Future Executive Directors Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE! We are not currently accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Fellowship. Please check back for updates in fall 2011.

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 a Deputy Director, Program Manager, Development Director, Chief Financial Officer, or in a similarly responsible position within the nonprofit sector, including grantmaking organizations. If you have experience in the private or public 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 the 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 Program 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 is made possible by American Express and Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman CPAs. The program is open to Roundtable Members at the 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. A limited number of scholarships will be offered to those who cannot afford the participant fee. Quarterly payment plans are also available if needed. If you need information on Roundtable membership, please contact Eduardo Romero at eromero@nonprofitroundtable.org or (202) 263-4760.

Does this program really “work”? What were some of the outcomes from the first class 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. Fellows engaged in nine months of intensive skill building, peer coaching, and mentoring. Among the 25 fellows who participated in the 2008 fellowship, five have since assumed positions as Executive Directors, or 20 percent. Other outcomes include:

• 100 percent of the fellows developed and achieved a personal leadership goal during the Fellowship.
• One fellow saved their organization at least $300,000 through their stretch assignment completed during the fellowship.
• Several fellows became Board members of local nonprofits.
• Several fellows are now working on advocacy projects; working to increase the living wage, improve language access services in healthcare settings, and increase the availability of affordable housing.

What kind of time commitment is really expected? Fellows are expected to participate fully in all of the 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. Mentors will not be assigned.

What if I am not selected? The Nonprofit Roundtable anticipates offering the Future Executive Director Fellowship again in 2012.

My organization is not currently a Member of the Nonprofit Roundtable.  Am I still eligible to apply? We welcome your application. The program is open to Roundtable Members at the cost of $250. The cost to Fellows from non-member organizations is $500. If you need information on Roundtable membership, please contact Eduardo Romero at eromero@nonprofitroundtable.org or (202) 263-4760.

What if I want more information? We will hold an open conference call forum for potential applicants on May 13 where staff will be available to answer your questions. Please stay updated via our website at www.nonprofitroundtable.org and sign up for our newsletter! You are also encouraged to email fellowship@nonprofitroundtable.org and someone from the our staff will get in touch with you.