Johann Cortes

About Johann Cortes

Most nonprofit managers aren’t failing—they were never set up to succeed.In the nonprofit sector, high performers are promoted for passion and technical skill—then expected to manage people, budgets, compliance, and performance without the systems or support to do it well.That’s where breakdown happens.I know this because I’ve lived it.With 20+ years in nonprofit leadership—from direct service to Executive Director—I’ve managed programs, teams, fundraising, budgets, audits, boards, and funder expectations in high-pressure environments.I learned the hard way:Strong programs don’t sustain organizations—strong leaders do.In my leadership roles, I didn’t just manage teams—I built internal leadership pipelines that prepared staff for management before they were promoted.That meant clearer expectations, stronger onboarding, and leaders stepping into their roles ready—not reactive.Now I help organizations and new managers build that same leadership capacity—without burnout or trial by fire.What I DoI’m the Founder/CEO of JDC Consulting, Coaching, and Training Services, LLC, where I support newly promoted nonprofit managers in their first 90 days so they can lead with clarity, confidence, and operational readiness.Through my 90-Day Leadership Breakthrough™, I help managers: Pass probation with confidence Lead former peers without losing credibility Make sound decisions under pressure Navigate people, operations, and compliance Build systems that reduce chaos and improve performanceThis is not theory. It’s execution.Who I Work With• Newly promoted nonprofit managers• Leaders never formally trained to manage• Organizations building leadership pipelines• Founders transitioning from doer to executiveAs an adjunct management faculty member, I bridge classroom theory with real-world nonprofit leadership.If you’re ready to stop leading by trial and fire—and start leading with structure, confidence, and control—let’s connect. Book a Strategy Session:[https://calendly.com/jdjconsultingservices/free-discovery-call] nonprofitleadershipcoach.org

Experience

1. Leadership Coach and Trainer

   Jdc Consulting, Coaching And Training Services, Llc

   Jul 2023 — Present · New York, NY, US

   I help small and mid-sized nonprofits build leadership capacity, strengthen operations, and secure sustainable funding through coaching, interim executive support, and strategic fundraising.Core Services• Coach and advise nonprofit managers transitioning into leadership roles, with a focus on the first 90 days• Design and deliver the 90-Day Leadership Breakthrough™ to stabilize leadership performance and improve program outcomes• Strengthen management systems, compliance readiness, and team accountability• Provide grant strategy and fundraising support to sustain and grow programsKey Focus Areas• Operational excellence and process efficiency• Strategic decision-making and leadership confidence• Compliance, risk management, and grant readiness• Team dynamics and cross-functional collaborationAssessment ApproachAll leadership clients complete a DISC Workstyle Assessment to tailor coaching, strengthen self-awareness, and improve team communication.Impact & Results Increased manager performance within the first 90 days Reduced onboarding burden for leadership teams Improved cross-team communication and accountability Higher staff retention and leadership stability Secured and diversified funding to support program sustainability

Education

• St. Joseph's University New York

  Master of Science (M.S.), Human Services Leadership

  2012 — 2014

• The College of New Rochelle

  BA, Education/Sociology

  1998 — 2001

• Baruch College

  National Urban Fellowship

  2001 — 2002