Dear Nonprofit Leader In the Fall of 2013, Mountain States Employers Council, The Daniels Fund and Rose Community Foundation came together to create the MSEC Nonprofit Leadership Institute. The Institute was developed to acknowledge an increasing necessity for nonprofit organizations to address and plan for the strategic direction of organizational leadership. The inaugural class included fourteen individuals from 12 nonprofits. Our 2014-2015 class consisted of another 14 participants, as well as, three new funding partners. Participants across the first two years have praised the experience as one of the most valuable programs of their professional development. MSEC is currently planning for a 2016 Nonprofit Leadership Institute class! Investing in the development of individuals who are current Executive Directors, or who have been identified as high potential leaders, is a forward thinking strategy that helps alleviate the challenges every organization confronts regarding succession planning, leadership retention, and capacity-building. The Institute uses an integrated approach to learning. It combines leadership theory with a blend of competency assessment, training, coaching, problem-solving sessions and application assignments to prepare nonprofit leaders with the tools and skills to successfully lead nonprofit organizations. We are inviting you to identify a senior member of your staff who has demonstrated the leadership skills you believe will benefit your organization long-term, and have that person submit an application to attend the Nonprofit Leadership Institute. This program is estimated at a value of $8,800 in the Colorado educational community. We project to have $7,000 of the $8,800 tuition underwritten by the granting partners. While the official tuition for the 2016 program is contingent on donors, it is estimated that the cost to your organization would be $1,800. We hope to know final costs and underwriting by the end of the year. For additional information, or to apply to the program contact Evan Abbott 303.223.5339, Peggy Penberthy 303.223.5413, or Krista Rahe 303.223.5383. Sincerely, Deborah Dale-Brackney MSEC Linda Childears The Daniels Fund Sheila Bugdanowitz The Rose Community Foundation
MSEC s Nonprofit Leadership Institute is a nine-month comprehensive, integrated leadership development program targeted to executive directors and senior leaders of nonprofit organizations. It uses an integrated approach to learning that combines leadership theory with a blend of assessment, training, coaching, problem-solving sessions, and application assignments to prepare nonprofit leaders for the challenges they face on the job. The role of the nonprofit leader is increasingly complex. In a time where the industry is shifting, resources are tight, and service demands are high, nonprofit leaders find little time for their own learning. Nonprofit leaders need to enhance their skills, master leadership techniques, and acquire tools to work effectively with boards, constituencies, and staff while building the capacity to influence, develop relationships, and create stable funding. MSEC s Nonprofit Leadership Institute provides leaders the place to learn and grow so they may provide the strategic growth and renewal necessary to assist in their organizations success. Why This Program Is Unique Comprehensive and integrated training, assessments, coaching, assignments, and problem-solving sessions make this a rigorous and intense nonprofit leadership development program unique in this community Longer-term exploration of leadership and management with a cohort of like-minded professionals Individualized developmental project with built-in support Meetings with faculty advisors and peers in order to envision, scope and implement their organizational leadership project The Ideal Candidate Current Executive Directors or senior level nonprofit leaders Individuals in the leadership pipeline who are committed to staying in the nonprofit sector and are assuming greater levels of responsibility Individuals who are committed to be a part of a collaborative learning group furthering each other s development goals Individuals who have the full support of their organization, allowing for active participation and attendance throughout all of the required components of the program Continued on other side.
Benefits to Your Organization Leaders... Deliver higher performance now, as well as, develop future capacity for leadership in your organization Build high levels of trust and respect within your organization through the strengthening of leadership skills and competencies of your senior leaders Provide the groundwork for achieving the strategic goals of your organization Benefits to the Participant Immediately Applicable Knowledge and Skills Comprehensive feedback from bosses, peers, and direct reports regarding strengths, areas for development, and impact on the organization Techniques to support effective communication and increase influencing skills Tools to assist in the design and articulation of a clear direction and vision for organizational alignment Nonprofit-specific content and facilitated discussions about organizational financials, board relationships, development and project-management Experience and Practice Action learning skills to achieve immediate solutions to current nonprofit challenges Organizational leadership initiatives that provide a platform to apply the skills and tools learned through the program Support and Feedback An intact peer cohort that enables participants to master concepts of leadership development through the shared experience of their peers so they may diagnose, facilitate, and intervene in their organizations in a new way One-on-one coaching with a certified executive coach Facilitation from faculty advisors on individual projects Problem-solving on current workplace issues Why MSEC for This Program MSEC trains thousands of leaders every year. The faculty for this program have state and national reputations as leaders in the fields of leadership development, coaching, organizational consulting, and change. Each member of the faculty has over 15 years of experience working with nonprofits. The leadership development opportunity MSEC offers reflects our 75+ years of professional service to our community.
