The NACS Leadership Institute
The NACS Leadership Institute, sponsored by the NACS Foundation, is an investment in the collegiate retailing industry’s emerging leaders. The program will span several months and is designed to equip participants with practical skills and resources needed to lead on their campus and in the industry.
What to expect
Participants will experience a range of interactive workshops, webinars and hands-on experiences that cover topics such as financial management, marketing, merchandising, customer service and leadership development. The program also provides opportunities to interact with experienced industry leaders, expand your professional network, learn from case studies, and best practices, and engage in group discussions and problem-solving exercises. The first few months of the program are conducted using virtual learning tools and resources and will culminate with a three-day conference.
Interactive Workshops
Webinars
Hands-on Experiences
Networking
I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to see this industry thrive and is invested in being part of that journey. I don’t think I’d have the rewarding career that I have now without the NACS Leadership Institute.
Genta Guitron
Chief Wellness Officer, MSU Bookstore, Inc.
Who should apply?
The NACS Leadership Institute will accept up to 20 participants for the 2024-25 program year. The program is ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers and become successful leaders in their roles. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years campus store industry experience or equivalent retail-related experience and carry some fiscal responsibility within the store operation (for example, product buying and inventory management, expense management, etc.).
Closely review the program schedule, travel information and the application process prior to submitting your application. If you have any questions about the program, please contact us at leadership-institute@nacs.org.
Schedule of Events
2024-2025
The estimated time commitment for the program is 10-15 hours each month, for approximately six months. This includes time to complete weekly assignments, periodic virtual meetings with the primary facilitator, and occasional check-ins between you and other designated program mentors. Following the structured virtual learning portion, additional time will be directed to preparing a final presentation. The Institute culminates with a 2 ½ day in-person event in June 2025.
The following dates are tentative and subject to change.
| Sept 23 | Program Orientation | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 30 | Kick off Meeting, Establish Teams, Introduction of Simulation Exercises | ||
| Oct 14 | Facilitator Meets with each team, start simulation, review assignments | ||
| Oct 21 | Assignment 1 Due | ||
| Oct 28 | Assignment 2 Due | ||
| Nov 4 | Assignment 3 Due | Facilitator meets with each team to assess progress, resolve challenges | ||
| Nov 11 | Assignment 4 Due | ||
| Nov 18 | Assignment 5 Due | ||
| Nov 25 | Assignment 6 Due | Facilitator meets with each team to review results, resolve challenges | ||
| Jan 27 | Facilitator meeting to discuss first half results review assignments | ||
| Feb 3 | Assignment 7 Due | ||
| Feb 10 | Assignment 8 Due | ||
| Feb 17 | Break to attend CAMEX if possible (not required) | ||
| Feb 24 | Assignment 9 Due | ||
| Mar 3 | Assignment 10 Due | Facilitator meets with each team to review results, resolve challenges | ||
| Mar 10 | Assignment 11 Due | ||
| Mar 17 | Assignment 12 Due | ||
| Mar 24 | Zoom Forum; Cohorts share their experiences, lessons learned, challenges, and successes | ||
| Apr 14 | Zoom Class, Developing Presentation Skills | ||
| May 19 | Presentations to Store Managers / Supervisors and Program Facilitators. Program cohorts share their experiences, lessons learned, challenges, and successes. | ||
| June 18-21 | In-Person Cohort Conference (Location TBD) |
Travel & Cost
Information
Details for the June 2025 in-person conference coming soon.
There are no fees required to participate in the Leadership Institution program. However, participants will be required to attend the culminating in-person program conference. Upon completion of the in-person conference a stipend of up to $500 will be provided to offset the travel costs. If the fare is higher than this amount, participants will be responsible for the balance. Meals and lodging will be provided for the in-person portion of the program.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted between Tuesday, May 28, 2024 and close at the end of business Friday, June 28, 2024. All supporting documentation must be provided to be considered for the program.
1.
Complete your Personal Bio
2.
Provide Responses to Application Questions
3.
Signed Participation Agreement
4.
Signed Supervisor Form
Your supervisor must indicate support of your participation including the necessary time commitments and attendance at the in-person program conference in June 2025.
5.
Brief Resumé
A brief resumé outlining applicable relevant skills, experience, and other personal attributes as reflected on your personal bio form or that you wish to be considered
The application review and participation selection will be conducted anonymous by the volunteer-led group, Leadership Institute Steering Committee. The 2024-25 Leadership Institute participants will be notified via email by August 31, 2025.
Sponsored by the NACS Foundation.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
GET IN TOUCH
(800) 622-7498
info@nacs.org
528 E. Lorain St.
Oberlin, OH 44074
info@nacs.org
Oberlin, OH 44074
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