The University of Chicago Strategies in Nonprofit Management Certificate Program
NAR offers association executives a professional development opportunity through the University of Chicago. The program fills a unique niche among training programs for nonprofit leaders. Its curriculum focuses on a core of essential competencies for REALTOR® AEs in a rapidly changing environment.
Curriculum
The curriculum has been customized, with direct input from your AE peers, to focus on essential REALTOR® association competencies.
AEs are invited to enroll in the full certificate program, which encompasses the challenges of a real classroom setting with personalized pre- and post-work assignments. By completing four core and two optional full-day courses with pre- and post-work assignments, participants will earn a Certificate in Strategies in Nonprofit Management from the University of Chicago Graham School.
AEs who are not interested in earning the certificate can choose to audit individual classes on a course-by-course basis, without pre- and post-work assignments.
Class size is limited to 35 and registration priority will be given to certificate program enrollees. All courses will be offered in conjunction with NAR’s Midyear, REALTORS® Conference, and AE Institute meetings.
*** Earn 6 points per course towards the RCE designation, and another 50 points when you receive your certificate!
Note: All students enrolling in the certificate program should review the policies and procedures attached below for completing the pre- and post-work assignments.
Registration Fee
$350 for certificate program enrollees; $250 for non-certificate enrollees. Lunch is included.
Registration will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Refunds for cancellations will only be available if cancellation is received at least 30 days prior to the scheduled course date. No refunds will be granted after that date. A $25 administration fee will be subtracted for each class cancelled.
2008 Courses
Essential Financial Tools for Nonprofit Managers (core course)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Instructor: David L. Hay, CPA, Executive Director, Lincoln Highway Association, South Bend, IN
- Today's leaders of nonprofit organizations are under increasing pressure from the public, their constituents, and their trustees to demonstrate their skills in managing the finances of their organizations. But what knowledge does one need to effectively oversee the financial management of such an organization? This course will help those executives who lack a technical accounting or financial background, but who have responsibility for financial oversight and/or decision-making in a nonprofit organization learn the financial accounting principles that affect nonprofit financial reporting. Students will also learn about the different governing bodies and financial accounting principles that affect nonprofit reporting.
Increasing Board Effectiveness (optional course)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Mike Levine, Chief Development Officer, Principal Gifts and Campaign Director, Biological Sciences/University of Chicago Hospitals Development, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- The success of many nonprofits is directly related to the effectiveness of their boards of directors. The board's role is extremely important, yet political or structural problems often limit how well a board understands and furthers the mission of an organization. This course will teach students to improve the effectiveness of governing boards. Students will examine common hindrances to effective governance in terms of board structure, processes, and dynamics. Through in-class and homework assignments, you will analyze your organization's board using case studies to help you identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies for improving board operation. Learn how your board can focus on organizational strategy to raise expectations, increase cohesiveness, build closer partnerships, create flexibility, and add value.
2009 Courses
Tackling the Strategic Plan (core course)
Saturday, March 20, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Philip Lesser, Ph.D, CAE, Vice President, Bostrom Corporation, Chicago, IL
- Any association needs to develop -- and continually revisit -- the strategic plan, which helps it to move forward and stay true to the needs of its members. This one-day course will give participants the hands-on experience of creating a strategic plan for a typical REALTOR® association. Course materials will provide background about the relationship of the strategic plan to other goals within the organization. Guided by the course instructors, participants will work in teams to conceptualize, refine, and develop the prototype of a useful association strategic plan.
Developing Effective Programs (optional course)
Saturday, March 20, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lisa Moultrie, Consultant, Organizational Development, Chicago, IL
- Programs are the heart of the work of nonprofit organizations. Constituent/membership development, staffing, and organizational mission/identity are all tied to the programs nonprofits develop and implement. This course will teach students about how programs are conceived, designed, implemented, communicated, and assessed. Students will examine theoretical frameworks of program development and will analyze case studies.
Strategy to Accountability: Performance Management and Outcome Measures in Nonprofit Organizations (core course)
Sunday, March 21, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Gordon Medlock, Ph.D, Human Capital Consultant, LaPorte, IN
- A strong leadership team and strategic plan are essential starting points for organizational success. But without alignment of performance expectations throughout the organization and a process for measuring and monitoring outcomes, the organization is not likely to achieve its objectives. This course provides a theoretical framework and practical tools for leaders to establish accountability throughout the organization, with a focus on rewarding, retaining, and developing superior performers. Based on over twenty-five years of research on competency-based approaches to enhancing performance, this course will provide participants with new concepts and tools to strengthen accountability within the organization.
Politics and Beyond: Advocacy for REALTOR® Associations (optional course)
Monday, May 11, 2009, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mauricio Vivero, President, 501(c) STRATEGIES, Washington, D.C.
- Advocacy is the avenue through which organizations and their volunteers can raise public awareness of community and political issues and causes, build relationships with government, and help shape laws and policies that affect their communities' missions. This interactive course will teach participants how to work within the parameters of nonprofit lobbying laws and secure strong legislation that meets their organizations missions at the local, state, and federal levels. Participants will leave with the beginnings of an advocacy action plan for their association that includes effective advocacy strategies, as well as creative ways to overcome implementation barriers to those strategies
Leadership in Changing Times (core course)
Tuesday, May 12, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Julia Fabris McBride, Coach Julia, Inc., Matfield Green, KS
- Today's successful leaders require courage and a clear sense of purpose to help their staff and members address the challenges of these changing times. This intensive course draws on the writings of notable authors to understand how individual leaders and organizations can stay flexible, resilient, and forward-looking as they meet the challenges of 21st century association management. Students will learn an overview of leadership theory and the "Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership," with interactive exercises and discussion to help participants apply leadership theories to their own work and put the five practices into action at their association.
