Program Details
Dates: Wednesday + Thursday: April 22 & 23rd, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST
Location: Support Center, 32 Old Slip, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10005.
Tuition: $1075, with partial scholarships available on a case-by-case basis. Tuition is to be paid upon acceptance to the program and receipt of an invoice.
Applications will be reviewed and admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis until February 28th, 2026. Since the admission process is rolling and the cohort will approach capacity over time, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
Leadership can be exhilarating but also isolating. For many executive directors, reaching the top often means navigating complex decisions, sensitive conversations, and high-stakes challenges without a community to support them. That’s where Support Center’s New Executive Director Institute comes in.
Designed specifically for new and recently appointed Executive Directors, the New ED Institute is not a traditional training:it’s an immersive learning experience. Participants gain practical tools, tested frameworks, and trusted relationships to help them lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. From building strong operational structures and managing board relationships to advancing fundraising strategies and sharpening leadership presence, the Institute equips leaders to meet the moment.
Join a dynamic cohort of peers, each facing similar pressures– and opportunities. Through an interactive, peer-based curriculum, participants explore the full scope of executive leadership responsibilities while gaining exposure to a wide range of nonprofit resources and technical assistance. Expert facilitators guide focused content sessions, create space for reflection, and help leaders translate learning into action.
Cohort members remain connected through an online platform and in-person gatherings, forming a lasting community of support where wins are celebrated, challenges are tackled collectively, and authentic professional relationships take root.
This is leadership development beyond the basics, designed for those ready to grow into the role and lead with purpose. Welcome to the New Executive Director Institute.
Key Institute Highlights
This interactive institute blends research, real-world experience, and peer learning to strengthen executive leadership across key areas, including:
- Executive Leadership and Management
- Fundraising and Resource Development
- Strategy and Strategic Partnerships
- Risk Management
- Board Governance and Board Relations
- Financial Management and Leadership
- Organizational Growth and Development
- Navigating Complex Organizational Culture
- Managing/Inheriting an organization under stress
Who Should Attend
The New Executive Director Institute is ideal for newly appointed Executive Directors and those in the role for three years or less. Participants leave with greater confidence, practical tools, and a trusted network, empowered to navigate complexity, lead effectively, and maximize the opportunities that come with executive leadership. You don’t have to do this alone.