March 29, 2024
Updated May 12, 2025
18 minute read
A Career Guide to Becoming a Nonprofit Director
A Nonprofit Director serves as a crucial leader within organizations dedicated to social causes, community benefit, or advocacy rather than profit generation. They steer the organization toward its mission, balancing the complex demands of service delivery, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Think of them as the captain of a ship navigating toward a specific humanitarian or social destination, responsible for the crew, the vessel's resources, and charting the course.
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Find a path to becoming a Nonprofit Director. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Nonprofit Director.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in global development, with a focus on poverty reduction. Sachs, a renowned economist, offers practical solutions and insights based on his extensive research and experience in international development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of activism, covering the history, theories, and practices of social change movements. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the role of activism in society.
Classic work on the history of race and racism in the United States. Baldwin argues that racism form of violence, and he calls for a radical transformation of American society.
Challenges conventional wisdom about poverty and offers a new approach based on rigorous research and field experiments. Banerjee and Duflo, Nobel laureates in economics, provide evidence-based insights into the causes and solutions of poverty.
Classic work on the theory and practice of nonviolent action. Sharp argues that nonviolent action powerful tool for social change, and he provides a step-by-step guide to how to use it effectively.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social movements, covering the history, theories, and practices of social change movements. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the role of activism in society.
Powerful and accessible guide to antiracism. Kendi argues that racism systemic problem that we all have a responsibility to address. He provides a concrete plan for how to become an antiracist, and he challenges us all to do the work necessary to create a more just and equitable world.
Powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which white people experience and perpetuate racism. DiAngelo argues that white fragility major obstacle to racial justice, and she calls on white people to do the work necessary to overcome it.
Classic work on the psychology of race. Tatum argues that racial identity complex and fluid construct, and she explores the ways in which race shapes our lives.
Powerful indictment of the American criminal justice system. Alexander argues that the system is designed to perpetuate racial inequality, and she calls for a radical transformation of the way we think about crime and punishment.
Powerful personal account of the experience of being black in America. Coates writes about the history of racism in the United States, and he argues that the only way to overcome racism is to confront it head-on.
A seminal work in social psychology, Cialdini's book outlines key principles that influence people's decisions and behavior. Understanding these principles is fundamental to grasping how power operates through persuasion and compliance in various social settings, including marketing, negotiation, and leadership. is highly relevant for anyone interested in the practical application of psychological principles of influence and is often used in business and psychology courses.
Explores the role of SIA in promoting sustainable development. It examines the social, economic, and environmental implications of development projects and provides practical guidance for integrating SIA into decision-making processes.
Lukes provides a concise and influential analysis of different dimensions of power, including decision-making power, agenda-setting power, and the power to shape desires. is essential for gaining a deeper theoretical understanding of how power operates in various social and political contexts. It is often used in political science and sociology courses to introduce students to key concepts of power analysis.
Arendt's seminal work analyzes the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century, exploring the conditions that make such extreme forms of power possible. provides crucial historical context and philosophical insights into the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of individual freedoms. It must-read for students of political science, history, and sociology, offering a deep understanding of the destructive potential of power.
Hobbes's masterpiece explores the nature of government and the social contract, arguing for a strong sovereign power to prevent the descent into chaos. is crucial for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of state power and the justification for authority. It provides essential historical context for the study of political power and classic text in political philosophy.
A classic in the realm of self-help and interpersonal skills, Carnegie's book provides practical advice on building relationships, communicating effectively, and influencing others. While focused on individual interactions, it offers valuable insights into the micro-level dynamics of power and persuasion in social and professional settings. is particularly useful for those looking to develop their personal influence and negotiation skills.
Practical guide to activism, providing step-by-step instructions on how to organize campaigns, build coalitions, and achieve social change. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.
Collection of essays by Aruna Roy, a leading Indian activist. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the role of women in activism to the challenges of working for social change in a globalized world.
Explores the future of activism, considering the challenges and opportunities facing social change movements in the 21st century. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the changing landscape of activism.
Foucault examines the historical development of disciplinary power and its role in shaping modern society and institutions. provides a critical perspective on how power operates not just through overt force, but through subtle mechanisms of surveillance, normalization, and control. It challenging but essential read for advanced students and professionals interested in the sociology and philosophy of power.
Bourdieu introduces the concepts of habitus, field, and capital to explain how power is embedded in social structures and practices. offers a sophisticated theoretical framework for understanding the reproduction of social inequalities and the subtle ways in which power is exercised and maintained in everyday life. It key text in sociology and anthropology and valuable for graduate-level study.
Explores the concept of sustainable development and its implications for global development. Sachs and his co-authors discuss the environmental, social, and economic challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future.
This practical guide by John S. Wodarski and Stephanie K. Duckworth provides step-by-step guidance on how to facilitate community change processes, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.
