Leadership for Social Impact

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for a wide variety of mission-oriented leaders across sectors including:

• Nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and foundation leaders
• Corporate Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) leaders
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) leaders
• Sustainability officers and directors
• Social entrepreneurs
• Social impact investors
• Government leaders and policymakers invested in social and environmental impacts
• Multilateral development bank leaders committed to social and environmental impact
• Program officers in philanthropy
• Leaders of social and environmental movements

Applicant Criteria

• 5+ years of leadership experience
• Currently in a senior role with a mandate to deliver social or environmental impact
• Personal commitment to social change
• Track record of effective implementation

Immerse yourself with a cohort of fellow leaders on Harvard’s historic campus. View the draft program schedule. Note that module titles, speakers, and sequence may change.

• What is “Leadership for Social Impact”?
  A 3.5‑day, in‑person executive education program at Harvard Kennedy School, developed by the Social Innovation + Change Initiative, for leaders who are driving social and environmental change in any sector.
• What is the focus of the program?
  The program helps you frame and communicate a compelling call for change, map and leverage sources of power, and make strategic choices that position your organization to realize a long‑term social or environmental impact vision.
• How is the curriculum delivered (format and learning methods)?
  Through faculty presentations, case studies, self‑assessment exercises, simulations, workshops, videos, and small‑group discussions with a curated, global cohort of social change practitioners.
• What will I learn and be able to do after this program?
  You will develop as a purpose‑driven leader, strengthen your ability to lead others through change, design and refine mission‑driven organizations, mobilize support for your cause, and implement and sustain transformational change initiatives that deliver results.
• Who teaches in this program?
  Faculty from the Social Innovation + Change Initiative and across Harvard schools and disciplines, bringing expertise in social innovation, organizational change, public policy, and impact leadership.
• Who should attend Leadership for Social Impact?
  Mission‑oriented leaders such as nonprofit and NGO leaders, foundation staff, corporate ESG and CSR leaders, sustainability officers, social entrepreneurs, social impact investors, government and policy leaders focused on social and environmental outcomes, multilateral development bank leaders, philanthropic program officers, and leaders of social and environmental movements.
• What are the eligibility and applicant criteria?
  Participants typically have 5+ years of leadership experience, hold a senior role with a mandate to deliver social or environmental impact, demonstrate a strong personal commitment to social change, and have a track record of effective implementation.