Mission Support Leadership Program

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 spring 2021, we are accepting applications for the acquisitions and HR 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.  

Professional TrackSpeakers
Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals CAOs 
CPOs 
GS-15s/SES in field 
HR Leaders Program CHCOs 
GS-15s/SES in field  
Application closed

The fall application will open in June. In the meantime, please contact Diana Starkes at [email protected] with any questions.

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Quick Details

DATES

May – November 2021 

COST

$6,500 

LOCATION

Virtual and in-person sessions

AUDIENCE

Leaders of acquisitions or HR teams, leaders of supervisors and technical experts who lead projects, typically at the GS-12 to GS-14 level

Details PDF

Contact

For more information contact Diana Starkes at [email protected] or call (202) 292‑1014.


We at the Partnership for Public Service remain fully committed to our nonprofit, nonpartisan mission. We also remain fully committed to you and your development. To help you continue to achieve your agency’s mission and grow your skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing with all programs and will carry them out virtually through August 2021. Just like our in-person sessions, each virtual offering uses research-supported methods from highly experienced facilitators.

How to Apply

Completed applications must include: 

  • Personal information 
  • Professional experience 
  • Development goals for the program 
  • A current resume 
  • Supervisor endorsement 

Applicants should carefully consider short-answer responses to ensure their government career goals align with the high expectations of MSLP participants.  

Program content is geared toward individuals with the experience and desire to take on leadership positions or roles of increased responsibility. We have high standards for all participants and evaluate their applications to ensure they will be able to contribute fully to the program.  

Applicants can save their application progress at any point and return to complete it at any time. 

Please note, many agencies have specific application guidelines for their employees. Before submitting your application, please make sure that you are following your agency’s internal guidelines and that you have permission from your agency’s leadership to participate in this program.

For acquisition professionals: At the time of application, applicants should possess an FAC-C Level II or equivalent certification. Please be aware that different agencies may require a higher level of qualification to meet their own guidelines.

“This was a fantastic program. A must have for any HR professional that wishes to advance to the next level.”

-Former HR participant

“This is a great program for all acquisition professionals who aspire to be future leaders.”

— Former LEAP participant

Program Structure

Participants will meet virtually for five three-day sessions over the eight-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.

Session Details

While each program cohort focuses on the developing the same leadership competencies, each cohort will also focus on specialty area content that focuses on each professional track’s unique interests and needs. For the spring 2021 program, all sessions will be held virtually through August. Decisions on whether to hold the remaining sessions in person or virtually have not yet been made.

A mandatory orientation session will be held virtually on May 5, 2021, from 1-2:30 p.m. EDT.

Session 1: May 11-13, 2021

Defining your Leadership Style
  • Understand the significance of emotional intelligence in the workplace 
  • Commit to personal development through continuous learning 
  • Increase self-awareness through exploration of core values and motivations 

Session 2: June 15-17, 2021

Developing High Performing Teams
  • Identify techniques to support productive teamwork 
  • Cultivate relationships to achieve buy-in with stakeholders 
  • Develop diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies to maximize cohesion and effectiveness of a team 

Session 3: July 27-29, 2021

Championing a Culture of Change
  • Identify ways to drive change from your level 
  • Acquire techniques to establish credibility and effectively persuade others 
  • Support an innovation mindset and risk-taking on your team 

Session 4: September 14-16, 2021

Results Driven Decision-Making
  • Learn techniques to hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving results  
  • Define ways to make data-driven, customer-focused decisions 
  • Understand how to achieve outcomes while navigating the federal environment 

Session 5: November 8-10, 2021

Building a Strategic Mindset
  • Develop a plan for being more strategic and consultative in the workplace  
  • Explore how to build and maintain resilience throughout your career 
  • Solidify personal leadership aspirations 

Staff

Members from the Partnership staff will work with you throughout the Mission Support Leadership Program to ensure that your experience goes smoothly.