WRAPAROUND SERVICES
STATE OF THE FIELD
The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) invests in a network of community-based organizations and programs to alleviate the effects of poverty and to provide opportunities for New Yorkers and communities to flourish.
8RES is offering a Seasoned Supervisor Cohort. Leaders from 15-20 DYCD Funded nonprofit organizations will be selected to participate in this program, which will take place between May 3rd and June 5th.
WHAT IS THE CAPACITY BUILDING COHORT?
“Organizational capacity refers to the resources, skills, and functions a nonprofit organization (NPO) needs to fulfill its mission across multiple domains” (Despard, 2016). Due to the tax structure of 501c organizations and the nature of the nonprofit sector, many nonprofits lack operational capacity. Capacity issues can encompass board development, financial management, staffing shortages, and other things that hinder operating an organization effectively. Navigating the challenges of leading requires not just a solid foundation but also a community of peers to share and grow with. Our Seasoned Supervisor Cohort Series aims to develop strong peer connections and practical knowledge. Key elements that drive the cohort activities include the following: Structure and Inclusivity: Whether you're leading a small and new organization or a large established organization, this cohort is structured to support your journey. Each series is a curated experience, bringing together staff from similar stages in their leadership path because there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to professional growth. Peer Learning: In these cohorts, you’ll find yourself amongst peers — fellow leaders who understand the day-to-day realities of your work. This isn't about lecturing; it's about collaborative learning, shared experiences, and collective wisdom. You'll discuss real-world scenarios, exchange strategies, and work through challenges together. Leadership Skills Development: And as for leadership skills, we focus on the practical aspects that make an immediate difference. Managing Change, Performance Metrics, and storytelling— these are just a few of the areas we'll tackle. The idea is to take these skills and put them into practice right away in your role as a leader. Through this shared learning experience, you’ll build not just skills, but also a network of support that extends beyond the series. It’s about creating a community that uplifts every member, shaping stronger leaders who, in turn, build stronger teams and organizations.
ELIGIBILITY
You must be a nonprofit executive leader for a DYCD-funded CBO. Your organization must currently receive funding from DYCD, and you can invite another individual (staff or board member) from your organization to attend workshops, based on the subject.
COST
All of the costs associated with the cohort are underwritten by DYCD. The program is effectively free for applicants and their organizations.
PROJECT COMPONENTS
Component I: Baseline Identification
Cohort members complete individual capacity assessments aligned to the course competencies and identify an improvement goal to focus on for the duration of the program, which is often prioritized in coaching sessions.
Component II: In-Person Workshops
Cohort members will attend six in-person workshops over 3 days that promote active learning and collaboration. The dates, times, and topics of the workshops:
Friday, May 3rd
9:30am – 4:00pm
Friday, May 17th
9:30am – 4:00pm
Friday, May 31st
9:30am – 5:00pm
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS
The Seasoned Supervisor Cohort is designed to take participants through a series of professional development workshops and optional coaching office hours that facilitate improvement in key leadership competencies.
Accepted members are expected to attend the workshops and to arrange coaching (if needed) throughout the entirety of the program. Participants will be expected to have no more than one absence while in the program and will be expected to complete a pre and post individual capacity assessment by June 2024.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants will need to complete the Seasoned Supervisor Cohort 2024 application to be considered. This is a competitive process and all information entered into the application will be evaluated by a selection committee. Prospective participants can apply through either an online form or completing and emailing the application form.
The application window has closed. Thank you for your interest in the program. Look forward to robust cohort programming in the future.
TIMELINE
Applications Due April 12th, 2024
Cohort members are selected by April 19th, 2024.
Workshop dates: May 3rd through May 31st, 2024
Coaching session office hours, by arrangement, will be available between May 3rd and June 5th.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please email Joe Luesse at joe@8RES.org or Hiershenee at hersh@8RES.org.