LeadUP CNY

The Marsellus Next Generation Leadership Development Program

The Central New York community possesses a wealth of talented professionals working in nonprofits who display dedication, skill and passion for their work. They may serve in positions of management or hold specific program responsibilities. One hallmark of these individuals is the desire to go above and beyond their stated roles within their organizations. They are creative and great problem-solvers. Many of these individuals will be members of our next generation of nonprofit leaders. They will become executives, finance, or senior program directors and successfully lead our community’s mission-driven organizations. In order to ensure this group of emerging leaders is prepared for their future responsibilities, the Central New York Community Foundation is sponsoring a program of professional and personal development designed specifically for our next generation of leaders.

Our Goal

To support and develop the personal and professional leadership competencies of individuals in the nonprofit community who currently display the skills and passion that will position them to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Intended Outcomes

·  Identification of strengths and areas of opportunity for growth with tools for professional skill development and effective self-reflection

·  Growth in communication skills (Conflict Resolution, Effective Feedback and Listening, Collaboration, Managing Relationships, and Presentation Skills)

·  A defined Individualized Development Plan (IDP) and demonstrated growth toward their individual goals

·  A defined peer network

·  Exposure to current leaders in the community and support in the development of mentor relationships

Accepting Applications

·  We are now accepting applications for the program. The program is open to individuals who have demonstrated a passion, commitment and level of competency that identifies them as one of the next generation’s nonprofit leaders within Onondaga or Madison counties. They will benefit from professional development and from strengthening a network with their peers. Applicants must be sponsored by their current Executive Director and their application must include:

1.  The applicant’s one page letter of interest that addresses the following questions:

·  Why are you seeking this opportunity at this time?

·  What do you hope to gain from the program?

·  What do you hope to offer your fellow participants?

2.  Letter of recommendation from their Executive Director that includes the agency’s commitment to provide time away to fully participate in the program

3.  One other letter of recommendation

Other qualifications:

·  Current employee of a nonprofit organization located within Onondaga or Madison county

·  Three years of experience in the nonprofit community

·  Program management and/or supervisory responsibility

·  Priority will be given to applicants from small- or mid-sized organizations that often have limited professional development resources

Program Elements

Individualized Development Plan (IDP)

Each participant will work with the two program coaches, Cynthia O’Connor and Katie Doucette, to develop a comprehensive individualized professional development plan (IDP). These program facilitators will support work on the IDP with the following:

·  Five (5) Individual coaching sessions

·  A comprehensive and targeted resource listing/information on educational and training opportunities available in the community

·  Peer learning through large group meetings, debrief sessions, networking and other activities

·  Assistance with identification and initiation of a mentor relationship as needed

Program Content

All learning sessions will be experiential and participatory. Participants will deepen their skills and competencies through presentations, experiential learning sessions and assignments. Panel Discussions made up of key leaders in the community from the for-profit and nonprofit sectors will expose participants to different perspectives of leadership and community needs. This is also an opportunity to introduce the next generation of leaders to current community leaders.

·  Emotional Agility

-  Self-Reflection & Self-Awareness: Individual assessments to identify strengths and areas of growth opportunities, stylistic preferences using self-assessment tools, peer group learning, recommended resources such as articles, podcasts, etc. and the establishment of an on-going external feedback mechanism

-  Social Intelligence: Team Building, Managing Relationships, Political Awareness and Collaboration

·  Communication Skills

-  Conflict Resolution, Effective Feedback and Listening

-  “Telling the Story” of your organization: Linking the passionate perspective with the value proposition that includes data to support agency outcomes

-  Presentation skills: The ability to communicate a compelling story that engages others

-  Networking skills

Program Structure & Time Commitment

·  Small Cohort – There will be 10-12 participants total.

·  Five (5) half-day large group learning sessions with speaker panels on specific topics, skill building activities and assignments – Initial Learning Session: January 9th 8:30 – 12:00. Follow-up sessions to be held in March, April, May and June. Dates will be selected once participant cohort is finalized.

·  Five (5) individual coaching meetings

-  Initial 90 minute session to be scheduled in October 2017

-  Four 60 minute sessions to be scheduled over the following 8 months

·  At least one networking / social event with peer group(s) from similar programs. This might include executive directors.

·  4-8 hours of additional time each month to work on IDP and prepare for Learning Sessions