Pictured: 2023-24 program cohort
About the Campus Life Services Leadership Development Program
Collaborate – Build Knowledge – Lead: Leadership development means building knowledge and competency not only for the management of day-to-day operations, but also for inspirational and effective organizational leadership.
The purpose of the CLS LDP is to expand and deepen the CLS leadership team by offering a training program for managers, or equivalent, whose performance and initiative has demonstrated leadership potential. This program provides opportunities for future CLS leaders to:
• Build awareness, knowledge and competencies in areas such as public speaking, strengths, decision making, lean thinking and practice, and more
• Gain practical leadership skills and experience
• Develop valuable relationships with cohort members across CLS
• Break down silos
• Contribute to a need within CLS via a group practicum project/proposal using Lean
• Grow professionally and personally under the guidance of a mentor
• Prepare for possible advancement within the University environment
• Expand and deepen team dynamics
• Network with UCSF & CLS leaders and program alumni
The program's first cohort was in 2006 and typically occurs biannually. Here is our LDP alumni roster.
Elements of the Program (subject to change)
• Orientation/Welcome event, Mid-program meeting, Graduation
• Team building
• Assessment
• Workshops
• Leader talks
• Mentoring
• CLS Leadership Group Retreat support
• Lean coaching
• Group practicum project, proposal & presentations
Workshop topics (subject to change)
• Modern Leadership
• Enhancing Professional Presence and Communication Skills
• Lean concepts
• Storytelling for Leaders
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Communications
• Budget & Finance for UCSF Leaders
• Project Management Practices and Tools
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
Program Commitment/Logistics/Accommodations
Participants will commit an average of 12-16 hours per month over the course of the 13-month program, with the understanding that participation is mandatory for all program events. The program is designed to be carried out via both in-person and virtual sessions. Applicants should note relevant circumstances and/or accommodation requests in the application form.
Eligibility Requirements
• Current supervisor, manager, experienced professional (P3) or equivalent in Campus Life Services
• Demonstrated initiative and leadership potential
• Committed desire to assume leadership role
• Minimum “Meets” as overall performance rating in most recent performance evaluation
Additional Consideration Factors:
• Timeframe at UCSF and CLS
• Non-exempt classifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Application Process
The application period for the 2025-26 program opened on October 22, 2024 and closed on December 2, 2024. The 2025-25 cohort started their program in February 2025.
The application for the program includes a personal statement, career development plan, resume, and possible interview. Additionally, the applicant’s supervisor/manager provides a statement of support. The program is highly competitive, with a limited number of spots available. Selections are made by a committee following a review of each applicant's package. UCSF does not use race, gender, sex, or other protected categories or proxies for protected categories in the selection process.
If you are a prospective applicant, please view the Sample Application and Selection Criteria document.
Questions?
For more information, contact: DevelopmentTraining.CLS@ucsf.edu
