“The PNPI Leadership Development Program is an invaluable tool for any higher education leader that wants to improve the management of their organization. In just a few weeks, I learned new skills around creativity, teamwork, decision-making, and executive presence that will last a lifetime. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity for anyone looking to succeed and advance in their current career.”

– James Bergeron, President, National Council of Higher Education Resources

 

September 2023-February 2024

Washington, DC

WHAT IS THE LDP AND WHY WAS IT CREATED?

Launched in 2018, PNPI’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a six-month professional development opportunity for leaders in the federal education policy space. Premised on the belief that leadership can be developed, strong leaders impact organizational health, and strong sectors are led by strong organizations, the LDP provides leaders with the skills and community needed to further advance their careers.

WHO WAS THE LDP CREATED FOR?

Senior decision-makers in organizations focused on federal education policy (e.g., presidents, CEOs, VPs, directors). Participants must have at least five years of experience in a decision-making role. Preference will be given to individuals in the nonprofit and/or government space. Individuals in the for-profit space will be considered if their organization has a public-facing mission.

WHAT CAN PARTICIPANTS EXPECT TO GET OUT OF THE LDP?

• An opportunity to grow and enhance their leadership abilities;
• Tools to increase their organization’s health (access to knowledge and resources);
• Entrée into a community of practice with other decision-makers/leadership peers in the education policy space; and
• Peer coaching.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM CONSIST OF?

The LDP consists of a three-hour orientation and six one-day sessions over six months, including a final practicum. Workshops include team building, deliberate creativity, facilitating meetings and events, and executive presence. One workshop has intentionally been left undecided; our participants will determine the topic. Morning and early afternoon workshops are followed by time spent in reflective practice circles through which smaller groups explore real-life, real-time challenges and opportunities. The course closes with the delivery of a leadership declaration and completion of a course practicum.

HOW DO I APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?

Applicants must fill out an application for admission, provide a current CV or résumé, submit a personal essay, and provide one reference. Applications are due by 5:00 pm ET on Monday, May 8th. 

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY AS A DECISION-MAKER FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE LDP?

A decision-maker (DM) is an individual who operates at an executive level in their current organization. DMs should be one of the primary decision-makers in their organization in at least three of the following areas: strategic planning, creation and/or carrying out of mission/vision, finances, HR/hiring, general compliance (including tax/IRS), board governance, or fundraising.

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?

The fee for participants in the nonprofit or government sectors is $750. The fee for all other participants is $1,250. Additionally, a materials fee of $50 will be added to participants’ registration fees. Registration fees are assessed after acceptance into the program and must be paid within two weeks of acceptance to reserve a spot in the LDP.

WILL SCHOLARSHIPS BE OFFERED TO ATTEND?

Two $500 scholarships to help cover the registration fee are available to individuals in the nonprofit or government sector whose organizations specialize in higher education policy. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must submit an additional essay that addresses why the registration fee is a financial hardship to them or their organization.

WHAT IS THE ATTENDANCE POLICY?

Individuals must attend a minimum of four workshop sessions (as well as the orientation and practicum) to have access to the class portal and leadership network after program completion. Failure to do so will result in losing access to the class portal and network.

WHEN IS THE PROGRAM BEING HELD? 

The program will meet all day on six Fridays over six months. Class dates are below. Five classes will meet in-person in Washington, D.C., and one class will be hosted over Zoom. Applicants will also be required to attend a morning orientation session on September 8th (held over Zoom).

• Friday, September 22, 2023
• Friday, October 20, 2023
• Friday, November 10, 2023
• Friday, December 8, 2023 (held over zoom)
• Friday, January 12, 2024
• Friday, February 9, 2024

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PROGRAM ENDS?

Participants will have continued access to program resources, additional programming at low or no cost, and opportunities to network with other education policy professionals.

IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EARN CREDIT OR A CREDENTIAL?

Upon completing all required course components (attending all six sessions and completing a program evaluation and a reflection paper), participants are eligible to receive a digital badge. A digital badge is a web-enabled version of a participant’s credential that can be shared with future or current employers online (e.g., on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or electronic résumés). There is no fee for the badge, and accepting it lies with the course completer once it is issued by PNPI.

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS?

A list of the workshops and presenters is below. Additional information on individual workshops can be found here, and bios on the facilitators are accessible here.

• September 22:  Developing Effective Teams with Rae Ringel
• October 20:  Facilitating Better Meetings with PNPI
• November 10: TBD by program participants with PNPI
• December 8: Deliberate Creativity: How to Innovate on Demand with Amy Climer
• January 12: Executive Presence with Christine Clapp
• February 9: Practicum and Closing Ceremony with PNPI

WHAT HAVE FORMER PARTICIPANTS SAID ABOUT THE PROGRAM?

“Participating in LDP was a great personal and professional experience for me.  Having a cohort of professionals who work in higher education policy to bounce ideas off of and share experiences with has been a great asset.  The sessions and the assignments gave me the opportunity to take time to reflect on my own career and my professional goals, which allowed me to move forward in a more intentional manner.” – Amanda Fuchs Miller, General Counsel, Senator Brian Schatz

“LDP was a fantastic experience and worth every minute of my (scarce) time. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to participate.” – Kevin James, Founder & CEO, Better Future Forward

“PNPI’s leadership program provided a cohort-based training that is unique. One thing I especially valued is how PNPI created a highly-relational environment that fostered trusting and meaningful connections in our group. This allowed us to share real-time cases from our everyday work and generate applicable strategies to improve our own practice in between our monthly sessions. PNPI is an incredible professional development opportunity with phenomenal colleagues in the higher ed policy space.” – Laura Keane, Postsecondary Strategy Consultant

“PNPI’s Leadership Development Program was a transformative experience for me. The program helped hone some of my leadership skills while venturing into totally new territory with others. The focus on developing effective teams was particularly helpful as my team worked through a reset period, and it aligned well with an already planned retreat that occurred simultaneously. As a result, we have come away with more effective and meaningful team meetings. Moreover, the focus on deliberate creativity provided useful tips and processes for ensuring creativity is a central part of our policy work and not just when it is obvious to include it. Plus, I now have a network of other higher education leaders in my cohort who I call friends and can call upon for peer mentoring, support, and advice.” – Amy Smith, Policy Advisor, Arnold & Porter 

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

If you have additional questions, please email us at pnpi@pnpi.org.