Professional Development Center of Excellence
Marketing Certificate
Our workshops, seminars, and certificate programs give nonprofit leaders and teams the skills, frameworks, and credentials to strengthen their organizations and deepen their impact.
The new Marketing Certificate gives nonprofit professionals practical, immediately applicable strategies for communicating their mission — across generations, through compelling storytelling, and with data that demonstrates undeniable impact.
Make Your Mission Impossible to Ignore
In nonprofits, marketing isn't about selling — it's about making the case for your mission clearly enough that the right people act on it. When your messaging connects across generations, your stories resonate with donors and communities alike, and your data speaks in human terms, the reach of your work extends well beyond what your programs can touch alone.
Three focused morning sessions build a practical nonprofit marketing skill set — from mission messaging and multigenerational audience strategy to storytelling frameworks and impact data communication. The curriculum is built around the specific constraints and opportunities nonprofits face, where every message needs to work harder and authenticity is the most powerful asset you have.
Who It's For
Nonprofit fundraisers, communications staff, program leaders, and executives who carry responsibility for telling their organization's story — whether through donor communications, public-facing campaigns, or community engagement.
What You'll Learn
The program covers the core disciplines of nonprofit marketing: mission-driven messaging, multigenerational audience strategy, nonprofit storytelling, and using impact data to communicate your organization's value in ways that move people to act.
Rates
Members: $425
Non-Members: $625
Did you know? Membership more than pays for itself after just one certificate program. Save on this and more CNM professional development programs — become a member today.
Questions? Get in touch at education@thecnm.org.
Schedule
Fall 2026 — Dallas
Dates
Wednesdays — November 4, 10, 18
Registration Deadline: November 3
9am to 12pm
Times
CNM Dallas
4925 Greenville Avenue
Energy Square 1
Dallas, Texas 75206
Venue
Carlisa Dorsey is a strategic communications leader and consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate change, strengthen culture, and inspire action. As a trusted advisor, she has partnered with executives across higher education, aviation, and nonprofit sectors. Carlisa has led high-impact initiatives spanning enterprise change, brand development, and employee engagement.
Her passion for making a difference through communication began at the American Cancer Society, where she promoted groundbreaking research and high-profile events, led media and sponsor relations, and advocated for cancer patients. She later took that passion to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where she led communications for the airport's award-winning Total Rewards program before joining WGU. At WGU, she was recognized for leading a multi-year campaign that successfully drove adoption of the university's new guiding principles.
Carlisa holds a bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Dallas.
Meet Your Instructors
Carlisa Dorsey
Erica Hatfield
Bio coming soon.
Not sure if the Marketing Certificate is right for you?
Get in touch with our team at education@thecnm.org. We’ll be glad to discuss the program and answer any questions you have. We’re here to help!