FSW 267 - Leading with Impact: Advanced Management Strategies

Course Description

Overall Objective

The Leadership Operations Program is a unique, seven-module learning journey designed specifically for non-profit leaders and their operations managers ready to enhance their leadership and operational capabilities to optimize their organizational effectiveness and drive meaningful change in their communities. By participating in our operational leadership program for non-profits, you will be better positioned to run an operationally efficient organization offering quality programs  and services and achieving optimal client experience. Applying the learning from this program will enhance your confidence to make strategic decisions to run a dynamic non-profit organization responsive to a changing environment, thrive in a competitive market with limited funds for social services, and attract and retain talent to make your non-profit an organization of choice. With your enhanced skills, your organization will design and implement innovative practices generating leading-edge solutions to improve wellbeing, leverage technology and data to streamline core organizational functions and processes and share your impact story of your organization making families resilient. 

Learning Modules 

1. Leadership vs management in operational management. 
2. Planning & strategic operations. 
3. Program/service Development and Operations. 
4. Financial Management. 
5. Human Resources and Change Management. 
6. Communications & Marketing. 
7. Innovation, Information Technology and Digitalization. 

Delivery Mechanism

The program is based on adult learning principles with an integrated 'Journey-Based' Learning Strategy with three major components:  

1. As part of immersive learning process, you will engage in a series of transformative workshops that blend practical skills with theoretical insights. This is more than just professional development—it's an opportunity to build your your leadership and operational capacity to serve clients better by running an effective mission-driven organization. You will get expert guidance from experienced leaders with years of practical sector experience in the seven modules. They have in-depth understanding of the unique challenges of the non-profit sector and bring hands-on insights and real-world solutions into each session. The program will use practical and actionable tools where you will analyze case studies and engage in discussions that focus on the real-world issues facing your organization. 
2. You will be matched with a mentor (one-to-one or as a group) tailored to your leadership style or organizational needs to unlock your full potential as a leader. 
3. Collaborative peer learning sessions will be provided to connect with other non-profit leaders through two exclusive Communities of Practice (CoP) gatherings. These sessions are designed to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and build a supportive network of like-minded professionals.

Course Details

Learning objectives of the seven modules 

1. Leadership and Operations Management: You will develop leadership skills: 
   • To enhance team creativity and cultivate a culture that values collaboration and client satisfaction.
   • To implement operational processes that contribute towards your organization's mission and vision.
2. Planning and Strategic Operations: You will acquire key fundamental skills: 
   • To create strategic business plans. 
   • To execute projects efficiently. 
3. Program / Service Development and Operations: You will acquire key fundamental skills: 
   • To design collaborative programs that are customer-centered. 
   • To design operationally efficient and impact-oriented service delivery processes. 
4. Financial Management: You will acquire key fundamental skills:
   • To manage your organization's financial health through budgeting, advanced financial analysis, and reporting.
   • To actively support your organization's fundraising strategies within the context of accountability and efficient use of donor resources. 
5. Human Resources and Change Management: You will acquire key fundamental skills:
   • a. To attract, retain, and develop talent and become an inclusive organization of choice.  
   • b. To lead a comprehensive change management process of creating a healthy workplace culture, staff commitment, and positive team dynamics that foster enhanced productivity, and better operational efficiency.  
6. Communication and Marketing: You will acquire key fundamental skills:
   • To enhance your organizational reputation by increasing your knowledge of your audience (clients, donors, community partners etc.). 
   • To promote your unique value proposition and niche, demonstrated by quality programs and services you offer to enhance positive client experiences.
7. Innovation, Information Technology, and Digitization You will enhance your leadership:
   • To enhance emotional intelligence, data-driven and adaptive mindset to lead innovation, and develop people-centered management practices to promote entrepreneurial thinking. 
   • To strengthen your organization's IT infrastructure by focusing on core functions, and key processes including data stewardship (using ethical and responsible data use), risk management, and data protection.
   • To share your organization's success and impact using digital resources and technology.  

For any questions, please contact us at: fswpd@ucalgary.ca