This program has been developed for the nonprofit senior leader. It is based on a blended learning approach, providing a multi-dimensional and integrated experience through the following modalities: Kick-off Reception April 21, 2016 The Nonprofit Leadership Institution commences with an orientation reception for participants and faculty. Training Modules Assessment Center May 18 & 19, 2016 Participants will engage in a series of exercises which are simulations of organizational problems that are familiar to the nonprofit leader. They will then be provided with detailed, objective feedback on their strengths and areas for development in key leadership areas and provided ideas to support them in strengthening those skills. Organizational Stewardship June 15 & 16, 2016 Organizational Stewardship provides the foundation for leaders to have more significant and positive impact on their organization s success. Participants will increase their strategic thinking skills, indentify how to implement their visions from a systems perspective, establish performance accountability, and improve their ability to proactively plan and lead organizational change. Personal Mastery August 17 & 18, 2016 Personal Mastery challenges participants to deepen their self-awareness and effectiveness in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Participants explore what it means to lead authentically and intentionally and discover how their leadership style impacts others. Participants will explore their leadership values and compose their vision for leading. Interpersonal Mastery October 19 & 20, 2016 Interpersonal Mastery focuses on developing and refining the communication skills needed for transformational leadership. Participants will enhance their ability to influence and inspire their organizations, boards, and volunteers through effective dialogue, building trust and mutual purpose, and managing critical conversations. Integration & Closing December 7 & 8, 2016 The program concludes with participants presenting their organizational leadership initiatives, integrating key concepts and skills from the program, making declarations about their intentions for their future leadership, and celebrating their accomplishments in the Nonprofit Leadership Institute. Continued on other side.
Executive Coaching Ongoing Sessions Participants will work with a certified executive coach from MSEC over eight sessions to leverage strengths and develop skills toward long-term excellence. Problem Solving Sessions July 21, 2016 September 22, 2016 November 17, 2016 (morning sessions) Group problem-solving sessions will provide participants with various tools and methodologies to address challenges leaders face within nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Business Acumen July 21, 2016 September 22, 2016 November 17, 2016 (afternoon sessions) These short and potent sessions provide nonprofit leaders with foundational nonprofit business skills including budgeting, board governance, project planning, and fundraising. Organizational Leadership Initiative Ongoing Project Participants will be asked to take on a meaningful workplace project that will benefit their organizations and provide an opportunity to apply the leadership skills and competencies they are learning in an intentional and focused way. Faculty advisement is built into this portion of the program. Integration and Closing The Nonprofit Leadership Institute concludes by integrating insights, applications and applied lessons from the field. Participants present their organizational leadership initiatives, and receive feedback from faculty and fellow participants. Graduates are acknowledged in a closing celebration. Learning Contract All participants will be asked to sign a Learning Contract. This agreement will confirm their commitment to active participation throughout the nine-month program. It will also ask them to identify an Organizational Sponsor. The sponsor will help support the participant as it relates to the time commitment of the program, as well as, serve as an internal advocate for the Organizational Leadership Initiative project. Tuition The Nonprofit Leadership Institute has an estimated tuition of $8,800 and will be unwritten by our granting partners. The estimated cost to your organization is $1,800.* (tuition is non-refundable/nontransferable once paid and is dependent upon final grant awards).
