Leading within a university takes more than knowing your unit inside and out. It takes strategic thinking, the ability to navigate change, and the communication skills to work across a complex organization — competencies that take deliberate effort to develop. The Staff Leadership Academy is a relaunched program that meets staff leaders at exactly that moment, offering a structured path to building these competencies and a campus-wide network of peer support.
Led by Organizational Development and Training, the Staff Leadership Academy is UNL’s cohort-based leadership development program for staff who are in organizational-level leadership roles (defined as assistant director or higher). Each year, 20-25 participants will be selected to spend the academic year learning together, building cross-campus relationships and completing a strategic project proposal that addresses a real University challenge.
"This program is about investing in the staff leaders who shape this institution," said Celeste Spier, director of organizational development. "We want leaders to have the skills, the network, and the confidence to lead — both within their own unit and across the University."
Participants will meet one Friday per month from September through March — eight full-day sessions in all — working through six core leadership topics: strategic planning, change management, design thinking and innovation, organizational communication, data and program assessment and succession planning. Content for year one will be provided by the Center for Executive and Professional Development.
Alongside the curriculum, participants will develop a strategic project proposal — individually or in small groups — that proposes a solution to a real challenge facing the University. Participants will have the opportunity to present their work to peers and University senior leadership.
The cohort model is equally intentional. Bringing together 20-25 staff leaders from different departments and units means participants spend the year building cross-campus relationships that outlast the program — a network of peers who can better collaborate, understand each other’s work, and support each other.
The program is open to full-time University staff at the assistant director level or higher. The application asks candidates to reflect on their experience, goals, and the organizational challenges they see most clearly from where they sit. Direct supervisor approval is required, and applicants must identify a recommender who can speak to their leadership potential.
ODT is also calling on department heads and directors to play an active role in recruitment. If someone in your unit is ready for this type of leadership development, please share this program with them and encourage them to apply.
"The best cohorts happen when leaders across campus take the time to identify and lift up the people around them," Ben Lennander, assistant vice chancellor of human resources and chief people officer said. "We’re asking you to think about who’s ready."
Due to support from Business and Finance and Human Resources, the program is offered at no cost to participants.
The application and additional details are available on the Staff Leadership Academy website. Applications are due by July 10. Visit the ODT website for additional professional development opportunities.
