Leadership Institute

Leadership Institute

Academy Leadership Institute

Overview:
The new Leadership Institute is a comprehensive professional development program designed to help current and future leaders in nutrition, health and wellness develop leadership, communication and career development skills -- from executive presence and strategic planning to communication and team building. Through a combination of self-directed study, in-person trainings, networking opportunities, small group projects and virtual learning, participants will gain hands-on experience in becoming more effective leaders. The program is intended for high-potential members at any career level who are looking to advance their leadership skills and accelerate their career growth.

Affiliate Participation:

  • Each DPG, MIG and Affiliate will be able to nominate one individual who is identified as a future leader of the group to be their representative.
  • All other participants will be through a self-nomination program

Cost: $2900

  • The Affiliate nominated participant will be supported by the affiliate up to $2,500 with a balance of $400 expected to be paid by the participant.
    • The Affiliate may choose to fully support the individual ($2900) versus asking for the participate to cover the additional $400 cost.
  • Self-nominated individuals who are selected will cover the entire registration fee of $2,900, but there will be an effort made to secure a limited number of scholarships through the Foundation (industry and individual donor support). Participant support materials will be made available to encourage employer support.
  • Note: If the Affilaite wants to support additional self-nominees, that is fine.  They can budget accordingly but would only nominate one person.

What is included:

  • The program will span approximately 12 months from selection to completion
  • The program includes two in-person meetings (Fall 2020 at FNCE® in Indianapolis, IN and Spring/Summer 2021 location TBD), supplemented with virtual learning and small group projects.
  • The direct per person cost which will include: 
    • Leadership Institute registration
    • FNCE® 2020 registration
    • round trip airfare for FNCE and Spring/Summer 2021 meeting
    • 2 nights, single room hotel stays at each location and meals

The following FAQ outlines the nomination/application process and an application evaluation document has also been provided and will be made available to all applicants. Although individual scores will not be shared, the goal is to provide transparency to the process. One of the unique enhancements to the new Leadership Institute is the introduction of cohort projects to provide experience tackling current and future issues affecting the profession and contributing to the Academy’s knowledge base.

FAQ: Leadership Institute Nomination and Application Process

1) Can anyone apply or is there a nomination process?
There are two avenues for participation – nomination (~80 slots) and application (~70 slots):

  • Each affiliate is invited to nominate and send one (1) member who has demonstrated leadership potential and interest in long-term success of the Academy. Nominees representing affiliates and member groups must meet the same qualifying criteria as those who apply and are required to submit a letter of recommendation from her/his respective President or President-Elect. While each  affiliate is encouraged to nominate one of their members, nominees are not guaranteed acceptance until approved by the Academy.
  • The remaining participants will be selected based on an open application process for members who are passionate about advancing the profession and looking to become leaders.

2) Who should apply to the Leadership Institute?
The Institute is designed to provide leadership training and skill development across experience levels and practice areas and is intended for RDNs who are passionate, engaged and well-positioned to take on leadership roles. It is designed to support both established professionals and current leaders interested in sharpening their skills as well as early- to mid-career members interested in pursuing leadership roles in the future.

3) How will applicants be evaluated and selected?
Applicants will be required to submit their resume/CV, complete an online application form and provide two to three letters of recommendation. Applicants will be evaluated using a standardized scorecard and selected based on:

  • Professional and scholastic excellence
  • Impactful contributions to the field of nutrition
  • Leadership aptitude
  • Professional visibility
  • Effective communication skills
  • Passion for advancing the profession

4) Is there a minimum level of experience required?
No – the Institute is intended for members of any experience level who are seeking to advance their leadership skills. We’re hoping to cultivate current and future generations of leaders who reflect the vast range of experiences, skills, and areas of expertise that characterize our organization.

5) Can students apply?
The Institute will reserve up to 10 seats for graduate students with demonstrated leadership potential who are passionate about advancing the profession.

6) Do current leaders from state affiliates, also need to apply?
No – each state affiliate can nominate one current leader from their respective organization. To help groups identify appropriate nominees, a checklist will be provided that reflects the qualifications used to score and select applicants. States are encouraged, but not required, to submit a nominee. Qualified candidates that are not selected as the representative from their affiliate or state are encouraged to apply through the open application process.

7) Are there any expectations for Affiliate participants that they “report” any outcomes or summary of their participation?  Do they “owe” anything to the Affiliate who funded their participation?
That is up to the Affiliate if they would like the participate to share any information from their experience with the group members. The Academy will share the outcomes of the cohort projects which may be shared.

8) Is it mandatory that the Affiliate participate and fund somebody to attend? 
No

9) When will the application and nomination process begin?
The application and nomination process will open in February 2020. Participants will be selected and notified in May 2020.

10) How will the Academy ensure inclusion in the Institute is fair and balanced?
Applications will be assessed by a 5-person review committee and evaluated using a standardized scorecard against clearly defined criteria. If any potential conflict of interest between an applicant and reviewer should arise, an alternate committee member will step in to review. The review committee will be made up of one representative from each of the following Academy groups:

  • Committee for Lifelong Learning
  • Council on Future Practice
  • Diversity and Inclusion Committee
  • Nominating Committee
  • Academy Board of Directors

Any Academy member can apply to the Institute regardless of experience level, career path, or practice area, and applicants will be selected based on a transparent process. Consideration will be given to ensure diverse perspectives are in attendance to ensure the Academy is investing in the leaders of today and tomorrow.

11) Do participants have the opportunity to earn CPE?
Specific information about CPE will be included in the materials for the application/leadership. That information is still being developed, but yes, there will be CPEUs over the 12 month cycle.

More information will be forthcoming.