FY27 Career Development Cohort Enrollment

Professional development cohort

Cohort-based career development opportunities are available to FAS and Harvard staff on an annual basis. These programs provide FAS staff members the opportunity to learn and connect with colleagues from across the FAS and the University on a multi-week or -month basis.

Information on these programs, including eligibility requirements, can be found below.

Overview of FY27 Programs

Registration for cohorted FY27 programs will open in Summer 2026. In the meantime, take a look at the program offerings and have a conversation with your manager about potentially taking part in one of these cohorts.

Leadership Essentials

Leadership Essentials is designed for high-performing non-exempt staff (up to grade 56). In this program, learners will explore elements of leadership in the workplace as well as learn strategies for networking, taking initiative, developing a growth mindset, strengthening emotional intelligence, influencing others, and recognizing and appreciating a variety of perspectives and experiences. Participants also have the opportunity to build relationships with, and learn from, peers across the University.

  • Leadership Essentials program overview (forthcoming)
  • Registration deadlines (forthcoming)

Leadership Strategies for the Individual Contributor

Leadership Strategies for the Individual Contributor is designed for high-performing individual contributors (exempt grades 56-59) who embrace personal growth, teamwork, and organizational change. Through a focus on strategic relationships, communication, and managing conflicting needs, the program helps participants expand their impact, navigate Harvard’s complex environment, and intentionally apply their leadership in their current and future roles.

  • Leadership Strategies for the Individual Contributor program overview (forthcoming)
  • Registration deadlines (forthcoming)

Foundations of Leadership

Foundations of Leadership is a professional development program designed for current managers and supervisors (exempt grades 56+). The program helps participants strengthen their emotional intelligence, navigate workplace relationships effectively, and create environments where people can do their best work, all while building meaningful connections with colleagues from across the University.

  • Foundations of Leadership program overview (forthcoming)
  • Registration deadlines (forthcoming)

Leadership in Action

Leadership in Action is a year-long program attended by high-performing mid-to senior level managers (grade 58-61) who have demonstrated leadership capability and who act as a catalyst for employee, team and organizational effectiveness. This programs helps participants strengthen their ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity by applying practical leadership approaches to real challenges within their roles.

Develop a trusted network of peers across Harvard who serve as ongoing thought partners, resources, and sources of support. 

  • Leadership in Action program overview (forthcoming)
  • Registration deadline (forthcoming)

Focused Leadership

Focused Leadership is an intensive executive coaching program designed for high-performing senior administrative executives (grade 60 and above) who have a current and pressing challenge that is best addressed through one-on-one coaching.

  • Focused Leadership program overview (forthcoming)
  • Registration deadlines (forthcoming)

 

FAS Staff Mentoring Program

The FAS Staff Mentoring Program gives FAS staff the opportunity to connect and learn from one another. Mentees receive access to expertise, support, and guidance, as well as the opportunity to expand their professional network. More information is available on the FAS Staff Mentoring page.

Universal Manager Training

Universal Manager Training (UMT) is a multiday program designed to give managers at Harvard everything they need to know and do in their role. The program covers important work-related laws and policies as well as training and practice on key interpersonal skills such as delegation, feedback, and coaching. Note: UMT is a prerequisite for some Harvard Leadership Development programs.

FY27 Program Registration

Registration Process

Registration for all FY27 programs will take place via the Harvard Training Portal. Specific program registration links will be included in the Program Overviews below. Enrollment is first-come, first-served for all programs, and will require manager approval.

Space is limited, so please only register for one FY27 career development opportunity.

Eligibility

Overall, eligible FAS staff members for Harvard Leadership Development Programs:

  • are in good standing in their roles
  • have been in their current role for a minimum of one year as of the start of the program
  • meet the grade and target audience guidelines (see program overviews)
  • have their manager’s support to participate in the program (manager support is required for participation; please have a conversation with your manager prior to enrollment)
  • are able to make the time commitment to complete the program in full

Individual programs may have additional eligibility requirements. Please review program-specific information as you make your professional development plans.

If you have questions about your eligibility for any of these programs, please reach out to hr_programs@fas.harvard.edu for more information. Your HR Consultant may also be able to help you determine the right program for you.

Keep in Mind

  • "Raise your hand" registration: While HHR and other Harvard schools use a nomination process to register for some of their programs, FAS staff are eligible to "raise their hand" and register, putting ownership of career development in the hands of staff members. Manager approval is required before registration can be finalized.
  • First-come, first-served: Eligible staff will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please keep in mind that FAS has limited slots and we will accommodate requests as best we can.
  • Waitlist: For HLDPs, if a course is full you will not see the "enroll" button. To add your name to the waitlist, click the "show interest" text at the bottom of the page.
  • Pending approval: All enrollments are “pending approval” until eligibility has been checked.
  • Participation surveys: After enrolling, you will receive a short follow-up questionnaire. Please be sure to complete this questionnaire to complete your enrollment request.
  • Fall/Spring Sessions: Certain courses are run multiple times per year. Be sure to use the Harvard Training Portal to sign up for the desired cohort.