The federal government’s effectiveness directly depends on the strength, expertise and leadership of its mission support—the acquisitions, financial management, human resources and information technology professionals. While their work is usually done behind the scenes, it is imperative to build the leadership attributes of these professionals because of their wide-ranging impact, the interconnectedness of their business functions and their ability to positively impact strategic decisions.
The Mission Support Leadership Program, designed for GS-12 to GS-14 federal employees in acquisitions, financial management, HR and IT, prepares these mission-critical federal professionals to become more effective leaders by focusing on the four core tenets of the Partnership’s Public Service Leadership Model—self-awareness, engaging others, leading change and achieving results. By the end of the course, participants are able to make values-based decisions, use their roles to build strong partnerships, identify how to drive positive impact within their organizations and demonstrate enhanced leadership attributes.
In fall 2021, we are accepting applications for the acquisitions, HR and IT tracks only. Participants will be placed in cohorts according to their professional track, and the program includes plenary-style sessions where all cohorts join together and participate in cross-functional activities. Experienced instructors will introduce proven leadership techniques, facilitate engaging conversations and guide activities and workshops on course concepts.
Please note that while our goal is to have full tracks for each mission-support function, demand for in-person and virtual programming may result in cohorts comprised of participants working in different functional areas. In either case, participants will learn and network with colleagues working in the same mission-support functions as they do and with individuals in other specialties.
| Professional Track | Speakers |
| Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals | CAOs CPOs GS-15s/SES in field |
| HR Leaders Program | CHCOs GS-15s/SES in field |
| IT Leaders Program | CIOs CTOs GS-15s/SES in field |
We at the Partnership for Public Service remain fully committed to our nonprofit, nonpartisan mission. We also remain fully committed to your professional development. To help you achieve your agency’s mission and grow your skills as the pandemic situation evolves, you will have the option to attend the fall 2021 MSLP program either in person or virtually. Both formats will be delivered by highly experienced facilitators who use research-supported methods to help participants learn and expand their skill sets.
The Partnership’s number one priority is the health and safety of our participants. We will follow a number of safety protocols for in-person programs. However, we recognize that participants may not be comfortable with this option yet. As a result, participants may join the fall 2021 MSLP program virtually as well.
While we understand it may be challenging to select the in-person or virtual option now, doing so will help us create appropriate cohorts for the program. MSLP’s cohort-based structure is essential to our goal of prioritizing your learning and development. In this structure, participants journey through MSLP with the same cohort of 25-30 participants, the same executive coach and the same small-group project teammates. We ask that you make the choice to attend either in-person or virtually so we can create cohorts accordingly and allow you to remain with your group for the duration of the program. Please note that participants will not be permitted to switch between both options during the program.
Due to current pandemic conditions, and following the guidance from federal agencies on training and travel, the program will kick off virtually for all participants and will be fully virtual through January 2022. We will continually assess conditions and agency guidance to determine when a safe return to in-person programming is possible. If conditions and policies allow, we will aim to welcome participants who choose to attend the program in person back on-site in February 2022.
Interested in the Mission Support Leadership Program? Sign up for our emails to learn more.
Quick Details
DATESOctober 2021 – April 2022
COST$6,500
LOCATION
Virtual and in-person sessions
AUDIENCELeaders of acquisitions, HR or IT teams, leaders of supervisors and technical experts who lead projects, typically at the GS-12 to GS-14 level
Details PDFContact
For more information contact Diana Starkes at [email protected] or call (202) 292‑1014.
Program Structure
Participants will meet virtually for five three-day sessions over the six-month period.
Participants will be placed in cohorts according to their professional track, and the program includes plenary-style sessions where all cohorts join together and participate in cross-functional activities. Experienced instructors will introduce proven leadership techniques, facilitate engaging conversations and guide activities and workshops on course concepts.
360 Leadership Assessment
Participants complete a self-assessment based on the Partnership’s Public Service Leadership Model competencies and received feedback from peers, supervisor(s) and direct reports on their demonstration of these competencies.
Executive Coaching
Using results from their personal 360 leadership assessment, participants are paired with an executive coach for a one-hour, one-on-one coach session to discuss their individual development and address their current workplace challenges.
Peer Workshops
Within their cohorts, participants brainstorm ideas and share best practices through in-class group coaching scenarios and break-out group discussions.
Cross-function Networking
Participants engage in networking activities that enhance knowledge sharing and build partnerships across different cohorts.
Session Pre-work
Prior to each session, participants read articles and watch videos, which set the context for the upcoming session.
Guest Speakers
Participants will hear from guest speakers with extensive federal government and private sector expertise who will provide real-world perspectives on identifying and solving public sector challenges.
Staff
Members from the Partnership staff will work with you throughout the Mission Support Leadership Program to ensure that your experience goes smoothly.
