LEADERSHIP ACCELERATION PROGRAM
Purpose
The purpose of the Leadership Acceleration Program (LAP) is to advance, elevate, and equip nonprofit leaders with the skills, knowledge, and experience to transform their organizations into high-performing, proactively managed nonprofits focused on meeting our community’s needs. Each year, up to five fellows serving in a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization will complete a rigorous two-year common curriculum as well as an individual professional development project.
Inaugural Fellows Requirements
Individuals will be selected from a pool of candidates nominated by local community and foundation leaders. They will have demonstrated a willingness to be transparent and learn, serve with humility and excellence, be committed to improving their organization and the communities of the Permian Basin, and passionately pursue their nonprofit’s mission.
Additionally, they must possess:
- 5+ years of nonprofit experience
- 3+ years in a leadership role at their current nonprofit organization
- 3+ years in the Permian Basin nonprofit sector (non-governmental, non-foundation, non-church)
- Successful completion of the Nonprofit Management Center’s NELC course
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities
- Openness to self-reflection and personal growth
Professional Development Project
Each LAP Fellow will complete an approved professional development project to enhance their leadership and executive skills through formal and informal professional advancement activities. A core aspect of the program is that each fellowship plan is unique – developed by the fellow. Examples include but are not limited to completing a higher education credential, executive business certificates in finance and accounting, certified professional human resource certificates, Lilly fundraising course, Leadership conference attendance, BoardSource retreats, and schooling, etc.
Mandatory Meetings
LAP fellows must commit to the following meetings:
- Monthly cohort meetings for ½ day
- Twice a month with the Program Director for individual coaching
- Monthly for one hour for reflection discussions as a cohort
- One three-day retreat each year as a cohort (Year 1 – August, Year 2 – May)
Curriculum and Guiding Principals
The curriculum will focus on five guiding principles: Understanding Influence, Defining Purpose, Fostering Communication, Growing Accountability, and Developing Hope.