Deadline for Career Pathways Program Approaching
Program Prepares Individuals with Diverse Backgrounds for Leadership Positions at Foundations
The application deadline for the third class of the Council on Foundations’ Career Pathways Program is March 21. Individuals with diverse backgrounds seeking career advancement in the field of philanthropy are encouraged to apply.
In two short years, the Career Pathways program has established itself as one of the philanthropic sector’s premier leadership development programs. The intense curriculum takes place over the course of 12 months, and participants walk away with the knowledge, experience, and professional network to prepare for senior-level foundation positions.
“The Career Pathways program helped us build our team in ways that aren't available anywhere else,” said Kevin Murphy, president of the Berks County Community Foundation in Reading, Pa. “Last year, we had a sudden vacancy in a key senior leadership position—the one responsible for all of our grantmaking. Because of her experience in the Career Pathways program, we were able to turn to Heidi Williamson, ask her to step up, and know that she was prepared. Our experience with Career Pathways could justify our Council dues for a decade.”
During the year-long program, participants engage in self-directed career planning; in-person group learning sessions; site visits; one-on-one executive coaching, mentoring, and leadership projects; and networking with leaders in the field and decision makers. Following graduation, the program continues to work with each individual to ensure they have access to the support and resources they need to effectively serve in senior, executive, and trustee positions.
“Acceptance into the Career Pathways program is highly competitive,” said Renée Branch, the Council’s vice president for professional development, diversity and inclusion. “We look forward to another strong class that follows in the successful footsteps of the first two classes that have already seen nine graduates demonstrate incredible leadership within the field.”
Anyone with questions about the program should e-mail careerpathways@cof.org. All nominationsand applications must be received by March 21.
Pathways is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Marguerite E. Casey Foundation, the California Wellness Foundation, the Weingart Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
