Applications are closed for the Winter 2026 cohort. Applications for the next available offering (Fall 2026) will open in Winter 2026, please check back for further details
Program Information
Learning Objectives: participants of this program will gain an awareness of their current capabilities and work to develop them to more effectively lead others and ultimately position themselves to grow their careers within McMaster. A variety of learning methods are incorporated including a McMaster specific multi-rater leadership assessment, experiential and self-reflection activities. Read more in the program overview.
Credential: individuals who successfully complete program requirements will be issued a certificate of completion in digital format.
Eligibility: applicants must have served in a strategic leader role for a minimum of one fiscal year cycle as of the program start date. Employees are eligible provided they are employed: a) on a part-time or full-time continuing or contractually limited appointment of at least 1 year; or, b) under the terms of a Collective Agreement, written contract or employment contract which specifically extends the Tuition Assistance benefit to employees.
This program is funded by McMaster University. Participants are not required to make up the time away from their role to participate in this training. The Strategic Leaders Program is delivered by the McMaster Continuing Education (MCE) and sponsored by Human Resources Services.
Questions? Contact WeAreAllLeaders@mcmaster.ca
Program Dates & Format
Fall 2025 sessions are Tuesdays, October 14*, 28, November 18, December 2*, 16, 2025, January 20, and February 3*, 2026.
Winter 2026 sessions are Thursdays, February 12*, 26, March 12, April 2*, 23, May 14, and June 4*, 2026.
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm for virtual sessions
*Notes:
Fall 2025 Cohort: October 14 and February 3 will be delivered in-person on campus (location TBD), 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Also, December 2 will be in-person at McMaster Innovation Park, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm.
Winter 2026 Cohort: February 12 and June 4 will be delivered in-person on campus (location TBD), 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Also, April 2 will be in-person at McMaster Innovation Park, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm.
More details will be provided closer to these session dates.
Location: The hybrid program includes in-person sessions noted above. All other sessions are virtual, delivered via Zoom. Approximately 1-2 hours of self-study/pre-work, via Avenue to Learn, is required between virtual sessions.
Who should attend: The Strategic Leader Program is available to employees who oversee a function and/or team within a department or faculty. Typical job titles at the Strategic Leader level may include: Assistant Director, Assistant Registrar, Chair, Manager-Finance, Manager-Information Technology, Program Manager, or Research Program Manager. Applicants must have served in a strategic leader role for a minimum of one fiscal year cycle as of the program start date.
Applications for the Winter 2026 cohort are now closed
Application Process
Complete the following steps:
1. Review this opportunity with your supervisor and ask them to complete the Supervisor Support Form. (Completed forms will need to be uploaded to the online application.)
2. Complete the Online Application. This form will require you to be logged into your McMaster Office 365 account.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Nancy Buschert, Program Manager, McMaster Continuing Education at buschen@mcmaster.ca.
Selection Process
Only completed applications will be reviewed and considered following the application deadline date, and applicants will be notified of acceptance in mid-December for the Winter cohort and mid-August for the Fall cohort. The following criteria will be considered in the selection process:
- the alignment and specificity of one’s stated learning and career goals with program outcomes,
- the length of time in one’s role – applicants must have served in a strategic leader role, as a people leader, for a minimum of one fiscal year cycle as of the program start date; and
- one’s current leadership role; priority is granted to individual currently working in a strategic leader capacity as a formal people leader. Individuals seeking development and promotion into a strategic leader role will be considered as space is available.
For further information as to what program might be the right fit for your role, please learn more on the Leading at McMaster page.
Representation from across the University (inclusive of all University faculties and departments) will also be considered to enhance networking opportunities and to include diverse perspectives across academia and administration.
In the event that applications are deemed equal after review, a lottery draw will be used to fill available spaces.
Participants will receive program information, including any required pre-assignment, approximately one month prior to the program start date.