Tuesdays from April 29 to June 3, 2025 | Live Online
The micro-credential for current and aspiring leaders committed to student success.
Register NowLearn what it takes to be an outstanding
post-secondary leader.
Master practical tools to craft and sustain impactful strategic plans.
Evaluate office performance, set strategic priorities, and foster engagement.
Gain actionable advice and strategies from seasoned leaders in post-secondary education.
Find out how process improvements can positively impact productivity.
Leverage CliftonStrengths to navigate challenges and inspire your team.
Build knowledge to contribute effectively to SEM success.
Develop actionable strategies for impactful on-campus collaboration.
Access resources for effectively leading and managing teams in a post-secondary environment.
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion with intention.
Make strategic decisions about future offerings.
Align your strategies with evolving student needs.
Leave equipped to translate leadership insights into meaningful progress.
Build Essential Leadership Skills
Unlock your potential as a new or aspiring post-secondary leader. Gain practical tools to create strategic plans, optimize team performance, and align with institutional goals. Master leadership challenges, champion DEI, and turn innovative ideas into action. Build impactful partnerships, understand student needs, and access resources tailored for post-secondary education.
Join the Post-Secondary Leadership Academy and fast-track your career alongside 70+ graduates who’ve transformed their campuses.
Register Now
Learn, share best practices, and connect with your peers
Live and interactive workshops
Collaborative group work and discussions
15 hours of active learning
Dedicated learning platform with discussion board
Online educational materials (video recordings, slides, worksheets)
Highly experienced and knowledgeable instructors
Earn Your Post-Secondary Leadership Academy Micro-Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify and apply the key elements of strategic planning to enhance organizational alignment, communicate priorities effectively, and guide decision-making within their leadership practice.
- Conduct a performance audit to identify areas for growth, set priorities, and align their team around shared goals.
- Apply leadership strategies and competencies learned from experienced post-secondary leaders
- Optimize processes to improve departmental workflows and enhance efficiency.
- Discover and leverage personal leadership strengths to engage and motivate teams through periods of change and uncertainty.
- Understand the importance of SEM and contribute meaningfully to support institutional sustainability and student success.
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for collaboration to maximize partnerships.
- Access resources and tip sheets to effectively manage and lead teams within the post-secondary environment.
- Integrate DEI principles to create equitable and innovative environments.
- Develop criteria to assess programs and services, identify misaligned initiatives, and lead change.
- Understand and respond to evolving student needs to align strategies and foster a supportive campus culture.
- Synthesize key takeaways from the academy into a personalized action plan to drive meaningful change and achieve leadership objectives.
Instructors & Panelists
Additional Instructors & Panelists to be announced soon
Graham Donald
Brainstorm Strategy Group Inc.
President
Cathy Keates
Queen’s University
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Cara Krezek
The Talent Strategy Collective
Chief Purpose Officer & Founder
Blessie Mathew
University of Alberta
Assistant Dean, Student Success, Careers, and Experiential Learning
Jennifer Powell
Brainstorm Strategy Group
Director, Community Engagement
Manny Contomanolis, PhD
Harvard University
Associate Dean for Academic Engagement, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Suzanne Helbig
University of California Irvine
Associate Vice Provost, UCI Division of Career Pathways
Dan Seneker
Saint Mary’s University
Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Management & Registrar
Dedicated Support
Julie Rahmer
Learning, Research & Engagement Lead
As the Post-Secondary Leadership Academy’s dedicated program support person, I’m committed to ensuring that you get the most out of your experience. I am happy to answer questions and provide information and updates to ensure that you are well equipped for this unique learning opportunity.
Your Action Plan
1
Register now
Register your team today at the best rates.
2
Engage in the interactive program
Learn, connect, and discover new ideas.
3
Elevate your leadership skills
Exceed your career goals with new tactics and strategies.
Program Overview
The Post-Secondary Leadership Academy features six, 2 ½ hour sessions that include workshops, presentations and panel discussions that will be presented live online over a span of 6 weeks. Weekly sessions will include opportunities for participants to reflect on their learning, take part in small and large group discussions, meet with their peers, and complete self-guided learning and research assignments.
In addition to the 2 ½ hour sessions, it is expected that participants will complete approximately 1 hour of homework each week. Homework will consist of posting and commenting on discussion board topics, connecting with other participants, and/or completing quizzes.
Participants will be supported via a dedicated learning platform to access educational materials, connect with peers, post and comment on coursework, discuss hot topics, and share best practices and information over the course of the program.
All 2 ½ hour sessions will be recorded and made available for review for 6 months after the completion of the program.
Topics & Curriculum
A schedule of the following topics will be posted shortly.
