This course examines key issues, challenges and opportunities in the creation, management and leadership of nonprofit organizations. Attention will be given both to internal organizational issues and to nonprofits’ relationships with external constituencies. Among the topics to be considered are nonprofit creation, mission management, organizational leadership, funding strategies, partnerships and the impact of the public policy environment. Readings and discussion will examine nonprofits in varied fields of activity (such as human services and arts and culture). This course is relevant to students planning to work in, with or through nonprofit organizations in a variety of fields. The course will employ exercises and cases to translate broad themes to practical issues related to nonprofit strategy and management. Guest speakers will periodically join us to share their own experiences building and running nonprofits.
Requirements and Expectations
Student assessment will be based on course requirements, including: Class attendance and participation; a memo on one week’s readings (3-4 pages ds), and questions and an in-class presentation based on the memo; a preparatory performance measurement assignment (3-4 pages ds); a fundraising exercise (4-5 pages ds); and a final essay based on course readings (4-6 pages ds).
Readings
The basic course text for this moderate reading load class is the “Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership & Management (JBH),” by David O. Renz and Associates, supplemented by other readings and cases.