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. The application process has officially closed for the 2023-2024 program.
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.
The NACS Leadership Institute will accept up to 20 participants for the 2023-24 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.
2023-2024
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 2024.
The following dates are tentative and subject to change.
Sept 25 | Program Orientation | ||
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Oct 2 | Kick off meeting, establish teams, introduction of simulation exercises | ||
Oct 16 | Facilitator meets with each team, start simulation, review assignments | ||
Nov 6 | Facilitator meets with each team to assess progress, resolve challenges | ||
Nov 27 | Facilitator meets with each team to review results, resolve challenges | ||
Jan 29 | Facilitator meeting to discuss first half results, review assignments | ||
Feb 26 | Break to attend CAMEX (not required) | ||
Mar 4 | Facilitator meets with each team to review results, resolve challenges | ||
Mar 25 | Zoom Forum | ||
Apr 15 | Zoom Class | ||
May 22 | Presentations | ||
June 19-22 | In-Person Cohort Conference (Location TBD) |
Details for the June 2024 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.
Applications are no longer being accepted.
The application review and participation selection is conducted anonymously by the volunteer-led group, Leadership Institute Steering Committee.
Sponsored by the NACS Foundation.