Executive Director 101 Lab
Your organization is capable of amazing things. Let us support you to achieve your full potential.
Stepping into the Executive Director role means holding the whole organization while you're still learning the job. Let us help!
Executive Director 101 gives new and incoming EDs the practical skills, tools, and confidence to lead well from day one, instead of learning everything the hard way.
Over the course of this lab, you'll work through the eight domains that make up the ED role: Leadership, Governance, Program and Service Management, Human Resources, Fund Development, Financial Management, Community and Public Relations, and Administration. Rather than treating these as eight separate skill sets to master alone, you'll build a working understanding of how they fit together, so you can lead with clarity instead of guesswork.
Suggested participants
New and incoming Executive Directors (including similar roles like CEOs, artistic directors and managing directors) who are looking for some structure and insights into their key responsibilities. Important note! If you are an Executive Director with more than 2 years of experience in the role, our Advanced Executive Lab may be a better fit for you.
Executive Director 101 – Indigenous Cohort
Returning this Fall! Designed for, and available uniquely to, Indigenous non-profit leaders in BC, in partnership, including co-facilitation, with Indigenous Perspectives Society. Funding from Vancity allows us to provide bursaries to cover up to 80% of participation fees - available through our Bursary Application Form.
Lab Outcomes
By the end of this lab, you will have:
- Broad knowledge of the technical requirements and competencies of the non-profit executive director role.
- Best practices in leadership and people-engagement, mission impact, governance and operations.
- Started a personalized 12-month action-plan to identify and execute on key objectives to support your success as a first-time executive director.
Registration Details
Regular Cost: $649 Non-member | $584 Member
Indigenous Cohort Cost: Regular fees apply, with an encouragement to apply for our Vantage Point/Vancity Bursary to cover up to 80% of these costs if you need support.
Register
Indigenous Cohort - Fall 2026
Lab Benefits
- Come away with tangible tools, ideas, and practices to apply in your first Executive Director role.
- Delve into the key competencies of an ED and learn how to align them with your personal leadership strengths.
- Share common challenges you’ve been experiencing with other leaders.
- Expand your network and connect with fellow non-profit leaders across BC.
Lab Topics
Over the 3 half-day sessions you will explore the eight competencies of the ED role: