Executive Leadership Program (ELP)
Fostering excellence in leadership to create stronger, more sustainable Bay Area Nonprofits.
The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is a cohort-based, strategy-oriented leadership development program for nonprofit executives. We focus on priority issues and practical solutions for real-world challenges faced by nonprofit organizations and leaders who are called to bring their teams and stakeholders to higher ground.
SPRING 2026: March 13, 27 & April 10 & 24 (hybrid)
Experience level:
Beginner - Intermediate.
Earn a Certificate of Completion
The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is a cohort-based, strategy-oriented leadership development program for nonprofit executives. We focus on priority issues and practical solutions for real-world challenges faced by nonprofit organizations and leaders who are called to bring their teams and stakeholders to higher ground.
Here are the details:
- Cohort Connection: Picture this — a gathering of nonprofit leaders, like a cozy coffee shop where everyone knows your organizational mission. The ELP cohort brings together a diverse group of Bay Area nonprofit executives. It’s like assembling the Avengers, but instead of battling aliens, you’re tackling community challenges.
- Leadership Skills: ELP hones personal leadership skills. Think of it as sharpening your nonprofit utility belt. Participants learn how to communicate effectively, motivate teams, and navigate complex challenges. It’s like leveling up from a sidekick to a seasoned pro.
- Problem-Solving Savvy: ELP equips leaders with problem-solving tools. Nonprofits face all sorts of villainous obstacles — funding gaps, program scalability, board dynamics, you name it. ELP helps leaders tackle these challenges head-on.
- Strategic Application: It’s not enough to know leadership theory; you need to apply it. ELP bridges the gap between theory and practice. Participants learn how to wield their newfound skills in the nonprofit arena. It’s like turning textbook knowledge into action-packed episodes.
- Responsive Leadership: Agility when crises strike.
- People-Oriented Management: Effective team handling.
- Strategic Thinking: Plotting the nonprofit course.
- Fund Development & Growth Strategies: Communicating the vision.
- Financial Health: Keeping the organization stable.
Cancellation policy: If plans change and you are no longer able to attend, we will transfer your enrollment and payment to the next program cycle. Funds must be applied and used within a 6 (six) month period. We do not offer refunds.
Schedule:
Day 1 | March 13 | 9 am - 4pm | Leadership
Learn the core principles of effective supervision, including how to set expectations, give feedback, manage conflict, and build trust.
Gain hands-on tools you can apply right away to strengthen communication, motivate your team, and create a positive, high-functioning work environment.
Day 2 | March 27 | 9 am - 4pm | Organizational Governance & Fiscal Health
Learn how to cultivate team cohesion, leverage individual strengths, and lead with emotional intelligence.
Explore proven project management techniques—from setting goals and timelines to delegating tasks and tracking progress—that will help you drive collaboration and deliver successful outcomes.
Day 3 | April 10 | 9 am - 4pm | Fund Development & Marketing and Communications
Learn how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and empathy—whether you’re leading a team meeting, navigating a tough conversation, or presenting to stakeholders.
Develop practical skills in active listening, giving and receiving feedback, and adapting your communication style to different audiences and situations.
Day 4 | April 24 | 9 am - 4pm | Leadership Summit
Learn how to support employee growth and accountability through clear expectations, ongoing feedback, and effective goal setting.
Explore key management competencies—like strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and decision-making—that will help you lead with purpose and drive long-term success.
Program Details:
- Format: 2 full-day online sessions & 2 in-person full-day sessions. First session in person and last session will be a leadership summit that includes past ELP cohort participants.
- CVNL Member tuition: $1,260.
- Non-member tuition: $1,575.
- Tuition includes: All materials, including handouts and additional web resources. All sessions will be recorded and shared.
- One hour of one-on-one leadership coaching available to all ELP participants.
- Attendees participating online must have reliable internet, Zoom, and a web camera.
- Limited to 26 people.
- CVNL Certificate of Completion awarded to participants who register for the full series and complete course requirements. Participants may miss one class and still qualify for a certificate.
- Scholarships available for first-generation or new nonprofit professionals serving Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties.
Our Faculty
Our faculty members are experienced and working professionals, who combine strong theoretical frameworks and real-life industry knowledge.
Jorge Choy
Leadership Roles, Responsibilities & Team Strategies
As the Sr. Director of Programs & Partnerships and a Lecturer at the Institute for Leadership Studies at D...
Daniel Student
Adaptive Leadership, Change Management & Innovation
Daniel serves as a Managing Director for Potrero Group, where he leads strategy and board engagements. His Pot...
Steve Tulsky
Organizational Financial Health
Principal of the Benemetrics Consulting Group, Tulsky has over thirty years of experience as a financial profe...
Elliot Levin
Strategic Fund Development
Founded PRG in 1990 to help non profits with capital fundraising and financial development. With experience le...
Cleve Justis
Nonprofit Strategy
Cleveland Justis is a distinguished organizational leader and consultant with over two decades of experience d...
Katelyn Willoughby
Director, Marketing & Communications
Katelyn is fired up about communication, marketing, business development, and working with diverse leaders in ...
Who Should Apply?
The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is ideal for senior nonprofit leaders, executive directors, C-suite professionals, and anyone responsible for setting vision, strategy, and organizational direction. Whether you’re stepping into an executive role or seeking to elevate your leadership presence, this program equips you with the insights and tools needed for high-impact leadership.
It’s also a valuable opportunity for senior program directors and emerging executives who collaborate with boards, funders, or cross-functional teams and want to deepen their strategic, financial, and people-leadership acumen. If you’re ready to strengthen your executive capabilities and lead your organization with confidence and clarity, this program is for you.
Tuition & Scholarships
CVNL is pleased to offer partial scholarships to support first-generation professionals and professionals entering the nonprofit sector for the first time in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties.
These scholarships are made available by generous grants from the Peter A., and Vernice H. Gasser Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sonoma County, the Solano Community Foundation, Marin Community Foundation, and U.S. Bank. To apply, click here, or for more information, please contact us at learning@cvnl.org.
SPONSORED IN PART BY:
