The path into nonprofit development and fundraising is rarely linear, but it is increasingly essential. As nonprofits navigate shifting donor expectations, global crises, and a rapidly evolving communications landscape, the need for strategic, adaptable leaders has never been greater. In a recent information session hosted by Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management (NOPM) program, students heard directly from two scholar-practitioners—Ramone Segree, EdD, CFRE, and John Hicks, CFRE—about what it takes to build a meaningful career in this dynamic field.
The conversation, led by Dr. Basil A. Smikle, Jr., NOPM program director and professor, covered a range of topics, highlighting the experiences of seasoned practitioners and the value the NOPM program offers future leaders in the nonprofit space.
“Columbia University and this program are absolutely at the forefront of change,” Segree said. “The program is cutting-edge, closely tracking what’s happening in real time and taking a forward-looking approach to global trends.”
Both Segree and Hicks teach one of the program’s core courses, Nonprofit Development, Fundraising, and Financial Sustainability, which blends real-world case studies with in-depth analysis to ensure students are prepared for the field. They also teach fundraising electives—including Grant Writing and International Fundraising—designed to equip students with a broad range of relevant skills.
Segree is a seasoned nonprofit practitioner and lecturer with extensive experience in international development, health care, and higher education. He also serves as the U.S. executive director of Women for Women International, leading fundraising, marketing, and brand strategy for the organization, which supports women affected by war and conflict across multiple regions.
“It’s important to have our courses grounded in the nonprofit sector and aligned with the needs of specific organizations,” Segree said. “The course examines fundraising from A to Z and now includes marketing and communications.”
Hicks, a longtime lecturer in the NOPM program, is a nationally recognized fundraising expert with more than 35 years of experience helping nonprofits create development programs. He is the founder and principal of DLBHICKS, LLC, which provides philanthropic counsel on grants, major gifts, and campaign strategy.
“I teach grant writing, and we approach it as a team,” Hicks said. “We bring in several client organizations for our students to work with. They learn about each organization’s mission while developing a proposal-writing toolkit. We are teaching essential executive skills related to grant writing and grant seeking.”
Segree added, “Students coming into this program are joining a learning community. We're working and growing together. There's an opportunity to bring your own experiences and perspectives, and we’re always looking to strengthen that community.”
Both Segree and Hicks give students specialized assignments that combine practical problem-solving with classroom analysis. As practitioners in the field, they have connections to global organizations, allowing students to gain firsthand experience with established industry leaders.
“Fundraising as a career in the 21st century is a relationship-driven, strategy-focused profession,” Hicks said. “This program is incredibly well structured to provide a practical education and an opportunity to learn from one another while developing the skills needed for this career.”
For more discussions with leaders in the nonprofit space and additional information, check out the NOPM program’s upcoming events.
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, healthcare, the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
Learn more about the program here. The program is available part-time, full-time, on-campus, and online.
