A group of common murres on a breeding colony in Alaska. Credit: Sarah Schoen/U.S. Geological Survey
About the leadership institute
We are in the midst of a generational shift in the wildlife profession and The Wildlife Society has a responsibility to our members and beyond to cultivate leaders for a new paradigm in wildlife management. Recent years have seen ongoing social, economic, and environmental changes. These changes will undoubtedly continue, with the leaders of tomorrow facing a growing number of unexpected and novel challenges. Becoming a well-prepared wildlife professional means expanding one’s skills and knowledge beyond topic-area expertise. Through the Leadership Institute, participants will work towards enhancing their adaptability and preparedness to lead on the new frontiers of wildlife conservation.
A Select Group
The Leadership Institute is an annual course established in 2006 to provide a select group of 10 promising TWS members with leadership training. The Leadership Institute consists of intensive activities and mentoring relationships that prepare participants for leadership positions, both in their workplace and in TWS.
The Leadership Institute is geared toward early-career professionals who are actively pursuing employment in the wildlife profession—whether that is seasonal, part-time, or full-time experience. This program is not geared toward full-time undergraduate or graduate students.
Hands-on Learning
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 an individual and part of a team, and have opportunities to build community and identify meaningful support systems, as well as to 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 vision for the conservation field. The six-month program begins in May and concludes at The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in October. Participants will receive complimentary registration and a travel grant to attend the conference (attendance for the entire conference is required). Participants can expect to dedicate approximately 2-4 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.
Who Can Apply
The Leadership Institute is for early-career professionals (2-3 years in the profession) who are employed in the wildlife profession (whether that is a seasonal, part-time or full-time position), or who are between professional positions. Strong applicants with 1-5 years of professional experience will be considered but should explain in their application why they are a strong candidate even if outside the 2-3 year range. This program is not appropriate for full-time undergraduate or graduate students. 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.
2025 Leadership Institute Application
The Wildlife Society is now accepting applications for the 2025 Leadership Institute. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 14 by 11:59 p.m. ET.
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 Bies.
Key deer are only found in the Florida Keys. Credit: Valerie Preziosi
©Mackenzie Taylor
Alumni
From across the U.S. and Canada, Leadership Institute alumni represent the leading conservation organizations charged with managing and conserving North American’s wildlife and habitats – state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academia. Together, these alumni serve as the foundation for the next generation of wildlife leaders.
View a list of TWS Leadership Institute Alumni
Alumni are encouraged to stay engaged with the Leadership Institute via volunteer opportunities and/or events during TWS’ Annual Conference. To learn more about ways to share news, leadership development opportunities, and stay connected with other alumni and TWS, please contact Laura Bies.
Contact
For more information on the Leadership Institute