Leadership capability building for the not-for-profit sector

Programs tailored for the unique demands of not-for-profits and social enterprises.

We know capability building for leaders is critically important. McKinsey and the Australian Scholarship Foundation’s recent research into organisational health across the not-for-profit sector​ suggests that growing and challenging the natural talent the sector attracts is one of the top opportunities to unlock further organisational effectiveness, and therefore social impact. In understanding the unique challenges faced by not-for-profit leaders, we’ve also heard that not-for-profit leaders tend to have fewer opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities compared to their for-profit peers.

McKinsey is offering a suite of multi-day programs for leaders of not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises, in order to provide the time and space for reflection, introduction to new tools, and peer connections to help lead successfully.

McKinsey will run three Mission Delivery programs in the second half of 2022, tailored for:

  • Team Leaders
  • CEOs & Executives
  • Board Directors

Please note: given there is some overlap in content across programs, it is recommended that leaders pick only one program to attend (whichever best suits your current role). Past participants of the programs are welcome to attend again, noting that ~40% of the content covered will be the same as programs in previous years.

The Mission Delivery programs are offered on a fee-waived basis to leaders currently working in a not-for-profit organisation or social enterprise. This excludes for-profit consultancies (even if working in the not-for-profit space), government agencies, and political lobby groups. If you are not sure whether your organisation qualifies, please contact [email protected]

Program 1: Mission Delivery for Board Directors

This program is designed for current Board Chairs or Directors of not-for-profit organisations or social enterprises. Whilst the topics covered may be of most value to those in the earlier stages of their tenure as Board Directors or those from non-commercial backgrounds, McKinsey also welcomes more experienced Board Directors seeking the chance to reflect and ‘refresh’, as well as broaden their non-profit network.

  • Day 1 – Friday 22 July, 9:00am-1:00pm AEST, delivered virtually
  • Day 2 – Friday 14 October, 9:00am-1:00pm AEDT, delivered virtually

Register for your fee-waived place here.

Program 2: Mission Delivery for CEOs and Executives

This program is designed for leaders (typically CEOs or senior Executives) of established not-for-profit organisations or social enterprises, responsible for overall organisational performance and delivery of mission. 

  • Day 1 – Friday 12 August, 10:00am-4:00pm AEST, delivered virtually
  • Day 2 – Friday 4 November, 10:00am-4:00pm AEDT, delivered ​ virtually

Register for your fee-waived place here.

Program 3: Mission Delivery for Team Leaders

Helping leaders create the conditions to enable their teams to thrive, and to shape the organisations and systems they operate in to unlock greater social impact.

  • Day 1 – Friday 2 September 10:00am-4:00pm AEST, delivered virtually
  • Day 2 – Friday 25 November, 10:00am-4:00pm AEDT, delivered virtually

Register for your fee-waived place here.

More information

For full program details, plus answers to frequently asked questions, please visit McKinsey’s webpage.