Week 1
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
1:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is a cornerstone of effective leadership, enabling teams and organizations to align their vision, goals, and actions for long-term success. In this session, participants will explore the key elements of strategic planning and how to make it a living, actionable part of their leadership practice.
Strategic planning is a cornerstone of effective leadership, enabling teams and organizations to align their vision, goals, and actions for long-term success. In this session, participants will explore the key elements of strategic planning and how to make it a living, actionable part of their leadership practice.
Topics include:
- Purpose of Strategic Planning: Why it matters and how it drives organizational success.
- Building Alignment: Gaining support and buy-in from stakeholders to create a unified direction.
- Leveraging the Plan: Using the strategy to communicate priorities, clarify goals, and guide decision-making.
- Embedding the Plan: Integrating the strategy into regular meetings, team performance, and project-based outcomes.
- Articulating Strategic Anchors: Defining core priorities to keep the organization focused and adaptable.
This session will equip aspiring leaders with practical tools and approaches to develop, implement, and sustain a strategic plan that delivers real impact.
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Elevating Your Office's Performance
Is your office operating at its full potential? This session invites post-secondary leaders to conduct a brief “audit” of their office and its functions, helping you prioritize efforts for maximum impact and align your team behind shared goals.
Is your office operating at its full potential? This session invites post-secondary leaders to conduct a brief “audit” of their office and its functions, helping you prioritize efforts for maximum impact and align your team behind shared goals.
You’ll explore key questions such as:
- How clear is the focus of your work?
- Are you leveraging your strengths as a leader?
- How effective is communication within your office?
- Do you have documented, repeatable processes in place?
- Are your tools and resources enabling success?
- Are you creating space for innovation and new initiatives?
- Are you using internal partnerships to expand your reach and achieve more?
This session provides a framework to evaluate your office’s performance, identify areas for growth, and set priorities that align with strategic goals. It also offers a valuable perspective to enrich your engagement with peers and program discussions throughout the Post-Secondary Leadership Academy.
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Leadership Perspectives in Post-Secondary Education
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished leaders from diverse roles across post-secondary education. This session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from directors, managers, and senior administrators who have successfully navigated the challenges and opportunities of leadership in this dynamic sector.
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished leaders from diverse roles across post-secondary education. This session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from directors, managers, and senior administrators who have successfully navigated the challenges and opportunities of leadership in this dynamic sector.
Our panelists will share their personal leadership journeys, discuss the skills and strategies that have been most impactful in their careers, and offer insights into what it takes to thrive in leadership roles today. From fostering collaboration across departments to driving innovation in student success, their perspectives will provide valuable guidance for aspiring leaders looking to make their mark in post-secondary education.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn from real-world experiences and leadership strategies.
- Gain actionable advice on career growth and navigating leadership challenges.
- Understand the qualities and competencies that matter most for future leaders.
- Expand your professional perspective by engaging with leaders across various disciplines.
This session will also include a Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions and connect with these inspiring leaders.
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Week 2
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
1:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Discovering Your Strengths: Leading with Confidence in Times of Change
In times of disruption, strong leadership begins with self-awareness. This session helps you explore your leadership style using the CliftonStrengths assessment, empowering you to lead with confidence, align your strengths with team needs, and navigate challenges with resilience.
In times of disruption, strong leadership begins with self-awareness. This session helps you explore your leadership style using the CliftonStrengths assessment, empowering you to lead with confidence, align your strengths with team needs, and navigate challenges with resilience.
In this session, you’ll:
- Uncover your unique leadership strengths and learn how to leverage them effectively.
- Understand the importance of mission, vision, values, and purpose in guiding your leadership approach.
- Gain tools to motivate, empower, and engage your team during uncertainty and change.
Through guided exercises and interactive discussions, you’ll discover how self-awareness and strength-based leadership can help you inspire your team, foster collaboration, and drive success.
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Week 3
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
1:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Inside and Out: Leadership in Action
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives require more than policies—they demand sustained organizational commitment, cultural transformation, and time. Successful DEI efforts go beyond being a checkbox or afterthought; they are an ongoing process that shapes how we work, lead, and innovate.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives require more than policies—they demand sustained organizational commitment, cultural transformation, and time. Successful DEI efforts go beyond being a checkbox or afterthought; they are an ongoing process that shapes how we work, lead, and innovate.
Research shows that workplaces genuinely embracing DEI foster greater productivity, innovation, and meaningful engagement among employees and clients. This interactive workshop will empower leaders to integrate DEI principles into their everyday roles by exploring:
- Building a Diverse Team: Strategies for recruiting and retaining talent that enriches your work culture.
- Fostering an Inclusive Culture: How to support and sustain equity and inclusion within your team and organization.
- Using a DEI Lens: Tools to design and evaluate programs and services that reflect DEI values and meet diverse needs.
Join us to learn how to lead with intention, create impactful change, and champion DEI in your organization and beyond.
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Week 4
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
1:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Building Alliances and Leading Through Influence On-Campus
Strong relationships and alliances are essential for success in post-secondary institutions. This interactive session brings together experienced leaders to share how they’ve built trust, formed partnerships, and led through influence.
Strong relationships and alliances are essential for success in post-secondary institutions. This interactive session brings together experienced leaders to share how they’ve built trust, formed partnerships, and led through influence.
Participants will:
- Hear real-world examples of successful on-campus alliances.
- Learn strategies for building trust, gaining buy-in, and fostering collaboration.
- Share your own experiences, challenges, and strategies and learn from the diverse perspectives of peers.
This session combines expert insights, peer learning, and practical tools to help you build stronger relationships and lead with influence in your institution.
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Strategic Enrolment Management: Driving Institutional Success
Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) is a critical framework that aligns institutional goals with student success, ensuring the long-term sustainability of post-secondary institutions. This session introduces the core principles of SEM and highlights its importance to every department and leader on campus.
Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) is a critical framework that aligns institutional goals with student success, ensuring the long-term sustainability of post-secondary institutions. This session introduces the core principles of SEM and highlights its importance to every department and leader on campus.
Participants will explore:
- What is SEM? An introduction to its purpose and foundational concepts.
- Why SEM Matters: How SEM drives institutional success, enhances student outcomes, and supports sustainable growth.
- Your Role in SEM: Understanding where your department fits within the SEM framework and how your work contributes to broader institutional goals.
- The Need for Big-Picture Thinkers: Why post-secondary institutions need leaders who can support and drive SEM initiatives, fostering collaboration and innovation across departments.
This session equips aspiring leaders with the knowledge and perspective to contribute meaningfully to SEM efforts, positioning themselves as strategic partners in institutional success.
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Week 5
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
1:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Creating Processes to Maximize Productivity
Every office operates with finite resources, making it essential to maximize efficiency to achieve goals and maintain team satisfaction. Whatever type of office you are leading, understanding and improving processes can unlock productivity, free up time for strategic initiatives, and boost engagement for you and your staff.
Every office operates with finite resources, making it essential to maximize efficiency to achieve goals and maintain team satisfaction. Whatever type of office you are leading, understanding and improving processes can unlock productivity, free up time for strategic initiatives, and boost engagement for you and your staff.
In this session, you’ll:
- Gain a deeper understanding of how streamlined processes enhance productivity and impact.
- Assess challenges and opportunities unique to your office’s workflows.
- Develop two actionable steps to begin improving processes in your setting immediately.
Join us to learn practical strategies for optimizing resources, empowering your team, and creating space for innovation and growth.
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Week 6
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
1:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Is It Time to Stop? Creating Capacity
Achieving strategic objectives isn’t just about adding to your to-do list—it’s about knowing when to say “no” and deciding what to stop. One of the toughest leadership challenges is ending programs or services that work well but no longer align with higher priorities. How do you discontinue a team member’s favorite initiative? How do you communicate to partners that it’s time to step back?
Achieving strategic objectives isn’t just about adding to your to-do list—it’s about knowing when to say “no” and deciding what to stop. One of the toughest leadership challenges is ending programs or services that work well but no longer align with higher priorities. How do you discontinue a team member’s favorite initiative? How do you communicate to partners that it’s time to step back?
This interactive workshop will equip you with tools to:
- Develop objective criteria to measure and evaluate your programs, services or activities against strategic priorities.
- Engage your team in the decision-making process to foster buy-in and support for change.
- Manage the challenges of change, including communication with stakeholders and addressing resistance.
You’ll also benefit from discussions with peers facing similar challenges, gaining insights and practical strategies for implementing change and creating capacity to focus on what matters most.
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Understanding Today’s Students: Insights for Post-Secondary Leaders
Today’s students are not the same as they were just a few years ago. This session will explore the evolving interests, preferences, and expectations of students, highlighting how these changes impact institutions at all levels.
Today’s students are not the same as they were just a few years ago. This session will explore the evolving interests, preferences, and expectations of students, highlighting how these changes impact institutions at all levels.
Even if your department doesn’t directly serve students, understanding their needs is critical to achieving broader institutional goals. Whether it’s developing programs, allocating resources, or fostering a supportive campus culture, aligning with the priorities of today’s students ensures your department contributes to a thriving institution.
