COMPETENCY MODEL
At YNPN Austin, our programming is built on what nonprofit leaders actually need to succeed—not guesswork.
We surveyed and interviewed nearly 80 nonprofit executives and managers across a wide range of fields in Austin. From their insights, we developed a Competency Model that defines the key skills and abilities emerging professionals need to grow and lead effectively.
The Four Core Competencies
Self Management
The ability to be responsive to varying situations and personalities.
The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships.
Understanding your limits and having the ability to create healthy balance and excel in productivity.
Personal commitment to the values of creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment and social sector.
Integrating and understanding of your work environment and how to progress professionally.
Communication & Relationship Management
Clearly and effectively communicate at all levels of literacy.
Active process of making a conscious decision to listen and understand the message of the speaker; requires the use of all your senses.
Giving and receiving feedback, negotiation, resolving conflict in environments of high stakes and high emotions.
Includes the ability to network and create meaningful relationships that promote teamwork, collaboration, and partnership.
The ability to manage the interpersonal dynamics of groups and individuals within the workplace.
Professional Skills
Using social media platforms for professional purposes.
Understanding the value of data and the ability to analyze and interpret data in context.
Ability to use a variety of current technological softwares and devices in a professional capacity.
Motivating and inspiring others, including those that do not report to you.
The process of supervising, delegating and organizing a project and a team.
Nonprofit Competence
Understanding the role of nonprofit boards, the policies, systems, and structures, and how to effectively advance the mission as a board member.
Identifying, soliciting, tracking, and stewarding charitable relationships and funds that sustain a nonprofit organization.
Understanding, developing, and monitoring budgets and understanding financial sustainability within nonprofits.
Seek to influence outcomes affecting the lives of the people served by your mission (through public policy).
The process of defining the strategy and direction of an organization’s mission, making decisions on allocating its resources to realize the goals and mission.
Why It Matters
These skills aren’t just for one role or career stage—they’re designed to help you grow professionally and personally, whether you’re in the nonprofit, public, or private sector.
How We Use It
The Competency Model guides everything we do. From workshops to events, our programming is intentionally designed to help you build these skills in practical, meaningful ways. When you participate in YNPN Austin programs, you’re not just attending events—you’re developing the capabilities that nonprofit leaders across Austin say matter most.