Emerging Leaders Program

A Division of Finance and Administration leadership development initiative

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18 months. 8 hours monthly. 16 exceptional leaders.

Overview

Our Emerging Leaders Mentorship and Training Program, developed by the Division of Finance and Administration, is designed for top performers ready to accelerate their leadership journey and advance into leadership roles. This selective experience brings together a small cohort of professionals who demonstrate strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, resilience, growth mindset and influence.

With up to 8 hours of monthly commitment over 18 months, participants can invest in their development while maintaining current responsibilities. The intimate 16-person cohort creates meaningful peer connections and enables personalized attention from mentors and facilitators.

Cohort 1 is forming.

Now accepting applications. Deadline: Dec. 1, 2025.

Apply

Download and save the PDF to use the fillable form features. Email completed applications to emergingleaders@buffalo.edu.

Questions?

emergingleaders@buffalo.edu

Program Value

Career Advancement: Prepare for promotion to leadership positions through strategic skill development.

Leadership Credential: Earn a recognized credential that supports career advancement and promotional opportunities within the organization.

Structured Development: Combine eLearning modules with in-person sessions to build comprehensive leadership knowledge and skills.

Professional Network: Progress alongside your cohort to build lasting relationships with high-potential peers and senior mentors.

Organizational Exposure: Gain comprehensive understanding of university operations through exposure to Business Services, Human Resources, Institutional Analysis, Resource Planning, Research Administration, University Advancement and University Facilities.

Curriculum

The Emerging Leaders: Mentorship and Training Program is built around four comprehensive perspectives that develop well-rounded leadership capabilities. The program includes an ongoing capstone project that reinforces understanding and practical application of content across all four perspectives.

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Program Overview

Perspective I

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Essential Knowledge

Foundational leadership principles and organizational understanding.

Courses

  • Foundations and Finance: ELMT and UB Financial Overview
  • Building Blocks: The Essentials of University Budget Planning
  • Core Connections: Essentials for Business Services
  • People Power: HR Staff Planning, Workforce Planning & Organization Structure
  • Space to Thrive: Facilities Planning
  • Funding Fuel: Navigating the Essentials of UBF and Research Foundations

Perspective II

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Providing Technical Proficiency

Skills and expertise needed for effective leadership execution.

Courses

  • Tech Essentials: Intro to Technical Proficiency & UPlan for UBOs
  • Skill Builder: Intermediate SIRI Refresher
  • Skill Builder: Intermediate Tableau and OIA Refresher
  • Blue Basics: ShopBlue
  • Blue Basics: Blue Services/Concur

Perspective III

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Reporting and Compliance

Strategic communication and regulatory awareness for leaders.

Courses

  • Accountability in Focus: Introduction to Reporting and Compliance/Reporting and Analysis SIRI
  • Fiscal Focus: Reporting & Analysis in Budgeting
  • The Reporting Edge: Reporting for Business Services
  • The Reporting Edge: Reporting for OIA
  • HelioCampus: Labor Spend Analysis Through a Standard Activity Model

Perspective IV

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Supporting Business Performance

Direct contribution to organizational success and growth.

Courses

  • Behind the Scenes: Introduction to Business Performance /Fundamentals of Sponsored Projects Administration
  • Advancement Planning and Funds
  • The Art of Acquisition: Procurement
  • Accounts in Action: Managing Payables, Receivables & Collections
  • Safeguarding Trust: Essentials of Risk & Security Management, Internal Controls and Fraud Awareness
  • Financial Compass: Navigating Budget Metrics

Program Format

Our program combines two delivery modes. All participants will experience both delivery modes throughout the program:

Continuous Cohort Engagement

Join a small, 16-person cohort that fosters collaboration and connection. Grow together over an 18-month journey with built-in peer support.

Take part in:

  • Interactive forums and ongoing discussions.
  • Guest speaker presentations.
  • Hands-on training opportunities, including HR soft skill workshops.

Candidate Criteria

Ideal candidates demonstrate genuine interest in leadership development and have endorsements from peers or supervisors. Supervisor approval ensures alignment with organizational goals, and preference is given to those with relevant experience or tenure that reflects reliability and institutional knowledge.

Core Program Themes

Mentoring

Participants are paired with experienced leaders who provide guidance and strategic insights. Through structured sessions and informal interactions, mentors help develop strategic thinking and emotional intelligence while creating lasting professional relationships that support ongoing career growth.

Career Advancement

Understand the leadership pipeline and develop personalized career roadmaps. Through exposure to different business areas, stretch assignments and senior leadership visibility, participants gain the breadth of experience and resilience needed for leadership roles.

Collaborating

Develop skills in building consensus, managing conflict and creating inclusive environments. Through cross-functional projects and peer learning circles, participants strengthen their influence and impact while learning to unite people around shared goals and navigate complex organizational dynamics.

Continuous Learning

Cultivate a growth mindset that embraces challenges and seeks new knowledge. Through workshops, case studies and peer exchanges, participants develop the intellectual curiosity and adaptability that define successful leaders in evolving business environments.