Why This Matters for Leaders:
- Informed Decision-Making: Insights into student preferences can guide strategic decisions across departments.
- Holistic Campus Impact: Regardless of your unit’s focus, student success is the cornerstone of institutional success.
- Future-Proofing Strategies: Stay ahead of trends to ensure your initiatives resonate with the next generation.
You’ll leave this session equipped to align your strategies with the evolving landscape of student expectations, helping your institution remain competitive and impactful in today’s changing environment.
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Turning Ideas into Action
As the closing session of the Post-Secondary Leaders Academy, this interactive workshop will guide participants in transforming insights from the past six weeks into actionable steps. Using a structured action-planning framework, you’ll reflect on key takeaways, identify priorities, and create a personalized roadmap to implement what you’ve learned.
As the closing session of the Post-Secondary Leaders Academy, this interactive workshop will guide participants in transforming insights from the past six weeks into actionable steps. Using a structured action-planning framework, you’ll reflect on key takeaways, identify priorities, and create a personalized roadmap to implement what you’ve learned.
By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with:
- Concrete strategies to apply your learning in your role.
- Clear, actionable goals for the short, medium, and long term.
- Confidence to lead with impact and drive meaningful change within your institution.
This session ensures you leave the program equipped to make real progress in your leadership journey.
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Previous Leadership Academy Testimonials
"The Academy provided an inclusive and collaborative forum for like-minded leaders to share best practices, learn from experienced leaders, connect with others and set tangible action plans. The diverse discussion topics and speakers were fantastic and I looked forward to learning from them each week."
Kara Renaud
Manager, Career Education, Brock University
"The opportunity to participate in the Academy came at the perfect time for me. I have been exploring my own leadership and management style and who I want to be in this space during a time of transition at my institution. The program provided a framework to my learning and development and offered excellent material, resources and talented leaders that were easy to access, engage and network with. I've been able to grow my toolbox and my network and be reflective of what direction I want to take my career. Much appreciation to all facilitators and fellow participants!"
Joanne Foxton
Manager, #ChangeTheNow, Georgian College
"The Academy was a great learning experience and provided me with practical tools to think about how we can move our department forward. There was an opportunity to learn from experts, share with colleagues, and reflect on your own leadership practice and program. The most helpful aspect was the ability to set goals and to carve out dedicated time to think critically through learning different perspectives. It helped build confidence to step into my new role."
Danielle Johnsrude
Director, Centre for Experiential Learning & Student Engagement, Vancouver Island University
"The Academy was a fantastic learning experience. The sessions were practical, theory-based, and full of immediately useful learning. I thoroughly enjoyed this program and highly recommend it to other emerging or experienced professionals in the field."
Dawn White
Director, International Affairs, Algoma University
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is this local, national, global or what?
Current and aspiring post-secondary leaders from all countries are welcome and will benefit from this program. The skills learned at the Post-secondary Leadership Academy are universal.
The skills learned at the Career Leadership Academy are universal. While the Faculty are all Canada-based, they are also all engaged in partnerships, associations, and activities internationally and particularly with institutions in the USA.
What is the schedule and time commitment?
The core of the program is six, 2 ½ hour sessions held over 6 weeks (Tuesdays from 1 - 3:30 pm EST beginning April 29,, 2025). In addition to the 2 ½ hour sessions, it is expected that participants will complete approximately 1 hour of homework each week consisting of posting and commenting on discussion board topics, connecting with co-participants, and/or completing quizzes.
All sessions will be recorded so that participants can access any sessions that conflict with their personal schedules.
Will there be recordings available?
Yes, all sessions will be recorded and available exclusively to program participants on the dedicated web portal for 6 months after the completion of the program.
What happens if I miss a session?
There’s a good chance that a session or two may conflict with your other commitments. Recordings of sessions will be posted on the web portal along with educational materials, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to catch up.
Who should participate?
If you are a new or aspiring post-secondary leader, then the Post-secondary Leadership Academy is designed for you.
Can you help me convince my boss to invest in this?
Absolutely. Please send an email to Julie Rahmer at julie@brainstorm.ca and I will send you an email template.
What will I learn during this program?
After completing the Career Leadership Academy program, you'll achieve a number of learning outcomes.
Registration Rates
Individual
$995$1,595
per person
Advance rate valid until
February 28th, 2025
Group of 3 or more
$746.25$1,196.25
per person
Advance rate valid until
February 28th, 2025
No refunds will be provided within three weeks of the program. Cancellations three weeks or more before the event date will be refunded less a $100 administration fee.
Substitutions from the same organization are welcome at no cost up to three weeks before the event date.
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