Community Options, a leading national nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, announced an innovative partnership with Montclair State University to launch the Executive Director Development Program, providing eight executive leaders with the opportunity to earn a fully funded Master of Business Administration (MBA) while continuing to lead programs across the organization.
The program reflects Community Options’ ongoing commitment to developing exceptional leaders from within.
By investing in advanced business education, the organization is equipping executive staff with the strategic, financial and operational expertise needed to lead in an increasingly complex human services landscape while strengthening Community Options’ long-term leadership pipeline.
“Great organizations are built by great leaders,” said Robert Stack, president and CEO of Community Options.
“We believe the best investment we can make is in our people. This program will strengthen the leadership skills of our executive directors, ensuring they are prepared to guide our organization, support our employees and continue delivering exceptional services to the individuals we support.”
The inaugural cohort will consist of eight Community Options executive directors selected through a competitive application process.
Participants will complete Montclair State University’s MBA program while continuing their leadership responsibilities at Community Options, allowing them to immediately apply classroom knowledge to real-world organizational challenges.
“Leadership development is essential to fulfilling our mission,” said Marc Austin, vice provost and managing director of Montclair Unbound. “We’re proud to partner with Community Options to provide an MBA experience that supports the growth of its executive leaders while preparing them for the future of nonprofit leadership.”
In addition to the Executive Director Development Program, the partnership expands educational opportunities for the entire Community Options workforce.
Eligible employees will receive discounted tuition, waived application fees and dedicated admissions support for select undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Montclair State University.
“Staff development is more than an employee benefit—it is an investment in our people, our mission and the individuals we support,” says Courtney Eidel, CHRO of Community Options. “We are grateful to the university for their vision and collaboration in developing this exceptional program.”
Community Options operates more than 60 offices across 12 states and supports more than 7,000 individuals with disabilities and their families through residential, employment and community-based services.
By investing in its employees, Community Options continues to strengthen its workforce while advancing opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work and thrive in their communities.
