2011-2012 Nonprofit Management Webinar Series

 

Axelson Center Webinar Series

Beginning October 12, 2011, the Axelson Center will host six monthly webinars (12-1 p.m. CST) to provide nonprofit leaders with the knowledge required to fast-track their career. With sessions geared toward those interested in upper management positions, topics include: Organizational Culture, Strategic Planning, Board Development, Program Evaluation, Transparency/Legal Issues, and Fundraising.  Following the webinar series, an in-person Aspiring CEO networking social will take place April 11, 2012. This event, which will feature a panel of nonprofit CEOs, will be packed full of resources and connections critical for nonprofit CEOs. It is free for anyone participating in the entire webinar series. Up to three people from the same organization may participate in the webinars or webinar series at no additional charge. All webinars will be archived for those unable to attend a specific time.  To register, use discount code: YNPN.  Click here for registration information. Questions? Contact Diana Watkins.

Overview
The six-session series will offer monthly 60-minute webinars and an in-person networking event and finale from December 2010 to April 2011. Each monthly webinar will cover a topic specifically chosen to provide you with the knowledge required to excel as a new nonprofit CEO.
Up to three people from the same organization may participate in either the full series or any individual program. Each participant will receive their own login information. All participants who fully complete at least five of the six sessions will receive the Axelson Center Aspiring CEO Certificate. [Attendance and participation will be verified through webinar software.]
December 8, 2010 - 12PM CST     Creating a Culture of Success Webinar #1
What role does an organization’s culture play in a nonprofit’s success? How can nonprofit organizations create the best work environment in which to fulfill their missions? How can nonprofits recruit and retain the best staff? Despite scarce resources, there are many ways that nonprofits can create a strong and vibrant culture that supports the staff and affirms the individuals who are being served. During this session, we will address key success factors that contribute to an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission and achieve its goals.
Presented by: Eric Weinheimer, President/CEO, The Cara Program
January 12, 2011 - 12PM CST     Who’s Steering This Ship Anyway? Webinar #2
So you’re in charge and everyone’s looking to you for guidance on key issues such as financial stability, organizational growth and strategic direction. Participants will understand the importance of a strategic plan for guiding the organization and process for thinking and executing strategies as well as tools for communicating your strategies to others.
Presented by: Amy Wishnick, Wishnick & Associates, LLC
February 16, 2011 - 12PM CST     My Boss Is the Board! Webinar #3
When it comes to leadership and accountability, nonprofits are strange and interesting creatures. Governing boards are legally in charge, yet it’s often the chief executive who gets the blame (and sometimes the credit) for how the organization performs. Why is this and what does it suggest for how we build effective working relationships? Learn effective strategies for building strong and appropriate relationships with your board. Gain insight into the dynamics of governing boards, why and how they make decisions, how to manage the board and what they’ll expect from you. Learn how to develop champions on your board who understand the internal workings of the organization.
Presented by: David Renz, Ph.D., Director, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Missouri – Kansas City
March 9, 2011 - 12PM CST     Are We There Yet? Webinar #4
Unfortunately, evaluating a nonprofit organization is not quite as simple as looking at your bottom line. Participants will learn the basics of nonprofit evaluation, from programming to finance, and be introduced to a process for implementing a performance management system. Strategies for working with the staff and board to ensure the best possible organizational outcomes will also be offered.  
Presented by: Nancy Kim Phillips, M.B.A., President, NKP Consulting LLC, Former COO, Metropolitan Family Services
April 13, 2011 - 12PM CST     Living in a Glass House Webinar #5
Enjoying the benefits of being a tax-exempt entity does not come without costs. The IRS, media, staff, public and those benefiting from your programs have certain expectations.  Ensuring that you meet those expectations of financial and legal diligence and disclosure could help you in leading one of the most trusted and respected organizations around. This session will present the “need-to-knows” when it comes to legal responsibility, employee law, and organizational transparency.
Presented by: Kathryn Vanden Berk, J.D., Attorney, Law Offices of Kathryn M. Vanden Berk, LLC
April 29, 2011  9AM-1PM CST     Aspiring CEO Networking Event and Finale
The ability to motivate key stakeholders can arguably be listed as the most critical skill for a nonprofit CEO. This session, which will kick off the Aspiring CEO series, will feature a panel of nonprofit CEOs who will discuss how they effectively motivate the many stakeholders key to their organizations’ success. Following the panel, participants will hear about fundraising from the CEO perspective. Participants will receive lunch, valuable resources, and peer networking time.
Location: North Park University (3225 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL)
Presented by: Mary F. Morten, President, Morten Group