Leader and Board Roles and Operations

Executive directors or chief executive officers of nonprofit organizations must strategically lead in collaboration with both the board of directors and organizational staff. This course explores the interdependent responsibilities and strategic partnerships between nonprofit executives and boards, focusing on governance, oversight, and direction-setting. Students will analyze how nonprofit leaders collaborate with boards to define strategic vision and engage with staff to implement operational plans WITH STAFF that achieve mission-driven impact. Through case studies and applied assignments, students will evaluate strategic plans and develop operational plans that integrate business planning, data-informed decision-making, program evaluation, and strategies for cultivating a learning-oriented organizational culture. Emphasis is placed on adaptive leadership, organizational relevance, and continuous improvement.