While the Land Trust Alliance has several leadership development opportunities available for land trust executive directors, we recognize the need for professional development opportunities designed to meet the needs of a broader set of leaders. This new program has been designed to meet the needs of land trust staff working in other management roles. This training is aimed at mid-career professionals who oversee staff (e.g. directors, managers or vice presidents) seeking the opportunity to develop their skills on a variety of topics, including staff supervision, financial management, fundraising, working with the board, leadership competencies and styles, and having difficult conversations.
About the lab
The training program is scheduled from April–July 2026 and includes six virtual training sessions that cover important aspects of nonprofit land trust leadership development as well as six highly interactive peer sessions where participants will explore these topics more deeply through peer discussion and interactive activity.
The cohort of participants will be selected from across the U.S. to build their skills and confidence, deepen their management know-how, and develop a peer network. Applicants can be nominated by their organization’s executive director or self-nominated with support from the executive director.
Program content will address the unique challenges of the cohort and will focus on important aspects of leadership development and nonprofit management, determined with input from prospective participants based on their strengths and areas of need.
Anticipated topics for training sessions and peer practice labs include:
Applications for this program closed Feb. 13.
Registration and course information for participants can be found on the event page.
The cost of offering this program is more than $600, but thanks to generous support from the Davis Conservation Foundation and the Cabana Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, the price for participation for Alliance members is $250.