Austin Community College: Highland Business Center

One of the most important roles you play as a nonprofit leader is that of a spokesperson for your organization and your mission.One of the most important roles you play as a nonprofit leader is that of a spokesperson for your organization and your mission. Whether you are talking to prospective donors, board members, volunteers, or to elected officials, a clear and compelling pitch is often critical to your success. This learning opportunity will provide guidance on what makes a pitch effective, as well as opportunities to practice your pitch and strengthen it.Please note Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration.

This 3-hour online workshop equips nonprofit leaders with the skills and strategies necessary to expand their networks in meaningful work.This 3-hour online workshop aims to equip nonprofit leaders with the skills and strategies necessary to expand their networks in meaningful, value-added ways. Participants will develop 12-month goals and an actionable plan to enhance their networking capabilities. The workshop features interactive activities, case studies, and practical tools. Learning Objectives: • Understand the importance of networking for nonprofit organizations. • Develop realistic goals to expand your network. • Create an actionable networking plan for your NPO. • Enhance networking skills through practical exercises. • Access valuable resources and tools for ongoing network development.Please note Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if there is inadequate registration.

Learn about the role of a governing board and key strategies for navigating the relationship.In this 90-minute course aimed at executive directors, learn about the role of a governing board and key strategies for navigating the relationship. Working under an entire governance team can be challenging. Your board members are key volunteers and donors, while also collectively serving as your boss. Good board relations require diplomacy, strong communication, and clear expectations from all parties. Gain insights into how to get what you need to be successful and how to give to your board members what they need to be empowered to champion your organization. Along with an overview of board member responsibilities and different models of board functioning, this course will provide tools for aligning expectations and an opportunity to troubleshoot some of the challenges you are facing. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Eileen Garcia (she/her) has spent her career working in support of the social impact sector, including over a decade of experience as the lead executive of a nonprofit. She has served as CEO of Texans Care for Children and as the Executive Director of the Texas State History Museum Foundation. She has also worked in Austin for The Children’s Partnership, […]

& What to do About it !This talk will provide a research-based framework and powerful understanding in whatACTUALLY drives engagement and the hidden dynamics that erode engagement. And, best of all,participants will leave with a clear vision and practical steps to take to immediately and powerfullyshift the attitudes and mindsets of their teams.Learning Objectives:Understand new, powerful research on what truly motivates and engages adults in theworkforce, and also what disengages them!Gain stark understanding from real-world examples of hidden dynamics suffocatingengagement on your team.Walk out with a plan of action to immediately address disengagement and dysfunctionin your workplace!Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator: Meg Poag is a licensed master social worker graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in the Administration and Planning concentration of the School of Social Work. She is currently working as a senior planner for social services and low-income housing development for the Health and Human Services Department of Travis County, Texas. In addition, Meg serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas School of Social Work, teaching a course titled Community Building and Leadership for second year masters students. Meg has […]

Learn strategies and tactics to build strong, collaborative relationships to work with your CEO and Board Members for long-term success.Learn strategies and tactics to gain essential skills to build strong, collaborative relationships to work with your CEO and Board Members for long-term organizational success. Walk away with the ability to provide insights, guidance, and support in a way that fosters trust, transparency, and alignment with your organization’s goals.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:The success of Upbring's mission depends largely on two key components: finances and operations. Holly Raymond understands not just the importance of efficient operations and sound finances, but how to maximize both. As the Chief Financial Officer of Upbring, Holly directs finance, facilities, budget and procurement functions as well as information technology and human resource administration for the organization. Since joining Upbring in 2017, Holly has implemented structural modifications, strengthening financial operations that has resulted in a 25% overall organizational growth. In her prior role, as Senior Vice President of Finance, she deepened the finance and facilities resource capabilities by strategic staffing additions. Her success at Upbring is a testament to her outstanding leadership, determination and servant-hearted commitment to breaking the cycle of child abuse.Before joining Upbring, Holly served as Chief Financial Officer of […]

