Future Executive Directors Fellowship Program 2012-2013
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if this opportunity is right for me?
If you aspire to lead a small or medium-sized community-based nonprofit organization as the next step in your career, then this opportunity may be right for you. Your Executive Director and supervisor should be ready to support you in this effort. If your aspiration is to lead a large nonprofit organization as your next step, and you believe this program would be beneficial, we welcome your application.
What if I am a new Executive Director? I could really use this program!
Unfortunately, at this time, we are only accepting applications from future executive directors. Our goal is to help develop emerging nonprofit leaders in the region who aspire to the executive director position.
What is the Roundtable looking for in candidates?
We are looking for candidates who are successful in their current positions, have a record of achievement, have managerial experience, and are eager to prepare for executive leadership. Successful applicants will undoubtedly have a range of experience, but are likely serving as Deputy Director, Program Manager, Development Director, Chief Financial Officer, or other similarly responsible position within the nonprofit sector, including grantmaking organizations. If you have experience in the public or private sectors that you feel is equivalent and directly transferable, we welcome your application.
I am not currently a deputy director. Am I still eligible to apply?
All fellows must be working in a nonprofit organization and have management experience, but need not be serving in the number two position.
What can I expect from other Fellows?
You can expect the other Fellows to be self-aware, passionate about their career goals and about the power of the nonprofit sector. You can expect to have a lot in common with some fellows, but to be challenged by some very different experiences and personalities. We anticipate that many important professional relationships will develop.How is the Fellowship Program different from other professional development programs in which I have participated?
The best way to answer this question is to state what the Fellowship is not. It is not a nonprofit management program or a certificate or degree-granting program. The workshops and discussions will be highly experiential, action-oriented and community-based. The interactions with current executive directors are intended to provide a realistic view of the executive director position as well as deepen your professional networks. In addition, the Fellowship is not introductory. Fellows should already possess many of the skills and attributes of a successful Executive Director. This is an opportunity to refine your skills as well as to identify and work on gaps.
How much does this cost?
The Future Executive Directors Fellowship Program is made possible by American Express and Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman CPAs. The program is open to Nonprofit Roundtable members at a cost of $250. The cost to Fellows from non-member organizations is $500. Payment will be required within two weeks of acceptance into the program. Visit www.nonprofitroundtable.org to determine if your organization is a member. Contact Amy Fishman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information about scholarships or payment plans.
Does this program really work? What were some of the outcomes from the first two classes of Fellows?
In 2008, The Roundtable launched the Fellowship to help bridge the gap in nonprofit leadership within the region by building a community of strong emerging leaders. Of the 25 fellows that participated in the 2008 program, 6 have become Executive Directors. Of the 25 that participated in 2010, 2 have become Executive Directors. Other outcomes include:
- 100% of the fellows developed and achieved a personal leadership goal during the Fellowship
- One fellow saved their organization $300,000 through their stretch assignment completed during the fellowship
- Several fellows have become board members at local nonprofits
What kind of time commitment is really expected?
Fellows are expected to participate fully in ALL scheduled sessions. We understand that emergencies happen and that other commitments may unexpectedly need to take priority, but the program content is sequential and meant to be experienced as a group. Therefore, Fellows who miss more than one session will be asked to withdraw from the program.
How will mentors be assigned?
We will work with all Fellows to identify their needs and preferences for potential mentors and facilitate matches.
What if I am not selected?
We hope you will apply for our next class of Fellows which we anticipate offering in 2014.
