Leadership Academy

Overview and Testimonials

The Leadership Academy provides a solid foundation on a number of topics ranging from HR and Financial Basics to Legal Issues and Board Relations for new non-profit housing leaders or staff interested in leadership roles. The Leadership Academy occurs over a four month period that meets twice a month January through April.

“As a new ED I’ve sought out many professional development opportunities for new leaders this year, and what I appreciated most about RHC’s Leadership Academy is its ability to specifically address topics and concerns unique to rural housing non-profits that never come up with more general audiences. It’s also a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with RHC, its offerings, and its staff.”

Bridget Stith
Executive Director
Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc.

“The Rural Housing Coalition’s Leadership Academy is an essential tool for budding leaders. As a new executive director familiar with our programs, I still faced gaps in executive management nuances. The academy adeptly filled those gaps, shedding light on complex aspects like HR, insurance, and tax subtleties. Taught by experienced professionals, the courses provided actionable insights, boosting my confidence and organizational effectiveness. I highly recommend the Leadership Academy to new executive directors seeking to enhance their management skills”.

Nicole Justice Green
Executive Director
PRIDE of Ticonderoga

Course Topics and Dates:

Friday, January 9th 1:00-3:00 pm Board Relations and Role of Exec. Director

Friday, January 23rd 2:00-3:30 pm Human Resources

Friday, February 6th 1-3 pm Communications

Friday, February 20th  1-4 pm Housing Development and Management

Friday, March 6th 1-3 pm Strategic and Operational Planning

Friday, March 13th  1-3 pm Legal Issues

Friday, March 27th 1-3 pm Financial Basics

Friday, April 3rd 1-3 pm Grant Writing and Fundraising

Strategic and Operational Planning

An overview of the components of an organizational strategic plan and how the strategic plan translates into an operational or work plan for DHCR administrative grant.

Board Relations and Role of Executive Director

An overview of the respective roles of Boards and Executive Directors and identifying best practices in organizational leadership.

Financial Basics

An in-depth overview of developing budgets, understanding financial statements, audits and investments and basic payroll management.

Communications

An overview of best practices in public presentations as well as basic marketing techniques and how to deal with the media.

Legal Issues

An in-depth review of contract law that impacts housing development companies as well fair housing law and tenant’s rights.

Grant Writing and Fundraising

An overview of the basic steps in grant writing and developing a fundraising campaign.

Housing Development and Management

An in-depth review of the components of developing and managing housing projects.

Human Resources

An in-depth review of labor laws and regulations, best practices for hiring and terminating employees, conducting employee evaluations and basic components of employee handbook.

In order to graduate from the Leadership Academy with a certificate of completion you must attend at least 6 courses. The cost of the Leadership Academy is $250 for all 8 courses.

Thriving rural communities in New York. It’s possible!