Through Strengths-Based Leadership and the Working Genius FrameworkIn our ever-evolving nonprofit landscape , effective leadership from any chair—whether it’s the CEO, a mid-level manager, board member or front line staff—has never been more critical. This session will focus on the power of strengths-based leadership, with a particular emphasis on the Working Genius framework as a tool for identifying and leveraging individual and team strengths. By honing self-awareness, leaders can ethically and effectively guide their teams and organizations, ensuring that their leadership provides pathways for more joy and more productivity in carrying out their mission.Participants will explore how understanding and harnessing the six types of Working Geniuses—each representing a unique strength—can significantly enhance fundraising efforts, board relations, and leadership dynamics. Additionally, the session will highlight how the Working Genius framework makes the invisible visible within teams, uncovering hidden dynamics and providing practical strategies for improving morale and having hard conversations. This commitment to self-awareness and strengths-based leadership not only benefits those we lead but also serves the broader community, amplifying the good we do in the nonprofit sector.Learning Objectives:1. Integrate Strengths-Based Leadership Using the Working Genius Framework:○ Participants will learn how to apply strengths-based leadership principles by utilizing theWorking Genius framework […]

Two-day intensive workshop integrates the fundamental principles of leadership, strategy, and communication.JBL Strategies’ unique Strategic Leadership Essentials ® (SLE) model integrates the fundamental principles of leadership, strategy, and communication and shows how they can and should be aligned. The class is designed specifically to work with executive directors and leaders in decision-making positions within nonprofit organizations. This affordable, interactive program integrates personal leadership approach with an organization’s strategic direction and the communication strategies necessary to engage stakeholders and operationalize strategic direction to achieve greater mission impact in the communities they serve. The emphasis is on customized learning, peer exchange and clarity of purpose. It gives participants an opportunity to step back, reflect and take charge.Nonprofit Austin is collaborating with JBL Strategies to offer this unique model, comprising of a two-day intensive workshop. Participants receive a comprehensive course workbook, and two one-on-one personalized coaching sessions – during which participants have an opportunity to discuss their specific challenges and needs with course leaders Craig Snook and Jane Baxter Lynn (in-person or remotely), developing practical ways to address them.The program is limited to 14 participants – with only one person from each organization - to encourage idea-sharing, open conversation, and on-going peer collaboration. […]

Join us for a 90-minute workshop for nonprofit professionals to look at the many facets of your organization’s operations and influence.How does your organization show up in the world – as an employer, as a communicator, as a partner to other organizations? In furthering your mission, are you reaching not just those who readily accesses your services, but also the populations who need you most? Join us for a 90-minute workshop for nonprofit professionals to look at the many facets of your organization’s operations and influence to consider how your organizational values can be incorporated in all you do. Expect an increased understanding of the impact your organization has across a spectrum of domains and the sharing of a variety of best and promising practices that you can put into effect today. There will also be time for trouble-shooting your own organizational access challenges. Following the presentation, all participants will receive a self-assessment tool to help identify areas within which your organization can further close gaps in access. Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator: Eileen Garcia (she/her) has spent her career working in support of the social impact sector, […]

This learning opportunity will provide an overview on how busy nonprofit organizations can monitor and influence state policy as efficientlyThe 89th Regular Texas Legislative Session will convene on January 14, 2025. Although most nonprofit organizations are not positioned to maintain a regular and active presence at the Capitol, many may find that the policy and budgetary decisions made by the Legislature impact their work and/or the populations they serve. Luckily, there are free online tools that make it possible for nearly anyone to monitor what is happening at the Capitol from afar, and there are also numerous opportunities each session to engage with state policymakers at the Capitol in person. This learning opportunity will provide an overview on how busy nonprofit organizations can monitor and influence state policy as efficiently as possible.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Christine Gendron is an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, a systems thinker, connector, collaborator, and capacity builder. She has nearly 20 years of leadership experience serving as a resource for nonprofits, policymakers, government, and philanthropy organizations on strengthening outcomes for children, youth, families, and underserved populations.Christine previously served as the Executive Director of a statewide association and […]

