Leadership Step-up in Advancement (LSA) is targeted at advancement professionals who are new or emerging managers in the field of advancement. Realising the importance of grooming the next generation of leaders in advancement, this programme aims to raise this generation of leaders with skills and expertise to lead their teams and advancement functions well. The programme will delve into technical and managerial skills that are important for emerging managers and leaders, as well as emotional and soft skills that can help them while managing teams and stakeholders.

At the end of the session, participants will:

• Gain an appreciation of the difference between a leader and a manager and understand how their roles fit for the purpose in their organisation
• Apply skills and tips to manage teams and areas of specialisation in advancement
• Reflect and adapt strategies that can aid in managing teams, stakeholders and advancement processes in their organisations

Chairs

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Room: Garden Room C+D, 2F

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM UTC +8

Registrations

Garden Room Foyer, 2F

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM UTC +8

Welcome and Introduction

Garden Room C+D, 2F

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM UTC +8

Manager versus Leader: Where do I Situate Myself in?

This session provides an introductory overview of leadership—what it is and what it looks like in practice. As new managers and leaders, there is often a lack of clarity about the expectations of the role. Is there a difference between being a manager and a leader and how should one truly “lead”?

This session will explore the key distinctions between management and leadership, moving beyond the transactional aspects of overseeing projects and people to the transformational potential leaders have to inspire and empower their teams.

• Analysing the difference between a manager and a leader
• Identifying the essential qualities of a leader – linking this section to the CASE Competencies Model

Speaker: Sue Cunningham, President and CEO, Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Garden Room C+D, 2F

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM UTC+8

Refreshment Break

Garden Room Foyer, 2F

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM UTC+8

Stakeholder Management / Relationship Building

As a new manager or leader stepping into this role, you will need to work with a variety of people—from managing donors and partners to collaborating with senior management and leading your team members. This session will introduce strategies to help you identify key stakeholders, understand their needs, and apply practical techniques to manage these relationships effectively, fostering stronger connections.

• Identifying stakeholders
• Identifying interests, needs, and power
• Stewarding relationships and developing tips and skills to manage relationships effectively

Speaker: Jeremy Woodall, Director of Development, University of Oxford China

Garden Room C+D, 2F

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM UTC+8

Networking Lunch

Garden Room Foyer, 2F

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM UTC+8

Strategic Thinking and Planning

Stepping into leadership often suggests that leaders/managers have to think “critically.” But what does this really entail? This session aims to shed light on the notion of Strategic Thinking – what it is and what does it entail. It will provide participants with tools to learn how to analyse and assess situations, adapt to complexity, and create effective implementation plans.

• Defining strategic thinking and what is required for a new manager / leader.
• Aligning strategy with action / critical thinking
• Developing creative and innovative approaches to problem solving
• Adapting to complexity and challenges

Speaker: Cara Giacomini, Vice President, Data, Research, and Technology, Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Garden Room C+D, 2F

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM UTC+8

Refreshment Break

Garden Room Foyer, 2F

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM UTC+8

10 Things I Wished I Knew as a New Manager

Moderator: Sue Cunningham, President and CEO, Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Panelists: Jeremy Woodall, Director of Development, University of Oxford China, Cara Giacomini, Vice President, Data, Research, and Technology, Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Garden Room C+D, 2F

5:00 PM UTC+8

Programme Conclude

6:00 PM UTC+8

Welcome Reception 

Grand Ballroom, 2F