First Time Supervisor Program

The First Time Supervisor Program provided by Duke's Professional Development Institute will focus on developing high-potential Duke staff who aspire to become supervisors or who will be moving into new supervisory roles. The program will provide a structured development program in the areas of people management, budgeting, project management and other supervisory competencies. Nomination deadline is December 9, 2011.

Target Audience

High-performing Duke staff who aspire to become supervisors and have been identified by managers as a person with high potential for supervisory positions may be recommended for the program. The program is not limited to a certain type or level of position at Duke.

Goal

To develop, prepare and retain high-performing staff for supervisory/management opportunities at Duke.

Program Features

  • Classes, for example
    • Managing difficult work relationships
    • Project and budget management
    • Managerial communication
  • Monthly coaching sessions with PDI staff
  • Stretch assignments within your department
    • Provide participants an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills obtained through coursework in the work environment
  • Individual assessments and development planning
  • Participants commit to a retention agreement of 24 months of post-graduation employment at Duke
  • Manager's Role
    • Class members will participate as part of their regular work schedule
    • Managers actively support training and coaching of participants
    • Managers will nominate a mentor for the participants
  • Mentor's Role
    • Monthly meetings
    • Actively provide support throughout the program
  • All participants are required to complete Guide to Managing at Duke, a three-day management program.

Training Time Commitments

  • Individuals will be asked to participate in a minimum of two to three days per month of classroom training. During the program, participants will need to be released from their regular work schedule to cover this training time.
  • Additional training time may be scheduled during regular work hours for coaching and mentoring sessions, and on-the-job stretch assignments.

Selection Criteria and Process

The First Time Supervisor program will include a diverse class of up to 20 participants. The following are the minimum requirements to be considered for the program:

  • Recommendation and full endorsement from current manager including the completion of a manager nomination form.
  • Full-time Duke employee with minimum of three years of continuous service
  • Performance, as defined by the department, which "fully achieves or meets standards" for the previous two years of continuous service. Applicants with "exceeds standards" will be given priority consideration.
  • Minimum of a high school diploma is required depending on the supervisory/managerial position the individual is working toward (some positions will require an associate's, bachelor's or advanced degree).
  • Consistent demonstration of expertise in field appropriate to applicant's area of responsibilities.
  • Acceptance of a retention agreement for two years following completion of program.

Because of the competitiveness of the program, the highly selective application process will include the following:

  • Completion of electronic application to be submitted to manager (requests information about the participant's accomplishments, career goals and understanding of the program).
  • Nomination by manager to PDI
  • Manager must identify a mentor for participant.
  • Final review and endorsement of nominations by senior HR administrator for school, entity or functional area.
  • Recommendation by selection committee (based on program application and structured interview).

Mentor/Mentee Partnership Component

  • Manager must identify a mentor (experienced manager/supervisor with at least five years of service at Duke).
  • Mentor nomination will be based on their role in the organization, ability to meet with participants at least once per month, and willingness to participate in required training and check-in sessions.
  • Mentors will:
    • Provide guidance on setting and achieving developmental goals.
    • Share insight into building and maintaining effective professional relationships.

For more information, please contact the Professional Development Institute at 919-684-5406, by e-mail at pdi@duke.edu or visit our web site.