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Leadership in Research Administration

Education Leadership in Research Administration

Leadership in Research Administration: An NCURA Online Certificate Program

Self-Paced. Purpose-Driven.

Course Length: 15 hours over 4 months

Includes one year of membership in the Leadership Exchange Community and quarterly mentoring experiences.

Program Purpose

The Leadership in Research Administration Certificate Program develops essential communication, leadership, inclusion, and presentation skills for research administrators at all levels. Designed to strengthen the profession, it offers flexible, self-paced learning supported by structured engagement and a capstone project. The program helps build leadership capacity and generate new member-created thought leadership.

While its primary purpose is professional development, the program can also cultivate a pipeline of future NCURA volunteers and leaders through optional enrichment sessions included in the coursework.

Because leadership skills are practices rather than one-time lessons, the program provides participants with a full year of support after completing their coursework and capstone project. This extended aftercare is designed to sustain their leadership journey, inspire continuous growth, and foster meaningful connections.

Participants will engage through the Leadership Exchange Community, where they can access and contribute to peer reflections, capstone projects, and shared insights. They will also receive one full year of access to the Quarterly Mentorship Exchange on Zoom, offering additional guidance, inspiration, and connection after coursework is complete.

The program will include guest presenters, NCURA presenters, and volunteers supporting the Leadership Exchange Community, capstone projects, and Quarterly Mentorship Exchange. The program is primarily asynchronous. The Quarterly Mentorship Exchange is the live component and will be available during coursework and for one full year afterward. Attendance is optional and is not required for certificate completion.

Program Structure

Four Required Modules

  1. Welcome & Orientation
  2. The Practice of Communication
  3. The Practice of Leadership and Inclusion
  4. Presenting with Purpose

Each Module Includes

  • Leadership Checkpoints
  • “What I Learned” summaries
  • Closing faculty reflections
  • Research Administrator Round Tables
  • Required posts in the Leadership Exchange Community

Enrichment Sessions: NCURA Volunteer and Leadership Pathways & Breathing for Balance

Optional enrichment sessions provide additional opportunities for wellness, reflection, professional growth, and connection to the broader NCURA volunteer and leadership community.

Capstone Project: Written or Video Presentation

Participants will create a case study, video, or article to post in the Leadership Exchange Community. Selected projects may be featured in the NCURA app or NCURA Magazine.

Each year, 20 capstone projects will be selected for Capstone Collection: 20 Standouts in Leadership, an annual PDF publication shared with the full NCURA membership.

Course Length

Approximately 15 hours total:

  • 11 hours of coursework
  • 1 hour of community posting
  • 3-hour capstone project
  • Optional enrichment sessions

A certificate is issued upon completion of Modules I–IV and the capstone project.

Pricing

$250

For NCURA members and those who are not NCURA members—yet!

Registration

Coming November 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Leadership in Research Administration Certificate Program?
This online certificate program provides practical leadership development for research administrators through self-paced learning, peer engagement, mentoring, and a capstone project.
How long does the program take?
The program includes approximately 15 hours of learning completed over four months. Participants may progress through the coursework at their own pace.
Is the program live or self-paced?
The coursework is self-paced and available online. Participants may also choose to participate in quarterly Mentorship Exchange sessions held virtually.
Who should enroll?
The program is designed for research administrators at all career stages, including emerging leaders, managers, directors, and experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership skills.
What topics are covered?

The program includes modules focused on:

  • Communication and Emotional Intelligence
  • Communication Styles and Inclusion
  • Networking and Relationship Building
  • Leadership and Change Management
  • Leading Teams and Creating Inclusive Environments
  • Presenting with Purpose
What is the Leadership Exchange Community?
The Leadership Exchange is an exclusive NCURA community available to program participants during the course and for one year after completion. Participants share reflections, discuss leadership topics, network with peers, and post their capstone projects.
What is the Mentorship Exchange?
The Mentorship Exchange consists of quarterly virtual mentoring sessions that bring participants together with experienced leaders for discussion, networking, and professional development.
Are there assignments?
Participants complete short knowledge checks, reflection activities, and discussion prompts throughout the program.
Is there a final project?
Yes. Participants complete a capstone project that allows them to apply what they have learned to a real-world leadership topic in research administration.
What are the capstone project options?

Participants may choose to:

  • Develop a leadership case study based on a real-world challenge.
  • Write a professional article or create a video exploring leadership concepts and practical applications in research administration.
Do I have to share my capstone project?
Yes. Participants post their capstone project in the Leadership Exchange Community as part of the completion requirements.
Can my project be featured by NCURA?
Selected capstone projects may be featured on the NCURA app, in NCURA Magazine, or included in the annual Capstone Collection: 20 Standouts in Leadership.
Why did NCURA create this program?
NCURA recognizes that leadership skills are increasingly important in research administration, regardless of title or role. This program was created to provide practical leadership development tailored specifically to the profession while remaining accessible to individuals and institutions across the research community.
What makes this program different from other leadership programs?
This program was developed specifically for research administrators and combines self-paced learning, peer engagement, mentoring opportunities, and practical application. Participants learn from experienced NCURA leaders while building lasting connections through the Leadership Exchange Community.
Is the program affordable?

High-Impact Leadership Development. Accessible Pricing.

NCURA believes leadership development should be within reach for every research administrator. That is why this program is designed to provide practical, meaningful leadership training at a price point that makes participation possible for individuals and institutions alike.

What are the requirements for earning the certificate?

To earn the certificate, participants must:

  • Complete the required modules.
  • Complete associated knowledge checks.
  • Participate in required reflection activities.
  • Submit and share a capstone project.
How long do I have access to the Leadership Exchange Community?
Participants receive access during the program and for one year following completion.
Do I need prior leadership experience?
No. The program is designed to support participants at every stage of their leadership journey, from emerging leaders to experienced professionals.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete all program requirements will receive an NCURA Certificate of Completion in Leadership in Research Administration.