Facilitators and Coaches Evan Abbott, MA, SPHR, SCP Evan is the Director of Organizational Development and Learning with Mountain States Employers Council. He holds a Bachelor s Degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Masters degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver. In addition, he also holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification. In his 16 years at MSEC Evan has lead professional workshops on a variety of topics including Generations in the Workplace, Motivation and Engagement, Change/Transition management, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as well as various topics related to Leadership & Supervisory skills. He consults with members of MSEC about issues related to training, organizational development, and strategic management. In addition, Evan teaches courses in Research Methods, Psychology, and Organizational Behavior in the College of Professional Studies at Regis University. Deborah Dale-Brackney, M.A., S.P.H.R. Deborah is Executive Vice President and oversees four departments at MSEC: HR Services, Organizational Development and Learning, Outsourced Consulting Services, and Surveys. Deborah has worked with associations on legislative analysis and the development and design of training for state and federal agencies. Deborah also serves on the boards of the Colorado I Have a Dream, Colorado Children s Chorale, and Senior s Resource Center. Eric Daly, M.S., GPHR Eric holds a B.A. in International Studies from the American University in Washington, D.C. and has been involved in the field of training for 15 years. Eric worked as a Team Leader in the National Civilian Community Corps; as a trainer/facilitator in the international organization Up With People; and conducted cross-cultural communication training for the Business Council for International Understanding in Washington, D.C. Presently, he works as a Organizational Development and Learning Consultant at MSEC and has a M.S. in International/Intercultural Communication from the University of Denver. Eric is a certified Integral Coach. Megara Kastner Ph.D. Megara focuses on facilitation, mediation, training, and coaching with executives to front line workers and their teams. She has worked with hundreds of individuals and groups in nonprofits, business, education, and government during the past 15+ years. She is most often an executive coach/trainer for teambuilding, manager support in leadership development, and mediator. Megara specializes in administering developmental behavioral assessment centers. Having worked as an executive director in several nonprofits and mid-management in municipal governments, Megara understands the nuances of leading and managing. Megara holds Ph.D. is in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University. Continued on other side.
Anitra S. Lesser, M.Ed. Anitra holds a M.Ed. in Organizational Development from Regis University and a BA in both Sociology and Communications from the Lewis and Clark College. She is a certified Integral Executive Coach through New Ventures West and is also a coach for the Profilor 360 feedback instrument for managers and organization leaders. Anitra has been involved in training and development, group facilitation, and management roles for the past 15 years. She currently develops and facilitates training programs and gives presentations in such areas as: effective communication, conflict resolution, change management, leadership, interpersonal and personal mastery, group dynamics, and coaching. Anitra brings a rich and diverse background having worked in leadership and consulting capacities in human services, private education, corporate sales, and trial law. Through executive coaching, Anitra supports individuals in both broadening and deepening their personal and professional development. Bridget M. Morris, M.Ed. Bridget holds a Master s in Education from American University in Washington DC and a Bachelor s degree from Purdue University in Communications and English. She is an Executive Coach and a consultant, working with leaders of organizations about their training and development needs in such areas as: effective communication, conflict prevention and resolution, navigating change, the development of presentation and training skills, and interpersonal and group dynamics. Bridget is certified in Conflict and Mediation training, 360 Profilor assessment, as well as Radical Collaboration. In addition to her work at Mountain States, she also teaches at the college level. Bridget brings a rich background to her current role having worked in both public and private education, Peggy Penberthy, M.S., SPHR, SCP Peggy holds a M.S. in Educational Psychology and Instructional Design and a B.A. in Communications and has been in the training and development field for 20 years. As a senior consultant and trainer at Mountain States Employers Council, she develops and facilitates training in the areas of leadership, communication, coaching, conflict management, and team building. She is a Certified Professional Coach, working with leaders to enhance their capacity and effectiveness. Prior to joining MSEC, Peggy spent eight years in the advertising industry as a national sales manager and account executive. Peggy also lived in Jakarta, Indonesia where she taught English as a Second Language. Krista Rahe, M.Ed., GPHR, SCP Krista holds a M.Ed. in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change from Colorado State University and has been involved in teaching and training adults for 25 years. Krista is currently a trainer, executive coach, and consultant in the Organizational Development and Learning Department at MSEC, specializing in communications, coaching, leadership, and change. She is a certified Integral Coach and holds a Global Professional in Human Resources designation. Krista has also been involved in the development of MSEC s Leadership Academies. Krista has lived and worked in both Sweden and Japan. Prior to joining MSEC, she was President of Rahe Services for 11 years, a training and consulting business focused on the topics of international marketing, global business success, and customer service.
Applicant Information Name Title Organization How many years have you been in the nonprofit sector? Address City State Zip Email Phone Note: Applications must be received no later than February 5th, 2016. Background Information Please describe your organization. Briefly describe your current leadership role. Turn over for additional questions.
What are the skills and competencies that will be required to take your organization to the next level? How do you see yourself participating in the future of your organization? What goals or development areas would you like to work on in this program? What makes this program relevant for you right now? Turn over for additional questions.
How, and by whom, will you be supported in this program? Are you and your organization willing to sign a Learning Contract demonstrating your commitment to the full nine months of the program? Thank you for completing the application form. We will contact you for an interview before entrance into the program. Application deadline February 5th, 2016. You may send in your application in any of the following ways: Email your application to NLI@msec.org. Fax your application to MSEC s Organizational Development and Learning Department at 303.868.8953. Mail to MSEC, Organizational Development and Learning Department, 1799 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO 80203.