Master of Arts in Leadership: Leading and Managing Nonprofits Concentration

What You'll Learn

Here, you’ll learn how to:

• Build organizations that are financially stable and mission-driven.
• Collaborate effectively with boards, staff, and volunteers.
• Lead ethically and inclusively in diverse communities.
• Develop strategies that keep programs sustainable and impactful.

From your very first course, you’ll be applying what you learn to real-world nonprofit challenges. By graduation, you’ll not only understand the theory of leadership—you’ll be ready to drive change, inspire teams, and make a lasting difference where it matters most.

Courses in the Program

The nonprofit management and leadership concentration is part of Olivet’s 33-credit Master of Arts in Leadership. You’ll complete 21 credits in leadership foundations—covering areas like theory, organizational dynamics, data-driven decision-making, and ethics—then add 12 credits of nonprofit-specific courses that let you apply those concepts directly in mission-driven contexts.

This balance ensures you graduate with both the broad leadership skills employers expect and the nonprofit expertise that sets you apart. Here’s a snapshot of how that course load might look:

Leadership Core (21 credits)

• Leadership Theory and Practice: Study evidence-based models and apply them across organizations.
• Explore, Innovate, Create, Lead: Build creative problem-solving skills and collaborate during a two-day leadership colloquium.
• Organizational Dynamics and Change: Learn how structure, culture, and change processes shape institutions.
• Inclusive Emotional Intelligence: Strengthen self-awareness and empathy to lead diverse teams.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Use data for strategic planning and program evaluation.
• Ethics in Leadership: Examine ethics, social justice, and corporate responsibility.
• Leadership Action Research Project: Tackle a real organizational challenge and present your findings.

Nonprofit Leadership – Master’s Concentration (12 credits)

• Nonprofit Leadership and Governance: Explore governance, mission-focused management, and equity in leadership.
• Nonprofit Financial Sustainability: Build expertise in budgeting, fundraising, and risk management.
• Nonprofit Human Resource Management: Learn how to develop staff and volunteers while ensuring compliance.
• Program Planning & Evaluation: Design, implement, and evaluate programs with measurable results.

Career Outlook for Those With MAs in Leadership for Nonprofits

Nonprofits are expanding their reach and tackling increasingly complex challenges, which means the need for capable leaders has never been greater. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for social and community service managers—a common role for nonprofit leadership graduates—is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, outpacing the average for most careers. Each year, roughly 18,600 new positions are expected as seasoned leaders retire or transition to other opportunities.

Financially, the field is rewarding as well. The median annual salary in 2024 was $78,240, with many experienced nonprofit leaders earning well above $100,000, especially in larger organizations or specialized areas. For graduates of Olivet’s program, this translates into both meaningful work and a strong career outlook.

Possible Career Paths in Leading and Managing Nonprofits

With an MA in nonprofit leadership and management, you can pursue roles such as:

• Executive Director or CEO: Shape strategy, vision, and operations.
• Program Director or Manager: Oversee services and measure outcomes.
• Fundraising Manager: Lead campaigns, cultivate donors, and manage grants.
• Community Engagement Manager: Build partnerships and coordinate volunteers.
• Social and Community Service Manager: Manage staff, programs, and budgets.

Your skills are also transferable to healthcare systems, schools, government agencies, and corporate social responsibility programs. Many graduates advance into consulting roles, advising multiple organizations on governance, finance, and strategic planning.