Best Friends Executive Leadership Certification

Topics covered include personal leadership, organizational leadership, data-driven decision-making, public speaking, performance metrics for shelters and field services, policies and procedures, communication and marketing, building community and nonprofit relationships, legislation and advocacy.  

Each week, you will be asked to review one of the modules provided. Typically, there will be a brief quiz or journal response to assess what you learned from that module. You will also have the opportunity to participate in discussion boards and 90-minute weekly cohort calls. You should expect to spend one or two hours a week on assignments, written reflections and discussions.  

Over the course of the six-month program, you will complete three projects: a personal leadership model, an organizational action plan and a pilot program plan.  

To graduate, you’ll need to complete all modules and associated assignments, have attendance of 80% or higher, participate in weekly calls and two in-person sessions, and successfully complete the three projects mentioned above.  

While participating in the program, you’ll be invited to be part of a supportive community, participate in one-on-one meetings with course facilitators and join small group sessions. You’ll also be encouraged to partner with others in your cohort for advice or help with projects as needed.  

Additional benefits of the program include regular access to industry leaders, one-on-one meetings with field experts, the latest in course materials and timely research-based examples from the field (all of which will be provided to you digitally upon completion of the course).  

Activities and assignments in every module have been designed to promote leadership development and help you save more animals’ lives in shelters. You’ll create a personal development model and learn to feel confident leading change.  

Your learning doesn’t stop when the program ends. Upon graduation, you’ll gain admission to the ELC Mindhive, a lifelong alumni group facilitated by Best Friends that meets quarterly. You’ll also receive an invitation to contribute to future ELC cohort classes as a subject-matter expert. And last, but certainly not least, you’ll get the satisfaction of being part of a nationwide community of no-kill leaders.