Philanthropic Leadership (Certificate)
The Philanthropic Leadership graduate certificate is offered online or on campus at the University of Denver in the evenings, or in a combination of both, to meet the needs of busy adults. Designed specifically for professionals who currently or aspire to manage a nonprofit or charitable organization, the graduate certificate in Philanthropic Leadership prepares students to lead dynamic organizations. Learn to strengthen and enhance your organization’s reputation, build vital support through strong and lasting leadership, and sustain donor relationships with a graduate certificate in Philanthropic Leadership earned online or on campus in the evenings, or in a combination of both.
Classes are led by faculty who work in the field they teach and provide students industry insight to help them thrive in the tight−knit field of fundraising. Learn strategies of fiscal responsibility and transparency that lead to community support, and identify the goals and plans necessary to uphold a successful organization. Graduate certificate students will examine case studies and experiences as they learn to organize staff, boards, volunteers, and resources. From budget planning to legal issues, useful technology to ethics, the practical guidance provided by a graduate certificate in Philanthropic Leadership from University College will prepare nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as professional fundraisers. Credits earned through this graduate certificate may apply toward a master’s degree in Leadership and Organizations.
This certificate prepares students to:
- Describe the processes and content of organizations that meet the description of philanthropic organizational excellence
- Explain or develop the organization's policy as it relates to donor relationships and local, state, and federal requirements
- Develop a greater level of personal and professional cultural competence
- Identify donor support that aligns with the ethics, mission, vision, and values of the organization
- Compare and contrast different fundraising strategies, including grants, major gifts, planned giving, and annual campaigns
- Evaluate and select the most effective structure for an organization for fundraising
- Develop and critique the current roles of staff, board, and volunteers and contrast it to 'best practice' analysis
Leadership and Organizations Outcomes
This program prepares students to:
- Identify a clear mission and lead the dynamic process of translating a mission in to a series of goals and outcomes
- Utilize the knowledge of an organization's most important resource, people, in the creation and transmission of knowledge and economic, cultural, and technological change
- Align mission, vision, people, resources, and goals to maximize success and value over time for an organization
- Design and implement processes and content in organizations to meet the description of organizational excellence, which includes strong leadership and relationships
Required Courses
The Graduate Certificate in Certificate of Advanced Study in Philanthropic Leadership requires completion of 24 credit hours (6 courses).
Specialty Courses - 16 qtr. hrs (Choose 4)Professional Specialty courses allow students to focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector in which they are working or wish to work, and master the skills needed to excel in that area.
Further Study - 8 qtr. hrs (Choose 2)
Further Studies Options allow students to customize their degrees to match their career needs by either choosing in-depth study in their specialty by selecting three of the following courses, or exploring other options by using our Degree Builder tool.
Customize your degree or certificate using our convenient online degree builder tool, which allows you to select courses that cater to your specific career needs.
Design Your Custom Plan
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Use the online degree builder tool to customize your degree or certificate. Through the Professional Options Curriculum, you´re able to create your own degree or certificate plan by selecting courses that cater specifically to your career needs. Using the online degree builder, you´ll select the program and courses necessary to graduate from University College. |
Start Customizing Your DegreeView the tutorial or start building your plan now. |
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Careers in Philanthropic Leadership Certficate
Titles
Director of Philanthropy, Development Director, Marketing Coordinator, Philanthropy Officer, Fundraising Coordinator, Donation Specialist, Grant Writer, Endowment Officer, Major Gifts Officer, Nonprofit Director, Executive Director, President.
Duties
Advocacy, development, collaboration, networking, research, writing, presenting, training, strategy, networking, budgeting, management, coordination, recruitment, education.
Outlook
Despite a slow economy, fundraisers and philanthropy manager jobs are expected to grow, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Specific areas of fundraising that are likely to thrive in the coming years include healthcare, social services, green, and political organizations. U.S. News and World Report ranks being a fundraiser among the top 30 careers thanks to the position’s congenial work environment and potential job prospects.
Careers In Leadership and Organizations
Raising the bar.
Take charge in a career that ranks among the best! According to a 2009 U.S. News and World Report ranking, being a fundraiser is in the top 30 careers to have−whether you're raising money or developing fundraisers for the arts, education, or another worthwhile cause, the possibilities are endless for future fundraisers. Have a passion for the environment? Even better. Fundraising for green organizations is the latest trend, so keep an eye out for environmentally−friendly positions, according to The NonProfit Times. Also take note of the rise in online fundraising success, particularly with social media revolutionizing the way we interact. Brush up on email outreach skills, as well as setting up a one−click set up for recurring donations.
Lean, green, and keen!
As companies look for improving efficiency and technology processes during hard economic times, directors, analysts, and managers are expected to think lean and be innovative in the workplace. There is a growing need for resourceful project managers in financial, technology, and legal sectors, as well as in energy and healthcare. Bonus! Project managers enjoyed earning more during the recession compared to the past two years, according to the PMI® Project Management Salary Survey. Independent consultants are also in high in demand, as companies try to save money by hiring one−off consultants for large−scale projects in need of management. Going green with virtual meetings and teams will easily play into this need for independent consultants.
Where are they now?
Graduates have job titles that include Chief Sales Officer, Advisory Project Manager, Branch Manager, Professional Sales Representative, Director of HR, Independent Consultant, Vice President, Director of Communications, Human Resources Associate, and Director of Development for companies or organizations such as Halliburton, Johnson & Johnson, Home State Bank, Info Solutions Company, PMSI, and independent small businesses.
Ready to Apply
It's time to gather your materials and apply to your program of choice. Remember to include:
Need More Information
Interested in attending University College, but need additional information before you make a decision? No problem−we're here to help. You may request additional information about a specific program and specialty, review and ask questions in our Frequently Asked Questions section, or contact University College directly.
- Request additional information
- Ask a question
- Email University College or call 303-871-3155 or 800-347-2042
Want to Take a Class
Even if you missed the application deadline, you can start taking courses for one quarter before you have to submit a completed application. We know how important it is to get started when you're ready, so review the class schedule or start the registration process now.
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