Nonprofit management and leadership competencies ensure that certified students are meeting equivalent learning outcomes as part of their Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. Each competency has an associated rubric with learning topics and learning outcomes that each Alliance campuses use within their programs. Standardizing the learning outcomes through rubrics also ensures that the CNP designation is recognized throughout the nonprofit sector as a trusted brand.
The Alliance Rubric Overview outlines the learning outcome rubric each campus uses to support the development of the competencies through their program. The rubric establishes empirical measures for the Alliance core competencies. These standards mean that certified students are meeting equivalent learning outcomes as part of their CNP credential.
Communication, Marketing and Public Relations
Highlights knowledge, attitudes and activities that nonprofit organizations use to understand, inform and influence their various constituencies
Cultural Competency and Diversity
Highlights the development of cultural competency preparation for professional practice in culturally diverse settings
Financial Resource Development and Management
Highlights financial resource acquisition, budgeting, financial management, control and transparency in nonprofit organizations
Foundations & Management of the Nonprofit Sector
Highlights the history, contributions, and unique characteristics of the nonprofit sector and its management
Governance, Leadership and Advocacy
Highlights the stewardship and advocacy roles, responsibilities and leadership of the board of directors, staff and volunteers in the development of policies, procedures, and processes by which nonprofits operate and are held accountable
Legal and Ethical Decision Making
Highlights basic laws, regulations and professional standards that govern nonprofit sector operations, including a basic knowledge of risk and crisis management, ethics, and decision-making
Personal and Professional Development
Highlights the nature of employment in the nonprofit sector, from researching career opportunities, applying and interview for a job, to continuing professional development
Program Development
Highlights program design, implementation, and evaluation strategies applicable to all nonprofits (youth services, arts, environment, health, recreation, social services, advocacy, etc.)
Volunteer and Human Resource Management
Highlights the knowledge, skills, and techniques for managing volunteer and paid staff
Future of the Nonprofit Sector
Highlights the dynamic nature of the nonprofit sector, the importance of continuous improvement, emerging trends and innovations, and the critical role research plays in shaping best practices
Download a copy of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Competencies
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