Being a top executive brings unique joys and challenges, yet many nonprofit leaders rarely have the chance to gather regularly with others in similar positions. The Murdock Trust’s Peer Cohorts Program, managed by Leadership Training Initiative, brings together social sector executives from across the Pacific Northwest to build community around shared experiences while receiving coaching and mentorship from experienced executives.
Program Basics #
Over two years, cohorts meet in person twice a year, with virtual gatherings in between. Each gathering creates space for honest reflection, rich conversation, and executive leadership development. Peer cohorts have proven to be among the most impactful experiences the Trust offers nonprofit leaders in the Northwest.
Cohort Options #
- Excelling Beyond the Beginning: For executive directors in years three through six of their role who are moving from establishing credibility to building durability. EBB facilitators have navigated the mid-tenure years themselves and led beyond them.
- Executive Director Leaders of Color: For nonprofit executives who identify as people of color who have navigated systemic barriers inside and outside their organizations. LOC facilitators understand the complexity of navigating identity dynamics in executive leadership.
Facilitators #
Peer cohort facilitators focus on providing insight around key leadership issues, leading deep discussions on timely and relevant topics, providing resources, and presenting emerging practices in leadership and organizational development as participants gather and grow together. Facilitators often take on the role of mentor, helping participants navigate leadership challenges with integrity. They will stay in contact with cohort members for the entire two-year program, offering support during and in-between each cohort meeting.
What to Expect #
Each cohort will meet over the course of two years: four times in person at the Hilton in Vancouver, WA, and three times virtually.
Both cohorts will meet separately on the below dates:
2027 #
- April 13-14, 2027 (Vancouver, WA)
- June 2, 2027 (Virtual half day)
- October 6-7, 2027 (Vancouver, WA)
2028 #
- January 2028 (Virtual half day)
- April 2028 (Exact date TBD; Vancouver, WA)
- June 2028 (Virtual half day)
- November 2028 (Exact date TBD; Vancouver, WA)
Participation Fee and Requirements #
A one-time fee of $500 is due upon registration that follows acceptance into the cohort. This fee ensures your spot in the program and covers the cost of all session materials, meals, travel to and from Vancouver, Washington (in accordance with Murdock expense guidelines), and hotel costs for the entirety of the cohort. While we ask that each participant contribute $500 towards their cohort experience, the actual cost of the program is heavily subsidized by the Murdock Trust.
Cohort Criteria #
In order to participate in one of our cohorts, we ask that our applicants:
- Reside in the Murdock Trust’s geographic focus area (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington)
- Are able to commit to 100 percent attendance for the in-person and virtual meeting dates
- Meet the participant criteria for the cohort they are applying to join (i.e. are in their 3-6th year of an executive director role or are an executive director leader of color)
How to Apply #
The application period for the 2027-2028 cohorts will open in early 2027. If you have any questions, please email peercohorts@murdocktrust.org.