Learn more about the Institute for Not-for-Profit Management (INM-JCS):
Our Participants
To date, more than 160 executives have graduated from the Institute for Not-for-Profit Management, representing agencies of all sizes and segments of the Jewish communal sector, including social services, community development, advocacy, health, and education. More than half of each class is filled by referrals from alumni, who consider INM-JCS to be a rich capacity-building resource for their respective organizations.
Participants are Jewish agency senior executives with responsibilities for supervision of senior staff, budgetary oversight, board or committee engagement, and strategic planning. All have significant experience in both managerial and professional positions, with educational credentials that include a bachelor's degree and, in many cases, a master's degree. Participants represent a variety of professional disciplines and UJA-Federation agency settings.
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Results-Oriented Process
The INM-JCS approach is comprehensive and integrates theory with practical applications. Courses explore a wide range of disciplines, with an emphasis on strategic management. The faculty uses highly interactive methods that reinforce the concepts taught, creating an educational experience that is both intense and demanding by design.
The courses require work that must be completed in advance and assignments for completion between modules that help participants use new tools and skills.
Development of a Comprehensive Strategic Plan
Each participant develops a strategic plan for his or her organization to better meet constituents' current and future needs. In the process, participants prepare the following components:
- Mission review
- Vision development
- Internal and external appraisals
- Environmental scan
- Portfolio analysis
- Strategic gap analysis
- Identification of strategic priorities and key performance outcomes
- Organizational alignment
- Implementation plan
The strategy project evolves throughout each course and is developed throughout the program, with faculty and peer feedback in periodic small-group sessions. The project culminates in a comprehensive plan for implementation in the workplace.
Interactive Format
Active engagement in analysis and discussion of case studies and other interactive learning techniques, including small-group projects, simulations, and participant presentations, help reinforce learning and encourage participation. Diverse participant backgrounds provide a valuable resource for the entire group and pave the way for networking and meaningful agency collaborations.
Small Class Size
Limited to 25 executives from UJA-Federation of New York, its beneficiary agencies, and other Jewish communal agencies, the class size assures individual attention and fosters interaction among participants.
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Nationally Renowned University Faculty
Columbia University is recognized for its superior academic standards and pursuit of excellence. A cadre of specialized and experienced professors and practitioners constitute the institute faculty. Successful completion of the institute merits a joint certificate from Columbia University and UJA-Federation of New York. The ability to complete the rigorous academic program identifies graduates as members of top executive leadership, committed to excellence and growth.
Faculty Advisors
Participants are assigned to small groups led by a faculty advisor. Faculty advisors facilitate the strategic-planning process and provide individual guidance. These small groups also serve as a forum for peer consultations.
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Program Details
Locations and Schedules
The institute takes place in 21 days over the course of four months, including two five-day, four-night overnight retreats and 11 full-day sessions on Mondays.
INM-JCS retreats are held in residence at a conference site within several hours of New York City. These facilities provide an excellent setting for education, reflection, and networking. Participants share double rooms and, unless otherwise selected by participants, are assigned roommates for the first retreat. Single rooms are available at an additional charge.
Monday classes are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are held at Columbia University.
Meals
Retreats include three kosher meals and snacks throughout the day. Monday classes include a continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Dress
Participants dress in casual attire.
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Agency Involvement
The Participant/Agency Agreement
Enrollment in the institute is contingent on an agreement between the sponsoring agency and the participant. This agreement ensures a serious investment in, and commitment to, the program and to Jewish communal service by both the sponsoring agency and the participant.
Agency Agreement
The agreement stipulates that the agency will pay the participant's full salary while engaged in the institute and provide paid release time for attendance at all regularly scheduled sessions of the institute. The agency also agrees to fully cooperate with the participant's development of a strategic plan for the agency and to review and implement the plan, where feasible.
Participant Agreement
A participant agrees to participate fully in the institute, requiring a significant amount of time and preparation. In addition, the participant agrees to design a strategic plan for the agency and to present it formally to the agency on completion of the institute. A UJA-Federation network executive agrees to continue employment within the network for a minimum of two years.
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