

  • Under Loan Needs, select Student and then Undergraduate degree.
  • Select Career training school.
  • Select North Carolina from the drop down menu.
  • Under name of school begin typing DUKE PROFESSIONAL, then select DUKE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES, DURHAM, NC, 00292099 when it populates.
  • Click Continue.
  • Next, You've confirmed that you want a Smart Option Student Loan for DUKE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES will appear.
  • Click Continue.
  • Fill out Basic Information.
  • Fill out Permanent Address section.
  • Fill out School Information.
    • DUKE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES, DURHAM, NC, 00292099 should already have populated for the school.
    • Select Certificate for Degree/Certificate of Study.
    • Select your Specialty or select Other if it is not shown in the options.
    • Select Half Time for Enrollment Status.
    • Select Certificate/Continuing Ed for Grade Level.
    • Enter your Loan period begins and loan period end dates.
    • Enter your Anticipated Graduation / Completion.
    • Enter loan amount. NOTE: This may not exceed the cost of tuition.
    • Estimated financial assistance should be $0.00.
    • Under Loan request, click Use calculated need.
    • Do not check any box in typical school expenses.
  • Follow the remaining loan application prompts.
Wells Fargo Graduate Loan

Please note that Wells Fargo is no longer accepting new applications for their private student loans. However, students with an outstanding balance on a Wells Fargo private student loan may be eligible to be borrowers on a new private loan. See here for details.

Workforce Investment Act

The WIA provides professional and basic skills training services to those who have been unable to find employment. Please keep in mind that this process can be lengthy, so plan to apply well in advance of the program start date.  For more information on eligibility, the application process, or to find your local Workforce Development Board, visit the NC JobLink Career Center website.

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps Education Awards are available only for AmeriCorps volunteers and can be used for educational expenses for non-degree courses, such as Continuing Education courses offered by qualified schools. For more information on qualified schools and programs, contact the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677, or visit the FAQ page of the AmeriCorps website.

Scholarships

The Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Program will offer a $800 scholarship to Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management graduates. To apply, indicate that you have the Certificate on your application. Staff will verify and contact you. Please apply early to guarantee consideration.

Refund Policy


$200 of your tuition for the Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is nonrefundable. To receive a refund minus a processing fee for class cancellation, we must receive your written cancellation request by Friday, September 13, 2024.

To submit a cancellation request:

Email: learnmore@duke.edu

Please include your name, address, phone number, and program title (Executive Certificate). Refunds will be made in the manner you paid. Failure to attend the Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership class does not entitle you to a refund or replacement class.