Become An Interim Executive Leader

Do you have experience as a United Way executive and an interest in continuing your leadership journey? Through our partnership with Interim Executives Academy, United Way NEXT members can receive 30% off their Interim CEO and Development Director training programs 💙

Learn more about the academy & sign up for one of their free introductory presentations today!

Interim Executives Academy

Through our partnership with Interim Executives Academy, United Way NEXT members have the opportunity to take part in a nationally respected training experience for nonprofit interim leadership. This seven-week online program is designed to prepare seasoned professionals for short-term, senior-level leadership roles within mission-driven organizations.

The Academy’s unique framework walks participants through a strategic and transformational process using six core phases of interim leadership:

  • The Engagement Phase

  • The Diagnostic Phase

  • The Planning Phase

  • The Alignment Phase

  • The Transformation Phase

  • The Transition Phase

Interim Executives Academy Certificate Badge

Each session provides a deep dive into one or more of these phases, combining structured lectures, guest speakers, and peer roundtable discussions to guide participants through a thoughtful, mission-focused approach to interim leadership.

Graduates of the Interim CEO Program receive:

  • A certificate of completion and digital badge

  • Access to a private LinkedIn community for Academy alumni

  • Ongoing support through study groups and leadership roundtables

  • Opportunities to serve as interim executives at United Ways and other nonprofits

The program also uses a recommended text, The Nonprofit Interim Chief Executive, which provides practical insight into effective interim leadership and should be purchased before the first class.

Complimentary Introduction Sessions are available on July 17th and September 4th. The next full academy cohort begins October 9th and runs for seven consecutive Thursdays. Learn more or register here!

What United Way NEXT Members Are Saying:

  • Professional headshot of Zina Allen, former United Way professional

    “The Academy is that breath of fresh air that I needed in order to determine where my current skills fit in the nonprofit sector and where I can grow."

    Zina Allen

  • Professional headshot of Kyle Rahn.

    [Insert Kyle's testimonial here"

    Kyle Rahn

  • Professional Headshot of Andrew Konkel

    “One of the most valuable takeaways was understanding how interim work differs from permanent, full-time roles and how it can truly be transformational..”

    Andrew Konkel

Interim Development Directors Bootcamp

The Interim Development Director Bootcamp is a three-session online course designed to prepare experienced fundraising professionals for short-term, senior-level roles within mission-driven organizations. Using the same strategic model taught in the Interim Executives Academy, this program adapts the six phases of interim leadership to meet the unique challenges of development work.

Each session offers structured instruction, practical applications, and peer discussion focused on leading through fundraising transitions with purpose and strategy.

Participants will:

  • Analyze fundraising trends and the qualities of effective development leadership

  • Assess fundraising cultures during leadership transitions

  • Identify expectations of executive directors, boards, & volunteer committees

  • Apply the six phases of interim leadership to development-specific engagements

  • Review protocols and best practices for interim fundraising roles

Interim Executives Academy Founder Jeffrey Wilcox facilitation a presentation in front of a room full of interim executives.

Graduates of the Interim Development Director Bootcamp receive:

  • A certificate of completion and digital badge

  • Ongoing professional support through Academy-hosted study groups

  • Opportunities to serve as interim development leaders across the nonprofit sector

Complimentary Introduction Sessions are available on August 13th and December 16th. The next full bootcamp will run every Tuesday from September 16th - September 30th. Learn more or register here!

About Interim Executives Academy

Formerly known as Third Sector Company, Interim Executives Academy is a nationally respected leader in leadership continuity and strategic transition management for nonprofit organizations. Since 2002, the Academy has served more than 900 organizations and trained over 700 interim executives across 40 states and provinces.

With decades of experience and a proven framework rooted in purpose and transformation, the Academy prepares nonprofit professionals to guide organizations through short-term leadership transitions with clarity, care, and strategy. Its methods are trusted by charitable causes, associations, congregations, and community-based organizations of all sizes.

The Academy Offers:

  • Interim Executive Placement to help organizations fill short-term leadership gaps with trained, mission-aligned leaders

  • Certificate Education Programs including the Interim Executives Academy, Interim Development Directors Bootcamp, and Succession Planning Bootcamp for Nonprofit Consultants

  • Continuing Education Seminars with guest lecturers, researchers, and practicing interim professionals

  • Structured Peer Advisor Program offering one-on-one support for interim leaders throughout their engagements

  • Interim Executives Marketplace, the only national job board for interim nonprofit executive positions

  • Alumni Roundtables connecting graduates across affinity groups and areas of interest

  • Professional Services Network Directory showcasing the consulting specialties of graduates

Interim Executives Academy is proud to be purposeful, methodical, transformational, and profoundly committed to the future of nonprofit leadership.

Interim Executives Academy logo with text that reads: "The National Standard for Training, Placement and Support of Interim Leaders for Nonprofit Organizations"

For more information, please email Joan Brown, Senior Strategist at Interim Executives Company or visit their website.