Developing as a Leader in Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit teams are built and made successful by many individuals who come from all walks of life and possess the key leadership qualities that foster community advancement: They are passionate about their cause, excellent communicators, and motivated to uplift those around them. Although career development doesn't look exactly the same from organization to organization or for individual professionals, there are various ways to take initiative and grow your career. Learn how to move forward in your journey toward nonprofit leadership with the following tips.

Prioritize Goal Setting and Professional Development

Although there may not be comprehensive and far-reaching professional development opportunities for all nonprofit professionals because their career journeys, mission, and communities can vary widely, there are still plenty of resources available to advance your career. Seeking mentorship from an industry veteran can help you gain meaningful insight into the complexities of leadership, project management, and collaborating with stakeholders. If you're looking for an effective way to market yourself as a strong candidate for senior positions, consider graduate education in nonprofit management to prepare for a leadership role.

Volunteer Inside and Outside of Your Organization

Chances are volunteering and a commitment to service are what first piqued your interest in nonprofit organizations. As you transition from volunteer work to full- or part-time positions, there will never be a shortage of opportunities to gain relevant and valuable experience by just staying involved. Volunteering with a simple project or event will show you off as a well-rounded professional that is able to function on any level of nonprofit work. Even senior officials in nonprofit management need to have a broad knowledge of what their organization does to be successful leaders.

Get to Know Your Team

To become a respected leader, you must earn the trust and support of your team and superiors. Forming genuine, empathetic relationships with the people you work with will help you better address the needs of the community together. As a leader, you should strive to inspire growth within your organization through positive interactions, remaining committed to your values, and continuously learning.

To be an effective leader, continuing your education can help you build the necessary skills to better manage teams, projects, and foster your career growth. Start working toward your future today by applying for the Tulane School of Professional Advancement's Nonprofit and Strategic Philanthropy Management graduate certificate program. Request more information today about Tulane SoPA's flexible degrees and programs designed with working adults in mind.