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What is a leadership development program manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Caryn Beck-Dudley,
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

Leadership development program managers are responsible for building leadership at all levels by leading change initiatives and prioritizing actions based on established company goals. They help drive company-wide change initiatives and ensure their team's time is allocated strategically. They also ensure that project team members are contributing where they are uniquely positioned to contribute.

Leadership development program managers are tasked with providing consulting and engineering services in management and technology to the companies they work for. They develop, implement, and support their firm's leadership development, coaching, and mentoring programs. They also facilitate in-person and virtual leadership programs and sustainment events. They manage all design and operational aspects of leadership programs, including budget forecasting and tracking for multiple curriculums.

Leadership development program managers typically hold a bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited university. They are expected to have experience thinking strategically and acting operationally. Some employers prefer candidates with leadership experience and experience working with all levels across the organization.

What general advice would you give to a leadership development program manager?

Caryn Beck-DudleyCaryn Beck-Dudley LinkedIn profile

President and CEO, AACSB International

Disruption from COVID-19 has touched every aspect of the business world, including the future of accounting and auditing. In our "new normal," there is a growing focus on a digitally-led work world, and it's important that learners and graduates are well prepared for this transformation. AACSB-accredited schools are responding quickly and leading the charge to help guide and prepare these agile learners to be successful in all their future endeavors.
ScoreLeadership Development Program ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.3

Avg. Salary $68,399

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.1

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 4.33%

Black or African American 10.82%

Hispanic or Latino 16.01%

Unknown 5.51%

White 62.83%

Gender

female 51.72%

male 48.28%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
6.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Leadership development program manager career paths

Key steps to become a leadership development program manager

  1. Explore leadership development program manager education requirements

    Most common leadership development program manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.8 %

    Master's

    25.3 %

    Associate

    4.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific leadership development program manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    HR14.87%
    Project Management11.74%
    Management9.42%
    Instructional Design6.03%
    Leadership Development Programs5.89%
  3. Complete relevant leadership development program manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New leadership development program managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a leadership development program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real leadership development program manager resumes.
  4. Research leadership development program manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage implementation of referrals, coordinate assignment of new physicians and create support network for transitioning patients during clinic closure.
    • Represent the logistics business division for all quality relate issues including process development for all ISO and Non-ISO certify warehouse locations.
    • Create PowerPoint presentations for customer events and for internal training.
  5. Get leadership development program manager experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a leadership development program manager. The most common roles before becoming a leadership development program manager include human resources manager, training manager team lead and corps member.
  6. Apply for leadership development program manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a leadership development program manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first leadership development program manager job

Zippi

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Average leadership development program manager salary

The average leadership development program manager salary in the United States is $68,399 per year or $33 per hour. Leadership development program manager salaries range between $43,000 and $106,000 per year.

Average leadership development program manager salary
$68,399 Yearly
$32.88 hourly

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How do leadership development program managers rate their job?

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Leadership development program manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Engaging people Change the organization See Organization grow See positive results

Cons

Working long hours


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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