WRAPAROUND SERVICES
STATE OF THE FIELD
SEASONED EXECUTIVE
The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) invests in a network of community-based organizations and programs to alleviate the effects of poverty and to provide opportunities for New Yorkers and communities to flourish.
8RES is offering a Seasoned Executive Cohort program. Leaders from 20-30 DYCD Funded nonprofit organizations will be selected to participate in this program, which will take place between February and May 2025.
WHAT IS THE CAPACITY BUILDING COHORT?
“Organizational capacity refers to the resources, skills, and functions a nonprofit organization (NPO) needs to fulfill its mission across multiple domains” (Despard, 2016). Due to the tax structure of 501c organizations and the nature of the nonprofit sector, many nonprofits lack operational capacity. Capacity issues can encompass board development, financial management, staffing shortages, and other things that hinder operating an organization effectively. Navigating the challenges of leading requires not just a solid foundation but also a community of peers to share and grow with. Our Seasoned Executive Cohort Series aims to develop strong peer connections and practical knowledge. Key elements that drive the cohort activities include the following: Structure and Inclusivity: Whether you're leading a small and new organization or a large established organization, this cohort is structured to support your journey. Each series is a curated experience, bringing together staff from similar stages in their leadership path because there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to professional growth. Peer Learning: In these cohorts, you’ll find yourself amongst peers — fellow leaders who understand the day-to-day realities of your work. This isn't about lecturing; it's about collaborative learning, shared experiences, and collective wisdom. You'll discuss real-world scenarios, exchange strategies, and work through challenges together. Leadership Skills Development: And as for leadership skills, we focus on the practical aspects that make an immediate difference. Trends, Board Challenges, Managing Change, Performance Metrics, and Storytelling— these are just a few of the areas we'll tackle. The idea is to take these skills and put them into practice right away in your role as a leader.
ELIGIBILITY
The Seasoned Executive Cohort is designed to provide professional development for leaders who have seen and done it all. To keep the group to a manageable size and ensure that participants in this off-the-record program have a shared experience from which to draw, we restricted participants to executive leadership — meaning you’re in the top tier of your organizational structure. You must be a nonprofit executive leader for a DYCD-funded CBO. Your organization must currently receive funding from DYCD, and you can invite another individual (executive staff or board member) from your organization to attend workshops, based on the subject.
COST
All of the costs associated with the cohort are underwritten by DYCD. The program is effectively free for applicants and their organizations.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Roundtable Sessions
Cohort members participate in 4 sessions that feature panel discussions with industry leaders, discussions on the most recent trends in the sector, and collaborative problem-solving.
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS
Participants will learn from external experts as well as each other to share unique and often overlapping challenges and opportunities. Accepted participants are expected to attend at least three sessions and to share their experiences at the conclusion of the experience.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are in the top tier of your organizational structure and looking to sharpen your knowledge among peers, feel free to email Joe at joe@8RES.org or Hiershenee at hersh@8RES.org to inquire.
TIMELINE
Invitations Sent January 2025
Cohort confirmed by February 2025.
Workshop dates: Four monthly sessions between February and May 2025.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please email Joe Luesse at joe@8RES.org or Hiershenee at hersh@8RES.org.