Competency Based Approach to Building an Association

​When we conducted our research on the needs of Academic Leaders, we learned that we needed to base our association on competencies. What does this mean? A collection of competencies details what is necessary to perform successfully in an academic leadership role. A competency is composed of a collection of skills and a related knowledge base. A competency can be observed and is measurable. A competency can transfer to a new situation or scenario.

So how does this translate? We realized that creating competency profiles for Academic Leaders, iterating and learning from the process, and then adjusting the competencies based on feedback, would give the organization a significant advantage when it came to launching an association and ensuring that the value provided met members’ needs as they sought to grow in their leadership capacity. 

As we launched our first year, we’ve offered 15 courses for peers to build skills and make connections that are sure to last into the next school year and beyond. We’re looking forward to strengthening those connections via our member online community, meetups, and cohorts.  

 Amanda Lucas
Dean of Teaching and Learning, Blair Academy

“The Association for Academic Leaders provides not only our department chairs but also our mid-level academic leadership a much needed collective brain of tools and resources to feel and be successful in our work with faculty. The potential to strategically connect leaders across campuses excites me, and I can't wait to watch our leaders grow as a result!”