Applications for Executive Director Intensive Due

In partnership with Chevron and the Kresge Foundation, we are excited to bring back the Executive Director Intensive (EDI), a comprehensive leadership program exclusively for executive directors. EDI combines experienced trainers and peer learning to support leaders as they develop critical technical and leadership skills; inspire their staff, board members, and other stakeholders to deeper impact and greater responsiveness; and envision organizations that simultaneously meet community needs and successfully navigate the changes occurring in the nonprofit sector.

Program Content

The program’s curriculum draws on research, experiences with individual coaching and organizational capacity building in the region, and the collective wisdom of EDI alumni to create a powerful space to think creatively, tryout fresh ideas, and identify action steps to successfully lead your organization. Session topics include:

• strategic priorities and organizational decision-making;
• organizational sustainability and financial health;
• organizational business models and revenue streams for your model;
• mutually supportive and interdependent partnerships with your board (generally) and your board chair (specifically); and
• the executive director’s role in people management and talent development.

Program Format

Over the course of 5 months, cohort members will be able to engage readings, videos, and relevant tools; reflect on learnings between sessions; and apply new practices and strategies in their day-to-day work. Program components include: an in-person kick off session; six 2-hour virtual sessions; an express financial coaching session; a cohort gathering (session focus determined by cohort members); and an in-person closing session.

Program Calendar

Cost

The fee for the program is $400. Payment will be due upon acceptance into the program. However, we never want funding to be a barrier to participation. We have a small pool of funds available for partial scholarships for qualified participants.

Application

Click here to apply. Space is limited, and we anticipate high demand for this program. Attendance at all of the sessions and full participation in the program is required. First-time executive directors and executive directors who have been in their current role for 3 years or less will be given priority. The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 19, 2023.

If you have any questions about the program, including scholarships, please contact Devon Turner, Director of Nonprofit Leadership and Effectiveness, at devon@gnof.org or 504.620.5279.

Meet the Trainers

Marla Cornelius, MNA

Nonprofit Leadership, Management, and Board Governance Consultant

Certified Gallup Strengths Coach

Marla Cornelius works with organizations and leaders committed to social justice. She is skilled at designing programs and consulting engagements that blend highly relevant theory with practical application. Her deep understanding of nonprofits, the challenges facing leaders, and the way that power plays out in organizations enables her to create environments where clients can explore new realities, learn new approaches, and achieve their goals. Marla is an expert trainer, coach, and consultant who has also co-authored a number of national studies and research reports on leadership. She has extensive board experience and currently serves on the board of Cat Town, an animal rescue and rehabilitation organization in Oakland, CA.

Roxanne Hanson

Managing Director, BDO

Roxanne leads teams to deliver fiscal management and operational insights to nonprofit and philanthropic clients across the country. She also supports organizations transitioning to independence from a fiscal sponsor, mergers, and sunsetting. She has extensive experience with instructional design, developing curricula, and delivering trainings and workshops that leverage diverse perspectives for better strategic financial decision-making. Experienced in recruitment, supervision, and talent-management, Roxanne intimately understands the role of organizational culture in mission success. Her on-the-ground experience, as a nonprofit executive and philanthropic leader, has equipped her for addressing a broad range of client needs in a way that is sensitive to all stakeholders.