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On Campus
Session Date-Application DeadlineProgram Fee$18,900Faculty ChairProgram Director
Program Fee: The program fee includes tuition, housing, curricular materials and most meals.
Executive Certificate: This program is a core program in the Public Leadership and Public Policy concentrations. This program can also be used as a third program for any concentration in the Executive Certificate series.
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): This program aligns with one or more Executive Core Qualifications.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
*Program formerly known as Senior Managers in Government
The Executive Leaders in Government program at Harvard Kennedy School provides a unique opportunity for senior executives to strengthen their leadership skills and expand their competencies. This comprehensive two-week on campus program, led by renowned faculty, focuses on the critical skills needed to navigate the complex challenges of leading in the public sector. The curriculum is specifically designed to address the needs of the U.S. Senior Executive Service (SES) in the federal government and their military, corporate sector, and international counterparts.
Faculty Chair Linda Bilmes will be joined by Harvard faculty and expert practitioners in government, law, education, and business for a robust program to refresh and expand the core executive leadership skills needed to address today’s complex challenges. The program uses a myriad of faculty-led sessions, case studies, simulations, field trips, and peer-led discussions to address topics such as:
- Navigating Bureaucratic Complexity
- Strategic Planning
- Political Management
- Budget Constraints
- Workforce Management
- Technological Change
- Regulatory Compliance
- Crisis Management
- Interagency Coordination
- Global Challenges
Program Curriculum
Over two intensive weeks on campus, the Executive Leaders in Government program immerses participants in a dynamic blend of cutting-edge research, lectures, and collaborative group work. The curriculum includes case studies, experiential learning, and networking opportunities to build capacity to lead effectively in the public sector. The program’s innovative and responsive design addresses contemporary challenges, emerging technologies, and cutting-edge research. The curriculum reinforces core foundational concepts and skills, as well as exploring new ideas to propel us into the next generation. The program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing expertise not only from Harvard Kennedy School but also from across Harvard's global network.
This curriculum makes extensive use of the case study method pioneered at Harvard. Each case describes an actual situation in public management that participants use to think through possible approaches and solutions to real-world problems. You'll reflect upon your professional experiences and meet daily in small groups and in class to discuss cases and exchange ideas.
Additional components of Executive Leaders in Government include networking opportunities, peer-to-peer learning, and experiential group outings, all of which build lasting relationships with your peers from around the world.
Learning Objectives
Executive Leaders in Government targets the multifaceted and dynamic challenges faced by senior executives. Key learning objectives include:
- Leadership: Increase self-awareness, resiliency, and work-life balance
- Policy Development: Create and implement effective policies
- Political Strategy: Mobilize support and build coalitions
- Strategic Planning: Develop strategies for enhancing organizational performance
- Negotiation: Achieve win-win outcomes and resolving conflicts.
- People Management: Create a comprehensive people strategy
- Technological Change: Embrace the capabilities of AI and machine learning
Application Information
Executive Leaders in Government is designed for executive-level personnel working in federal/national government agencies and their counterparts who wish to expand their professional and personal capabilities.
Recommended applicants include:
- Senior career officials in the U.S. Federal Government:
- Senior Executive Service (SES)
- Senior Level (SL)
- Scientific and Professional (ST)
- Senior Congressional Staff
- Senior-level military officials (e.g. 0-7+, General and Flag Officer level)
- Senior career officials in international centralized governments (e.g. Deputy Minister/Director, Executive Director, Commissioner, Head of Division, etc.)
- Corporate executives seeking perspectives on government decision making and leadership
- Nonprofit executives aiming to examine public sector management best practices and share insights with executives in other sectors
What Participants are Saying
“This program opens the aperture of not only knowledge, but also allows you to understand partner Government Agencies, Foreign Governments, and Foreign Trade organizations as they relate to national and economic global security.”
Hear from the Faculty Chair
Linda Bilmes discusses the Executive Leaders in Government program.
Faculty & Research

Linda Bilmes

Cornell William Brooks

Juliette Kayyem

Herman B. (Dutch) Leonard

Elizabeth Linos


Pippa Norris

Roger Porter

Hong Qu

Eric Rosenbach

Malcolm Sparrow

Guhan Subramanian
