Practical knowledge and expert coaching for resilient nonprofit leaders.

Formerly known as the Executive Leadership Academy, the Certificate in Executive Leadership, is a 10-month program combining coaching and theory to nonprofit professionals looking to level up their leadership skills.

Who it’s for: We developed this course specifically for mid- and senior-level nonprofit leaders with experience or interest in serving as an Executive Director.

Through a combination of lectures, and one-on-one coaching, you will:

• Evaluate your skills and motivations as a nonprofit leader
• Focus on your growth areas
• Receive personalized coaching to support your learning and practice
• Learn and practice the problem-solving and leadership skills necessary to become a resilient and engaged Executive Director

In addition to classroom work, the Certificate in Executive Leadership also includes:

• A dynamic Leadership Challenge Practicum during the final months of the course, allowing you to practice your new skills while tackling real-world challenges
• One-on-one coaching provided by International Coaching Federation-Oregon Chapter with established coaches

Class Schedule

Enrollment for the Certificate in Executive Leadership is currently closed. Our next cohort starts in Spring 2027. If you’re interested in joining the next cohort, please use the button below to join the waitlist. 

Meeting Frequency: Classes meet weekly from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (PST) on the first and second Thursdays of the month*.

Location: Classes are held via Zoom.

*Dates may change to accommodate instructor availability

** There are breaks to observe federal holidays, and breaks/closures as listed by Portland Public Schools.

Class Topics

• Managing a board
• Human resources
• Branding
• Performance improvement plans
• Managing teams
• Writing policies
• Nonprofit finance
• Program evaluation
• Organizational culture

Instructors

Our instructors are professionals currently working across the nonprofit sector. They offer lessons on best practices as well as real-world expertise on the challenges and opportunities of today’s fundraising landscape. You can learn more about our instructors here.

Program Dates, Hours & Time Commitment

This program requires 100% attendance at all classes and coach meetings. We ask that you sign an agreement to participate and that you obtain the support of your employer to attend all required classes and meetings.

Classes meet March through December, generally on the first and second Thursdays of each month, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST. Exceptions to these dates will be made clear to students before the start of class.

Beginning in early May, participants will have access to weekly coaching, approximately four hours per month through August.

Class hours are equal to six hours a month (two three-hour classes), up to ten hours for coaching sessions (optional), and two to four hours per month in preparation for class. Plan for a total of five to ten hours of preparation, study, and reflection each month.

CFRE-Approved

Our courses and programs can provide continuing education points for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). The Certificate in Executive Leadership provides 76 points.

The People’s Nonprofit Accelerator is an Approved Provider for the CFRE credential program. Approved Providers are organizations that submitted their programs to CFRE International to review to verify that the programs meet CFRE International’s continuing education standards.

Only those Providers who have registered with CFRE International may advertise that the programs have been pre-approved by CFRE International for Continuing Education Points on the CFRE application for both Initial Certification and Recertification.

Tuition

We offer an accessible sliding-scale admission fee structure. For those who are able, the Community Builder admission fee helps cover the costs The People’s Nonprofit incurs to host and develop the training. If you are able to contribute more, please consider the Equity Builder admission fee, which will increase attendance accessibility to our programming. If you have questions about the sliding-scale, please contact courses@thepeoplesnonprofit.org.

Your tuition fee includes the classes in the Certificate in Executive Leadership, an annual membership, and individual support from the People’s Nonprofit staff.

Tuition levels are based on organizational budget size.

• Equity Builder: For organizations with annual budgets greater than $1,000,001.
• Capacity Builder: For organizations with annual budget sizes between $500,001 and $1,000,000, and for individuals sponsoring themselves or unaffiliated with an organization.
• Solidarity Builder: For organizations with annual budgets under $500,000 and for individuals who are self-financing who identify as BIPOC, queer, low-income, with disabilities, and other marginalized identities.

Payments are due upon receipt or through a payment plan. Payment plans are done in 2 or 3 installments. If you need an alternative payment plan, reach out to courses@thepeoplesnonprofit.org.

Cancellations and Postponement

The People’s Nonprofit Accelerator reserves the right to cancel or postpone programs or classes with low enrollment. If classes are cancelled, any deposits collected will be refunded.

Refunds

Students must make a written request to courses@thepeoplesnonprofit.org in order to withdraw.

Students withdrawing by 5 pm 48 hours BEFORE the program begins, are eligible for a full refund of all fees.

There is no refund for withdrawals after the first day of class.