This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing ones.This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to (1) cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing relationships; (2) use curiosity to understand others goals, needs, and concerns, so they can bring confidence and comfort to donor, board, and other external relationships; (3) employ simple but effective techniques for fostering chemistry and trust; and (4) uncover new opportunities, and win-win situations that accelerate momentum.The presenter, Rodney Schlosser, is a 20+ year executive responsible for his company’s senior relationships. He is senior vice president/business development at Asurion, and a billion-dollar vendor to the mobile, cable, telco, and consumer electronics industries, based in Nashville. Versions of this workshop have elicited kudos from participants in UT Austin’s HDO/executive education program and prior workshops for nonprofits, foundations, and professional services firms. He’ll cover what strategies have worked, failed, and how he’s adapted as technology has changed the way people interact. He’ll also explain how many of these same principles have applied to his leadership of several non-profit boards, and his current civic work as a Vice Chair of the DART (Dallas Area […]

This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing ones.This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to (1) cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing relationships; (2) use curiosity to understand others goals, needs, and concerns, so they can bring confidence and comfort to donor, board, and other external relationships; (3) employ simple but effective techniques for fostering chemistry and trust; and (4) uncover new opportunities, and win-win situations that accelerate momentum.The presenter, Rodney Schlosser, is a 20+ year executive responsible for his company’s senior relationships. He is senior vice president/business development at Asurion, and a billion-dollar vendor to the mobile, cable, telco, and consumer electronics industries, based in Nashville. Versions of this workshop have elicited kudos from participants in UT Austin’s HDO/executive education program and prior workshops for nonprofits, foundations, and professional services firms. He’ll cover what strategies have worked, failed, and how he’s adapted as technology has changed the way people interact. He’ll also explain how many of these same principles have applied to his leadership of several non-profit boards, and his current civic work as a Vice Chair of the DART (Dallas Area […]

Colin Kendrick will share his insights and lessons learned in creating and growing Sonic Guild from Austin to a national organization.Colin Kendrick, founder of Sonic Guild, formerly Black Fret, will share his insights and lessons learned in creating and growing Sonic Guild https://www.sonicguild.org/ from Austin to a national organization with chapters in Austin, Seattle, Colorado and more. Sonic Guild's mission is to build communities to support the creation and performance of extraordinary new music via “A nationwide network of chapters providing financial and professional support to our finest local musicians to enable them to create and perform new music.’ Since its founding in 2013, it has distributed more than $7,000,000 to over 250 bands and local music businesses.His focus will be on what it takes to be an entrepreneurial nonprofit; defining the need andone’s role in addressing that need; the fully loaded cost of doing business; scaling impact with a long-term cost model; developing community partners and stakeholders; networking, donor and stakeholder stewardship; and the realities of directing one’s passion to achieve success.Richard Florida, best-selling author of The Rise of the Creative Class wrote “Sonic Guild helps build powerful communities that fuel the creative economy, social cohesion, and civic pride—all by investing in their local musicians.” […]

Nonprofit marketing can take many forms and have different goals. Join us to learn what might work best for your organization.Wouldn’t it be great if every nonprofit had a dedicated team of professionals focused onimplementing a detailed marketing plan? One that raises the visibility of the organization,attracts donors, and improves community engagement? Yes, please!The reality, unfortunately, is that most nonprofits run on a shoestring budget with minimal staff. Those organizations need guidance so they can do the most with what they have.This 3-hour interactive workshop will address important questions, like:How can nonprofits navigate the challenge of limited resources and still create impactful marketing campaigns?What are some key considerations for developing a comprehensive marketing plan?How does marketing affect fundraising and vice versa?Are there differences in how you market a nonprofit organization vs. a for-profitcompany?What are the biggest issues facing nonprofit marketing today and in the future?With hands-on exercises, we’ll also cover:Why Marketing MattersBranding and Target AudiencesMarketing for Campaigns & EventsBest Marketing Channels for NonprofitsNonprofit marketing can take many forms and have different goals. Join us to learn what might work best for your organization._____________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Michel Hudson, CFRE, CEFL, has more than 30 years’ experience guiding nonprofits and associations, in […]

