The Program

The Trinity Center for Neighborhoods' Director Training Program is designed to provide a select group of community organizers with the instruction necessary to become an effective program or organization Director.

The class is limited to ten students. In addition to group education, participants will receive instruction tailored to their individual needs. Students will learn analytical thinking through practical examples. They will also learn the skills needed for effective organizational development.

Where appropriate, technological education will be included within the modules. For example, in the Finance and Reporting module, participants will be introduced to a variety of software useful in finance.

To be eligible for the program, the applicant should have experience in the field of organizing, little or no supervisory background, and an interest in developing their career in the direction of a program Director. Since this program does require a two-year involvement, we will require comittment from the student's current employer to allow attendance at the three hour session each week.

The Instruction

Writing Skills and Public Speaking- Topics will include grant writing, proposal writing, preparation of job descriptions, performance evaluation, and writing tactics. Students will be required to prepare a grant proposal including a budget and give an oral presentation of their proposal.

Human Resources - Topics will include preparation of job descriptions, rules of hiring and firing, interviewing skills, performance evaluations, employee discipline and counseling, state and federal regulations (including labor laws, worker's compensation, sexual harassment regulations and training, and affirmative action requirements) and record retention.

Finance and Reporting - Topics will include developing an annual budget, rulesfor 501(c)3 organizations, preparation of tax reports, audits and how to prepare for them, and bookkeeping.

Professional Development - Topics include assesment of where you are and your career goals, career planning, educational counseling, time management, business skills, marketing yourself and your talents.

Organizational Development - Topics will include strategic and organizational planning, goal setting.  Board development and relationships, and evaluating organizational development.

The Culmination

Upon sucessful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

The Faculty

Denise Best, Director of Special Academic Programs
Wendy Burr, Assistant Director of Human Resources
Laura Lockwood, Director of the Women's Center at Trinity College
Alta Lash, Director of Trinity Center for Neighborhoods
Marsha Mason, The Volunteer Center, United Way
Jack Mimnaugh, Associate Director of United Connecticut Action for Neighborhoods
Christine Moses, Media Relations Manager
Mary O'Connor, Executive Director of Communications
Robert Peltier, Lecturer in the Allan K. Smith Center for Writing and Rhetoric
Marcia Phelan-Johnson Comptroller, Trinity College
Beverly Wall, Director of the Writing Center and Associate Professor of Composition and Rhetoric
The Staff of Trinfo Cafe 

Want to Join the TCN Program and prepare for a career in management of community organizations?