DOEC in the Field: David Wunsch Advocates DOEC Insights to Navigate Challenges in the Non-profit Sector
Our latest DOEC community member profile with alum David Wunsch is based on a live interview conversation, conducted via Zoom, in January 2024.
Please introduce yourself and share a little about your professional background before and after completing the Designing for Organizational Effectiveness Certificate (DOEC).
My professional journey spans over 25 years in the non-profit sector. Before joining DOEC, I spent 5 years as the Director for Operations & Programs with a global non-profit. In January 2020, amid a career transition, I discovered DOEC and completed the program in July 2021. Post-DOEC, I accepted the role of Senior Director of Administration at the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council. My responsibilities include change management, operations and the employee life cycle. In small non-profits, most of us wear multiple hats concurrently requiring adaptability and versatility.
The certificate equipped me with valuable frameworks for everything I do.
How has the Designing for Organizational Effectiveness Certificate (DOEC) influenced your career trajectory?
The DOEC journey has been transformative, significantly shaping my professional trajectory. The program equipped me with invaluable tools and a nuanced language to comprehend the intricacies of my past work and chart a course for the future. Before joining DOEC, my focus was on organizational redesign, team restructuring, and the implementation of tech transformation projects.
Whether facilitating organizational redesign or overcoming various design challenges, the competencies framework emerged as a gem, especially in the context of restructuring teams amidst emerging technologies and a hybrid workplace. The organizational design course, with its emphasis on design thinking and iteration, proved particularly beneficial during our transition from a small, localized organization to one spanning 19 US states. The course learnings have been instrumental in navigating organizational challenges posed by AI integration and shaping effective responses to the ever-evolving non-profit landscape.
As a leader in the non-profit sector, DOEC remains a constant source of inspiration, equipping me with the tools needed to redefine how we work, adapt to technological advancements, and ultimately create effective organizations
How has being part of the community benefited you in terms of connections and/or collaborations?
The community comprises very smart people who have their pulse on the current challenges facing organizations and are constantly finding ways to overcome them. While I haven't been as involved as I would like, I have benefited from the educational resources and touchpoints with the program’s community. I've found great value in individual connections; one notable impact came from working with a coach who from the MSLOC community. The specialized coaching provided me with a broader perspective on the tools and methodologies applied in leadership programs.
What advice would you give to current or potential students pursuing the Designing for Organizational Effectiveness Certificate?
My advice would be to establish a clear understanding of your practical space prior to embarking on this program. Make sure you have a sandbox for experimentation. The DOEC curriculum is inherently hands-on, and its effectiveness is greatly amplified when learning is situated within a real-world context. Reflecting on my own experience, there are moments when I contemplate enrolling in the full master’s degree program to gain a deeper insight into addressing the organizational challenges I currently face. I miss being in the MSLOC space on a daily basis!