Join us to discuss how to leverage resources to build and sustain nonprofit board.If you’re looking for a talented group of individuals to serve on your board, you are not alone. In fact, the competition is pretty stiff.  Today, there are 1.8 million US nonprofits seeking people to take up the demands, challenges and hard work required to sustain a relevant organization that fulfills its mission.     The good news is that there are many people willing and able to lend their support.  By building a sound structure, your organization will have the edge on the competition, will create attractive volunteer opportunities and will be rewarded with engaged and satisfied board members.     After this one-hour webinar, participants will   • Examine the board building process • Create a recruitment plan that will help ensure you have members with the right skills, expertise and community connections • Explore the benefits of a governance committee • Be able to cultivate candidates—help them find you • Identify board and committee recruitment tools and resources. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Wendy Biro-Pollard is a Certified Volunteer Administration (CVA) and BoardSource Governance Consultant. She has conducted webinars, keynotes, workshops, and retreats for individuals in the public-private sector, […]

Designed to help you understand what policies and procedures are needed, and how to develop them so they clearly communicate your mission.Policies and procedures serve many purposes. They provide direction to staff, volunteers, and the board, clarify expectations about the way your organization runs, help avoid inconsistencies, and protect your nonprofit from possible legal action or fraud. Policies and procedures can affect various parts of a nonprofit’s work, including governance, accountability, and operations.Well-written policies and procedures are the framework that holds your organization together, and they help make everything run smoothly and efficiently.This course is designed to help you understand what policies and procedures are needed, and how to develop them so they clearly communicate what you do and why you do it.During this interactive 2-hour workshop, participants will:• Discuss the importance and requirements of policies and procedures;• Learn about standard policies for nonprofits;• Work through policy examples; and• Receive tips for policy manuals that are easy-to-understand and user-friendly.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Michel Hudson, CFRE, CEFL, has more than 30 years’ experience guiding nonprofits and associations, in the roles of staff, volunteer, board member, and consultant.Her company, 501(c)onsulting TM – established in 2001 – currently focuses on providing groups with clarity and a […]

An overview of what is succession planning and why it’s important.This session will provide (1) An overview of what is succession planning and why it’s important; (2) What’s involved in executive staff succession planning – the process; (3) What’s involved in board development and sustainability, with the emphasis on succession planning; and (4) How it all aligns to achieve an organization’s mission.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Jane Baxter Lynn is an experienced strategic planner, facilitator and communications specialist with more than thirty years of global, national, regional, and local experience in business development, communications, marketing, and association management, with emphasis on assessment, facilitation, planning and strategy, as well as leadership development. During her career, she has held senior positions in Fortune 500 companies, industry and nonprofit associations, and quasi-government organizations, as well as serving as a strategic business advisor. Her extensive nonprofit experience has involved serving on nonprofit boards, as an advisor to boards, and as executive director in a wide range of professional, industry and cause-related fields.Jane is passionate about working with nonprofits in Central Texas on sustainability initiatives. She provides clients with a senior level advisory resource, working with them to create and implement focused strategies in line with their mission […]

