ElevatED: A Cohort for New Executive Directors

Leadership transitions represent a moment of challenge and opportunity for many nonprofit organizations. Even with careful planning, there’s often a gap in support for incoming Executive Directors. In 2024, SIF brought together nine new Executive Directors to support their transition into this essential leadership role. 

All of these leaders had become Executive Directors in the past three years, and shared many similar challenges - managing board and staff teams, setting organizational priorities, and hitting fundraising goals - while suddenly finding themselves without a natural set of colleagues with whom they could exchange ideas.

The group met five times throughout the spring of 2024. Together, they shared wins and challenges, explored new leadership frameworks, and supported each other through peer problem-solving. The group also participated in informal Q&A panels with experienced Executive Directors in SIF’s network, learning from their wisdom and experience.

At the conclusion of the cohort, 100% of participants in the inaugural cohort agreed or strongly agreed that they:

• Learned useful information about being an Executive Director and gained knowledge about useful resources
• Gained valuable insights from other participants and guest speakers
• Have increased access to a network of support from other nonprofit leaders

Additionally, participants shared the impact that the cohort had for their professional growth: 

“The 1-1 and small group with the guest speakers were invaluable. I truly appreciate their authenticity, empathy, and kindness. I also loved how transparent and honest my peers were about their challenges (and wins too!).” Gregory Chery, Minds Matter Boston, 2024 ElevatED Participant

“Talking to other EDs and the speakers who have been in these roles for years was so helpful to contextualize the work and understand which issues are extremely common and which are unique, and what resources exist.” Ali Jacobs, Mill City Grows, 2024 ElevatED Participant.

Since the inaugural ElevatED cohort in 2024, many more organizations within and beyond our network have experienced leadership transitions. From over two decades of supporting the leaders of small and mid-sized nonprofits, we know the immense challenges and responsibilities that come with this role, and we also know the transformative impact of high-quality leadership development and getting connected to strong peer networks. 

Especially now, when nonprofit organizations and their leaders are facing unprecedented challenges, SIF remains committed to supporting new leadership across the sector.

Given the overwhelming positive feedback and clear demand for this kind of support, SIF is excited to offer the ElevatED cohort again in March - June 2026, with slots available to new leaders within and beyond our network. The cohort is geared towards Executive Directors who are new to their role in the past three years, at small to mid-sized nonprofits in Eastern MA.

Across five meetings, totaling fifteen hours of cohort time, participants will: 

• Engage with relevant content via new frameworks and tools
• Learn from panel conversations with experienced Executive Directors in SIF’s network
• Participate in peer program solving circles with other participants

Topics are tailored to the group’s needs and include:

• Fundraising and Board Management
• Team and People Management
• Prioritization and Goal Setting

Executive Directors who are interested in learning more can contact Jenna Nackel at jnackel@socialinnovationforum.org.

SIF is raising funds to ensure this programming is available to those in our network, and we are now seeking to expand the opportunity beyond our network. We invite you to partner with us to invest in the future of our sector’s leadership by making a donation to support the program or sponsor a participant. Please contact Emily Bottie at ebottie@socialinnovationforum.org for more information.