Strengthening the Next Generation: A Multi-faceted Program to Develop Leadership Capacity in Emerging Nonprofit Leaders

Authors

  • Ann V. Deaton
  • Susan Brock Wilkes
  • Rachel S. Douglas

Abstract

Nonprofits face a leadership crisis in the decade to come as senior leaders are expected to retire in record numbers and as emerging leaders fail to get the development they need to grow their skills. Identifying and preparing the next generation of leaders to develop themselves and eventually move into senior leadership roles is therefore important. In one United States community, this need is being met through the development of cohorts of emerging leaders participating in an 8-month leadership development program that includes distinctive features such as individual coaching, strong peer learning, involvement of exemplary senior leaders, and alumni engagement. This article shares the design and outcomes of the first four years of this initiative for other communities to customize and build upon to meet their own unique circumstances.

Issue

Section

Articles