Current Programs

Program Overview

The Leadership Development for Public Agencies certificate program is designed for emerging leaders to further develop successful leadership behaviors.

At a time when public agencies in Orange County are called upon to engineer innovative and strategic solutions to daunting economic and social challenges, public agency employees must rise to meet these challenges with ingenuity and commitment. In classes led by seasoned experts, emerging leaders will examine the nature of leadership and develop a better understanding of its purpose and role within their organizations.

Learning objectives:

Understand the practice of leadership in a policy-making setting
Develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills applicable in public sector environment
Understand the essentials of communicating effectively when working with various constituents
Develop skills to understand the political, financial and social landscape, and learn to utilize social capital to bring others together
Identify strategies to overcome resistance and develop key partnerships to influence important decisions
Understand the impact of change on the organization and identify the qualities of effective change agents

Cohort 28 Class Schedule

Location: Virtual Instruction

Classes	Date	Time
Developing the Leader Within × Developing the Leader Within *(4 hours/0.4 CEUs)* This class is the introductory class to leadership for current and emerging leaders in public agencies. This class will explore qualities of leaders and the necessary competencies for success. Through a self-assessment and in-depth discussion, individuals will begin to see the impact their attributes, skills, and knowledge may have on team performance. This class is designed to assist participants to develop a better understanding of their strengths and begin a development plan for the future.	February 11 & 13, 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm
Navigating With Political & Social Intelligence × Navigating With Political & Social Intelligence *(4 hours/0.4 CEUs)* Political savvy and social intelligence are paramount for successful leaders. In organizations where collaboration and buy-in are necessary to ensure success, leaders must use organizational knowledge, influencing skills, and social capital to bring others together to achieve the mission. As a precursor to the Influencing Skills for Greater Results class, participants will first develop situational awareness and understand their personal influencing styles. Class discussion will also focus on strategies to secure support and foster organizational fusion.	February 18 & 20, 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm
Strategic Thinking and Decision Making × Strategic Thinking and Decision Making *(8 hrs/0.8 CEUs)* Strategic thinking involves gathering information, formulating ideas, and planning actions. Leaders who employ strategic thinking in the formulation of visions and missions, as well as in day-to-day decision making, will find themselves more engaged and effective. This class will reinforce analytical, critical, and creative thinking processes by highlighting the critical factors involved while engaging students in hands-on exercises.	February 25 & 27, March 4 & 6, 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm
Leadership in Public Administration × Leadership in Public Administration *(8 hours/0.8 CEUs)* Leaders in the public sector must have a clear understanding of their agency's importance in the coming decade as our society faces challenges requiring vision and experience. This class is an overview of the field of public administration, looking at current and future trends specific to the culture and history of public agencies. Class discussions will address the meaning of leadership and various agency models. You will examine leadership principles and practices, and essential components of organizational behavior.	March 11, 13, 18, & 20, 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm
Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers × Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers *(4 hours/0.4 CEUs)* Gain an understanding of the financial aspects of public administration and concepts that are critical to an organization’s financial operations. Examine the various tools used in support of the financial decision-making process. The class will address topics including principles of financial management, budgeting, long term forecasting, elements of fiscal sustainability as well as their specific applications in the public sector.	March 25 & 27 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm
Leading Change in Organizations × Leading Change in Organizations *(8 hours/0.8 CEUs)* Volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) are just some of the words used to describe the changes currently being experienced by organizations. Now, more than ever, the ability to manage change in the public sector is vital as organizations must improve efficiency, productivity, and service quality. As resources shrink and the public demands increasing transparency, leaders in public administration must be able to implement a solid plan for change. Organizational managers must learn to not only deal with this, but attempt to utilize change to the advantage of their organizations. This class will introduce individuals to the factors influencing change, leadership qualities needed to successfully manage change, the impact of change on the organization, the methodology of the change management cycle, how to manage change in an organization, and what implications organizational change may have for the future.	April 8, 10, 15 & 17, 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm
Influencing Skills for Greater Results × Influencing Skills for Greater Results *(8 hours/0.8 CEUs)* In organizations where teamwork and collaboration are emphasized, leaders at every level rely on influencing skills by using knowledge and competence rather than position and status to influence others. In this class, individuals will learn to develop political savvy, build value with others, overcome resistance, and mitigate personal risk. Class discussion will also focus on influencing strategies to gain commitment from others and foster collaboration.	April 22, 24 & 29, May 1, 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm
Designing and Delivering Effective Presentations × Designing and Delivering Effective Presentations *(8 hours/0.8 CEUs)* Developing and practicing delivery skills makes a significant difference in the success of an effective presentation. The ability to deliver information in a style that will keep the attention of the audience while addressing the salient points of the presentation is an important attribute for speakers. Participants in this class will learn practical tips for managing fears about public speaking, steps for preparing an effective presentation that will ‘wow’ the audience, and strategies for delivering engaging presentations. Discussions will also focus on utilizing technology in support of the presentation and examine how to leverage visuals to reinforce the effectiveness of the message being presented.	May 6, 8, 13 & 15, 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm
Group Facilitation – An Art Form! × Group Facilitation – An Art Form! *(4 hours/0.4 CEUs)* Group facilitation is a process of thinking through procedures that enable a group to gather its cumulative insights, define the order, and to ultimately decide on a course of action that has group commitment. A successful facilitators a process guide serving to ensure that the group accomplishes its goals. In this class, individuals will learn about the role of a facilitator and the various techniques of facilitation.	May 20 & 22, 2025	4:00 – 6:00pm