Program Overview
Our Executive Education programming extends far beyond traditional classroom learning, offering immersive experiences tailored specifically for nonprofit leaders. Through dynamic workshops, interactive seminars and hands-on projects, participants gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills essential for leading effectively in the ever-evolving landscape of the social sector.
Our approach is rooted in empowering leaders to tackle complex challenges head-on, equipping them with the insights, strategies and networks necessary to drive meaningful change within their organizations and communities. Whether it's mastering strategic planning, honing leadership capabilities or fostering innovative thinking, our Executive Education programs are designed to propel nonprofit leaders toward greater success and impact.
Current Offerings
Finish Strong: A Year-End Mastermind for Resilient Nonprofit Leaders
As we enter the second half of 2025, nonprofits must finish the year strong in a climate of financial uncertainty, donor fatigue, workforce instability and intense competition for limited resources. Nonprofit leaders are grappling with aligning organizational priorities to donor interests, maintaining program impact and sustaining staff through burnout and turnover.
Finish Strong is a 6-month mastermind program designed for C-suite nonprofit leaders in the Maryland/DC area. Through monthly workshops and peer mastermind circles, leaders will explore timely best practices for program evaluation, storytelling, financial planning and forecasting in order to make personalized plans for their organizations. Leaders will finish this program ready to forecast with confidence, rise above the noise and strategically manage year-end pressures with clarity, peer support and smart tools.
This program is invitation-only. For more information regarding Executive Education & Training, please contact nonprofitgradcert@umd.edu.
- Strategic Year-End Planning: Equip nonprofit executives with the tools and foresight to close the year with strength, clarity and purpose.
- Peer-Powered Insight: Leverage collective wisdom for real-time problem solving, decision-making and adaptive leadership in uncertain conditions.
- Leadership Resilience: Strengthen the capacity of nonprofit leaders to lead with confidence through volatility, mission pressure and staff fatigue.
- Cohort Community: Build a trusted, supportive network of like-minded executives committed to collaboration over competition.
- Accountability in Action: Foster a rhythm of reflection, goal-setting and peer accountability to drive intentional follow-through.
- Equity-Driven Leadership: Center justice, cultural responsiveness and values-based leadership in all conversations and strategies.
This series is made possible with support from the Richard E. & Nancy P. Marriott Foundation.
Up Close! Executive Series
The Up Close! Executive Series is designed to offer insights from nonprofit executives for current or emerging leaders. Up Close! sessions are free, open to the public and include time for Q&A.
Previous speakers include Brock Yetso, Executive Director,Ulman Foundation, and Tiffanie Purvis, General Counsel and Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Greater Washington Community Foundation. Brock was the first hire for the Ulman Foundation, taking over leadership from its founder – he shared how to lead someone else’s dream and make a difference. Tiffanie shared the ins and outs of Donor Advised Funds and why they are valuable to you as a donor and a nonprofit organization.
New sessions coming soon.
__________________________________________________________________
Past Offerings
In this session, participants embarked on a journey to hone their leadership skills, demystify the complexities of leadership roles and cultivate the discipline necessary for success. In this session, participants confronted the tensions inherent in realizing their visions by navigating “what is” versus “what is imagined”.
Session 1: Board Governance 101
In Board Governance 101, participants embarked on a journey to cultivate effective leadership and stewardship within their organization's board of directors. In this comprehensive training program, participants gained a deep understanding of the principles, practices and responsibilities essential for governing boards. Individuals with all levels of board experience were invited to participate. Key objectives included: understanding governance fundamentals, effective board structures, strategic planning and oversight, legal and ethical considerations, building strong board-CEO relationships and enhancing board diversity and inclusion.
Session 2: The Deliberate Dynamic Between Board Chairs and Executive Directors
In today's complex and rapidly evolving organizational landscape, the relationship between board chairs and executive directors is critical. The synergy between these two key roles can propel an organization to new heights of achievement, or conversely, hinder its progress and potential.
At the heart of this training is the recognition that successful governance hinges on clear communication, mutual respect and aligned vision between the board chair and executive director. Designed for current and aspiring leaders alike, this dynamic training delved deep into the nuances of the board chair-executive director relationship, highlighting the intricacies that build effective collaboration and leadership. Through engaging discussions, interactive exercises and real-world case studies, participants gained invaluable insights and practical strategies for fostering a deliberate and symbiotic dynamic between these pivotal roles.
Many organizations view major gift fundraising as unattainable, but with the right approach and mindset, any nonprofit can raise large gifts donations. In this comprehensive session, we covered every aspect of major gift fundraising. From understanding current philanthropic trends to identifying potential donors, crafting effective strategies, and navigating the solicitation process. Through discussions, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies, we helped participants gain practical insights and hands-on experience to cultivate relationships, create compelling pitches, and master donor stewardship, all leading towards successfully securing large gifts.
Meet the Executive Education Team
Looking For A More In-Depth Program?
Are you looking to advance your career even further but don't have the time to complete a full master's program? Our nonprofit management and leadership graduate certificate program is here for you!
University of Maryland’s four-course Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership prepares mission-driven professionals to excel in management, strategy, finances and fundraising. Our faculty has decades of real-world experience and will help you take the knowledge and skills that you learn in class on Monday and apply them to your job on Tuesday. This program is 100% virtual, and can be completed in less than a year! Follow along for real-time updates on LinkedIn.