This popular book distills historical and philosophical lessons into practical, often ruthless, 'laws' for acquiring and wielding power. While not an academic text, it offers a compelling and accessible (though ethically debated) perspective on power dynamics in personal and professional life. It can be valuable for understanding the more strategic and psychological aspects of power and influence, and is frequently discussed in popular culture and business circles.
This biography of Robert Moses monumental study of how unelected power can shape a city and its inhabitants. Caro meticulously details Moses's accumulation and use of power, illustrating the impact of individual agency on urban development and political systems. It's an excellent case study for understanding the practical exercise of power outside of formal political office.
Hardt and Negri argue that a new form of global sovereignty, 'Empire,' has emerged, characterized by decentralized and networked forms of power. offers a provocative and influential analysis of contemporary global power structures, relevant for understanding globalization, international relations, and resistance movements. It key text in post-Marxist political theory and cultural studies.
Sinek explores the concept of leadership through the lens of creating a 'Circle of Safety' within organizations, fostering trust and cooperation. examines how effective leaders wield their influence to build strong, resilient teams, offering a perspective on power rooted in empathy and service. It's highly relevant for understanding power dynamics in organizational contexts and leadership development.
Nye introduces the concept of 'soft power,' the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. is essential for understanding the changing nature of power in international relations and the importance of culture, values, and foreign policies in shaping global influence. It provides a contemporary perspective on power dynamics beyond traditional military and economic might.
In this essay, Arendt distinguishes between power, strength, force, authority, and violence, offering a nuanced understanding of these related concepts. is valuable for clarifying the often-confused terminology surrounding power and provides a philosophical examination of the role of violence in politics. It's a concise yet profound read suitable for those seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding of power.
Brown's work focuses on the importance of vulnerability, courage, and empathy in leadership. While not a traditional book on power, it offers a crucial perspective on how authentic leadership and emotional intelligence can be powerful forces in building trust and influencing positive change within organizations and communities. It is particularly relevant for contemporary discussions on leadership and organizational culture.
Klein investigates how political and economic power is wielded during times of crisis and disaster to implement controversial policies. provides a critical perspective on the intersection of economic power, political power, and social shock, highly relevant for understanding contemporary global events and the exercise of power in times of vulnerability.
Applies behavioral economics and psychological principles to the art of negotiation, a key area where power and influence are exercised. While focused on negotiation, it offers practical tools and frameworks for understanding how power dynamics play out in bargaining and reaching agreements. It's a useful resource for professionals and students interested in negotiation and strategic decision-making.
Focuses on the challenges faced by the poorest countries in the world, known as the 'bottom billion'. Collier, an economist, argues that these countries are trapped in a cycle of poverty due to a combination of factors, including weak governance, conflict, and lack of access to markets.
Kissinger examines the historical development of different concepts of international order and the role of power in shaping global stability and conflict. offers a historical and geopolitical perspective on the exercise of power in international relations, drawing on the author's extensive experience as a statesman. It is particularly relevant for students and professionals interested in diplomacy, foreign policy, and international security.
While not solely focused on power, Harari's sweeping history touches upon the development of power structures and social hierarchies throughout human history, from the cognitive revolution to the rise of empires and modern states. provides a broad, interdisciplinary context for understanding the origins and evolution of power within human societies.
Critically examines the history of foreign aid and argues that it has often been ineffective or even harmful. Easterly, an economist, challenges traditional approaches to development and offers alternative solutions.
Delves into the more manipulative and covert aspects of influence and persuasion. While the title suggests a focus on 'dark' techniques, it can be useful for understanding how psychological principles can be used unethically, and therefore how to recognize and defend against such tactics. It offers a different angle on the psychology of power and influence. Note that the academic rigor of this book may vary compared to others on this list.
Critiques the role of experts in development and argues that they have often failed to understand the needs and priorities of the poor. Easterly, an economist, calls for a more participatory and bottom-up approach to development.
Examines the use of SIA in the context of international development projects. It highlights the challenges and opportunities of conducting SIAs in developing countries and provides practical guidance for practitioners.
Examines the factors that have led to economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries. Lal, an economist, argues that the spread of innovations and technological progress are key factors in driving development.
Explores the role of SIA in informing public policy decisions. It demonstrates how SIA can be used to identify and assess the potential social impacts of policies and to develop mitigation strategies.
While seemingly unrelated, this book is directly relevant to the concept of 'Power' in the context of electrical engineering and smart grids, as indicated by some of the course titles. It provides a fundamental understanding of how electrical power is generated, transmitted, and distributed. is essential for students and professionals in electrical engineering and related fields and addresses a specific, technical dimension of power.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of global health, covering a wide range of topics, including disease burden, health systems, and policy issues. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of global health.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/5mb9s4/nonprofit
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