Strategic Planning: A Fit-for-Purpose Workshop

Strategic planning is often the first place leadership teams turn when the mission feels bigger than the organization's capacity to deliver on it. This introductory workshop is a starting point before that work begins. 

It gives learners a clear picture of what a strategic planning process asks of an organization, and it introduces a set of fit-for-purpose models so learners can choose an approach that matches their organization's stage, capacity and context, rather than defaulting to a single familiar approach.

An advanced course resulting in the non-credit microcredential will be offered in the spring for interested learners.

• General Registration Fee: $50
• UAlbany Alumni, Student, Faculty & Staff Registration Fee: $25

Note: Registration will be free for any Albany County resident or employee making $25 per hour, $52,000 per year or less. Verification may be required.

• Understand what a strategic planning process requires in leadership time, candor and organizational readiness, so participants can judge whether now is the right moment to begin.
• Recognize that no single strategic planning model fits every organization, and learn a framework for matching an approach to organizational stage, capacity and context.
• Apply a self-assessment to their own organization to identify which model, or combination of models, fits best.
• Leave with concrete next steps for exploring a fit-for-purpose planning process with their own leadership team and consider registering for a Strategic Planning microcredential in the spring or the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator, if appropriate.

You will be expected to access BrightSpace, a digital learning environment, for course content. The workshop will be held on Zoom and you will need a computer with audio and video capability.

This workshop is best suited for anyone tasked with developing or supporting the strategic planning process for their organization.

Date & Time: November 17, 2026

Time: 12 to 2 p.m. ET

Location: Online via Zoom

Pre-register by November 9, 2026. Registration and payment by credit card will open in early November. Space is limited.