Participants will experience a variety of methods to help solve problems and make decisions in a nonprofit setting.Participants will experience a variety of methods to help solve problems and make decisions in a nonprofit setting. The class will present tools to assist participants in examining problems and making decisions within nonprofit settings. It will start with the context in which problem solving and decision-making takes place, and includes examining ethical elements, communication, negotiation, various styles of decision-making, and the importance of stakeholders. The tools section of the class will present six steps and various processes to allow participants to examine the problem solving and decision-making tools they already use and add to their toolbox. Learning Objectives:• Understanding ethical issues when making decisions and solving problems.• Determining root causes.• Involving people in the process of decision making and problem solving.• Identifying steps to problem solving.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Kathleen McCleskey, KM Consulting and Training Connection, is a facilitator, trainer, consultant, and curriculum developer. She conducts classes in project management, multi-day presentation skills class, increasing personal effectiveness, strategic planning, and leading teams and groups are some of the classes Kathleen has conducted in her career.Kathleen has conducted workshops in the United States, Egypt, Guam, […]

This workshop will focus on how to tie nonprofit programs to its goals to help accomplish the mission.Managing a nonprofit takes strategic thinking and strategy to be able to purposefully tie their programs to their goals. To do this, program managers need to strategically consider the internal and external factors facing each nonprofit program and the outcomes and results each program will produce. This workshop will focus on how to tie nonprofit programs to its goals to help accomplish the mission. Participants will learn to develop the basic outline of a strategic plan by determining how each program fits into the overall strategic plan of their nonprofit.If possible, participants should bring their nonprofit’s strategic plan with a mission statement, vision statement, and priorities/goals/objectives/strategic initiatives.Learning Objectives:• Understand the differences and relationships between strategic planning, strategic thinking, and operations.• Develop an understanding of the relationship between nonprofit programs and the goals of the nonprofit.• Construct concrete goals.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Kathleen McCleskey, KM Consulting and Training Connection, is a facilitator, trainer, consultant, and curriculum developer. She conducts classes in project management, multi-day presentation skills class, increasing personal effectiveness, strategic planning, and leading teams and groups are some of the classes Kathleen has conducted […]

Review committee roles and responsibilities, determine who should serve, and learn how to create committee work plans and monitor progress.Given the difficulty in finding people to serve on boards, committees are becoming even more important. Strong committees contribute to strong organizations, and yet, in many nonprofits they are often its weakest link. When committee members have clearly defined roles and direction, staff support and organized and experienced leadership, there are no limits to their effectiveness. This 1.5-hour virtual session includes multiple handouts, resources and opportunities for group discussion and individual work.In this course, participants will• Review committee roles and responsibilities• Determine who should serve• Learn how to create committee work plans and monitor their progress.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Wendy Biro-Pollard is a Certified Volunteer Administration (CVA) and BoardSource Governance Consultant. She has conducted webinars, keynotes, workshops, and retreats for individuals in the public-private sector, for national and international associations, corporate and community foundations, and faith-based and governmental agencies.Wendy directed the Volunteer Center of Austin and healthcare volunteer programs at large hospitals in Austin and San Antonio. She has served on several national training teams including one for VISTA AmeriCorps. Wendy is an adjunct faculty member for Nonprofit Austin at Austin Community […]

Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help you rediscover joy by aligning your personal values with your professional life.Are you a nonprofit professional struggling to find excitement in your work and struggling to set boundaries so that you can take care of yourself?If so, join us for an interactive workshop designed to help you rediscover joy by aligning your personal values with your professional life. In this interactive session, you'll:• Discover Your Core Values: Engage in a values exercise to identify what truly matters to you and how these values influence your happiness.• Align Actions with Values: Participate in an action vs. values exercise to see where you might be out of sync and how to realign for greater fulfillment.• Gain Inner Peace and Job Satisfaction: Learn how living by your values can bring more inner peace and make your work feel more meaningful.What to Expect:• Interactive Exercises: Hands-on activities that will help you uncover and understand your values.• Group Discussions: Collaborative conversations with fellow nonprofit professionals to share insights and support each other in this journey.No prerequisites or materials are needed—bring yourself and a willingness to explore. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a […]