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 Third Sector Company, 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

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.

The next complimentary Introduction Sessions and academy cohorts can be found on their events calendar!

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, UW NEXT Member

  • 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, UW NEXT Member

About Third Sector Company

Founded in 2002, Third Sector Company helps nonprofit boards of directors in their search for an interim executive director (including Development Directors) and trains aspiring and experienced nonprofit professionals through a methodical and purposeful interim management science.

They have supported over 900 nonprofits and trained 700+ interim leaders across the U.S. and Canada. Recruiting exclusively from Interim Executives Academy alumni, each graduate is trained to advance a standard in quality interim leadership, guiding organizations through 6 defined phases and 13 protocols. Charitable causes, associations, congregations, and foundations of all sizes trust its methods.

This national Resource Center Offers:

  • Interim Executive Placement when an organization faces a leadership transition, candidates from the Academy can be engaged to serve as a strategic, short-term leader until the permanent hire is made

  • Certificate Education Programs, including Interim Executives Academy

  • Continuing Education Seminars featuring authors, researchers, and practicing interims as guest lecturers

  • A Structured Peer Advisor Coaching Program available to any engaged interim executive at work anywhere in the United States or Canada

  • The Interim Executives Marketplace as the nation's only job listing service available to nonprofit organizations to advertise their interim executive positions directly to our 700 graduates

  • Alumni Roundtables as a national network of local and special interest affinity groups

Third Sector Company is proud to be purposeful, methodical, transformational, and profoundly committed to the future of nonprofit leadership.

For more information, please email Joan Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Third Sector Company or visit their website.