NIH Executive Leadership Program

Purpose

The Executive Leadership Program (ExLP) offers GS 15 and SES (and equivalent) leaders an opportunity to refine their leadership skills with a small cohort of high-performing NIH executives. Through this 7-month program, leaders will have the opportunity to engage with scholar practitioners via interactive discussions, NIH case studies and experiential exercises. Participants will have the opportunity to directly engage with NIH leadership by working on projects, attending special events and receiving support from peer mentors.

The Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a mission to revitalize the government by transforming the way government works, is our new learning partner for the ExLP. The Partnership plays a critical role in developing more innovative and results-oriented leaders across the federal government through its many leadership programs, seminars, and team-building retreats.

The ExLP is a leadership experience for current and aspiring “Top 6” leaders:

  • IC Directors
  • IC Deputy Directors
  • Scientific Directors
  • Executive Officers
  • Clinical Directors
  • Scientific Executives
  • OD Leadership Positions

2024-2025 ExLP Program Dates

Session General Topics  
Orientation
July 31
Lawton Chiles International House (Stone House)
The Beginning of the ExLP Journey – What to Expect  
#1 Leadership and Self-Awareness
Sept 3-6
National Conservation Training Center - Shepherdstown, WV
Emotional Intelligence, Executive Presence  
NIH Special Event - Clinical Center Tour
October 8
NIH Clinical Center
Explore the NIH Clinical Center  
#2 Executive Communications
October 16-17
The Partnership for Public Service, Washington, DC
Media Training and Presentation Skills  
NIH Special Event - NCATS Research: Leading at the Cutting Edge of Science
November 7
9800 Medical Center Dr.
Discussion and Tour with Dr. Joni Rutter, NCATS Director and NCATS Leadership  
#3 Leading Amid Uncertainty
November 20-21
The Partnership for Public Service, Washington, DC
Stress Management, Resilience, Influence, Crisis Management  
Action Learning Work-Out
December 5
The Partnership for Public Service, Washington, DC
Develop Recommendations for Critical NIH Issue  
#4 Leading Change
January 22-23, 2025
The Partnership for Public Service, Washington, DC
Change Management, Motivation and Conflict, Influence  
NIH Special Event - Leadership Café with NIH Deputy Directors
January 30, 2025
NIH Campus - Wilson Hall, Building 1
Explore NIH's Organizational Priorities  
#5 Commitment to Public Service
February 26-27, 2025
The Partnership for Public Service & Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Collaborate Across Boundaries, Engage with HHS, Meet Members of Congress, Staffers and Key Officials on Capitol Hill  
NIH Special Event - Leadership Cafe with Top 6 Leadership
March 4, 2025
NIH Campus - Natcher, E1/E2
Conversation with Current "Top 6" Leaders  
NIH Special Event - Leadership Q&A with NIH Director
TBD
NIH Campus
Meet and Interact with NIH Director  
Graduation
March 27, 2025
NIH Campus - Building 31
Celebrate Accomplishments  
 

Participant Feedback

How has the ExLP helped you as a leader?

NIH ExLP Alumni

Please note that graduates’ latest bios are updated annually. Please contact Keisha Berkley at keisha.berkley@nih.gov if you have an update you’d like reflected out of cycle.

2022 ExLP Participants

2020 ExLP Participants

2018 ExLP Participants

2016 ExLP Participants

2014 ExLP Participants

2013 ExLP Participants

2012 ExLP Participants

2011 ExLP Participants

2010 ExLP Participants

2024-2025 Tuition: $16,990
 

2024-2025 ExLP Application: Download Application
All individual applications should be submitted to your IC. The deadline for Executive Officers to submit rank-ordered applications to Keisha Berkley at the NIH Training Center is May 1, 2024.
*Note: Your IC may have an earlier deadline established for applications. Please consult with your Executive Officer for accurate internal deadlines.

For general program questions, please contact Keisha Berkley, Program Manager, NIH Training Center at Keisha.Berkley@nih.gov