APPLY NOW FOR TWS’ LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE CLASS OF 2026

The Wildlife Society’s flagship leadership training program, the Leadership Institute, is now accepting applications for the Class of 2026.

The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 13, by 11:59 p.m. Through the Leadership Institute, participants will develop essential leadership skills and expand their capacity in their current and future roles in the wildlife profession. Participants will enhance their skills to lead both as individuals and as parts of a team and have opportunities to build community and identify meaningful support systems. They will also learn more about TWS and leadership within the conservation field.

Leadership Institute participants work on a variety of distance learning and hands-on projects, which include analysis of leadership themes and concepts, engaging in mentoring opportunities, and developing a greater understanding of how to apply their personal leadership skills to their visions for the conservation field. The six-month program begins in May and concludes at The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, which will take place Oct. 31 through Nov. 5. Participants will receive complimentary registrations and travel grants to attend the conference (attendance for the entire conference is required). Participants can expect to dedicate approximately two to four hours a week from May to October to the program to complete readings, participate in calls and webinars, and work on individual and group assignments.

The Leadership Institute is for early-career professionals who have spent two to three years working in the profession, not counting time in school. They must be employed in the wildlife profession (whether in seasonal, part-time or full-time positions), or they may be between professional positions. Strong applicants with one to five years of professional experience will be considered but should explain in their application why they are a strong candidate even if outside the two- to three- year range. This program is not appropriate for full-time undergraduate or graduate students. Applicants who are working while in graduate school are eligible for the program. Membership in TWS is not required to participate in the Leadership Institute. All applications are reviewed by the Leadership Institute Committee. The committee strives to create pathways to help enhance the diversity, capacity and efficacy of current and future leaders of TWS and the wildlife profession.

To apply:

• Complete and submit the Leadership Institute Application Form and upload your CV or resume
• Provide two letters of recommendation (instructions are at the top of the application form)

For questions, please contact laura@wildlife.org.

Learn more about The Wildlife Society’s Leadership Institute.