Course Content
Program Structure
This blended learning course will feature a mix of asynchronous activities and seven live monthly sessions. Each month will focus on expanding your leadership skills in one or more of the CASE Competencies:
Month 1 (October)
Leadership
Leadership should be grounded in clear standards and principles. This session explores leadership through five key elements:
- Knowing yourself as a leader
- Practicing situational/context-based leadership
- Implementing effective communication and conflict management
- Building and sustaining high-performing teams
- Leading through change
Month 2 (November)
Strategic Thinking
Strategic thinking requires zooming out, asking questions, examining implications, and thinking ahead. This session focuses on understanding, improving, and applying strategic thinking in professional and personal contexts.
- Explore the personal and professional benefits of strategic thinking
- Examine barriers to strategic thinking and how to overcome them
- Dive into the key components of strategic thinking
- Identify strengths and areas for improvement, and develop strategies for personal growth and agency
Month 3 (December)
Emotional Intelligence & Relationship Building
Emotional intelligence and relationship building form the foundation of exceptional leadership, and they are critical to long-term success in your career. This session will explore:
- Developing self-awareness and personal growth as a starting point
- Empathy and psychological safety as key drivers of strong teams
- Building relationships with intentionality and authenticity
- Continuous feedback, trust and culture-building as ongoing practices for successful leaders
Month 4 (January)
Global and Cultural Competence
Increasing polarization and cultural complexity affect donors, alumni, and stakeholder relationships, and as advancement professionals operating at the intersection of diverse identities, values, and expectations, you must navigate these tensions with empathy and skill. This session will explore global and cultural competence along key themes including:
- Understanding polarization and cultural complexity
- Building intercultural competence
- Exploring polarization, core values, and psychological safety
- Developing core skills for navigating conflict
Month 5 (February)
Industry/Sector Expertise and Business and Financial Acumen
The reality of leadership today means constant and accelerating change combined with limited capacity and rising expectations. This session will explore how to build the knowledge and credibility you need to lead with confidence in today’s evolving advancement landscape.
- Examine the key facts, financial trends, and institutional narratives shaping advancement
- Explore how to authentically communicate your institution’s financial and strategic story to build trust across campus and with donors
- Gain strategies to stay informed on industry shifts
- Strengthen your business acumen to enhance strategic decision-making and team leadership
Month 6 (March)
Integrity and Professionalism
Integrity and professionalism are not about rules or “correct answers,” but about frameworks that help leaders navigate gray areas with confidence. This session explores professionalism and integrity as concepts that live within complexity, ambiguity, and personal growth.
- Recognize key values, principles, and behaviors that reflect ethical and professional leadership.
- Explore personal leadership identity, values, and areas for growth.
- Apply practical strategies to align daily actions and decisions with core professional and ethical standards.
- Develop a personal framework for sustained growth, accountability, and integrity in leadership.
Month 7 (April)
Next Steps in Your Career Journey
In this final CASE Academy session, you’ll take time to reflect on your growth, celebrate your progress, and chart a path forward for continued leadership development.
- Reflect on the key leadership competencies and insights you’ve gained over the past seven months.
- Design a personal leadership roadmap to carry forward the lessons, momentum, and vision shaped by your Academy experience.
- Strengthen your peer network and identify meaningful ways to support and be supported by others in your professional journey.
Each monthly session will comprise:
- Asynchronous (on-demand) pre-work activity
- Asynchronous plenary presentation
- Live panel discussion and Q&A
- Cohort discussion (1 hour)