Executive Training Program

Strong nonprofit leaders understand that communication is central to their success. They make communications work for them rather than the other way around. They are strategic and know which outreach activities will get results. They use resources effectively and make grant dollars go farther. Their voices get things done. 

For almost two decades, Spitfire’s Executive Training Program (ETP) has given nonprofit leaders the opportunity to hone their skills and the strategies to effectively share their visions, inspire action and propel their work forward. 

At ETP, nonprofit leaders benefit from:

• Hands-on, in-person workshops on strategy and planning, messaging, presentations, digital media, combatting disinformation, narrative change and new communication trends in the field and more; 
• Access to a digital learning series that supplements the in-person training sessions, 
• Exposure to top experts including high‐profile researchers, brand strategists, presentation gurus, storytellers and other stellar speakers; and 
• Tailored one-on‐one follow-up coaching from top Spitfire strategists.   

In 2024, our first in-person session began on May 21 at the Presidio began on May 21, 2024 at the Presidio in San Francisco. This gathering allowed the cohort to develop and begin their strategic communication planning and skills building. This laid the groundwork for the rest of the program. After our first in-person training, participants are now conducting regular check-ins and work sessions with their coach to evaluate specific communication needs and projects. For participants with enhanced seats, Spitfire coaches will be traveling to participating organizations to provide tailored trainings and strategy sessions for staff.

The program’s second in-person session will take place in Washington, DC on September 10, 2024.  The cohort will come together for additional training sessions to take each participant’s communication skills to the next level.  The coaching program will conclude at the end of December 2024. 

"This Spitfire program embraces the power of social movements, community organizing, and people power in the non-profit world. Anchored in actual organizational capacity, it provides effective tools for powerful storytelling, restful leadership, strong communications, and impactful collaboration that are invaluable. I'm so grateful for the support, tools, resources, guidance and care from Spitfire—an opportunity most small non-profits never get to finally be able to tell the stories that can go on to change the world"

Spitfire’s Executive Training Program has helped more than 600 nonprofit leaders find success. These leaders and their sponsors consistently praised the experience as one of the best professional development trainings they’ve ever been a part of. 

Learn more by contacting Mark Dessauer at 919-451-1150 or mark@spitfirestrategies.com.