Call for applications and nominations: 2019–20 Fellows Program

Do you see yourself or someone you’d recommend in a senior role in public horticulture or arts and cultural leadership? Are you—or are they—goal oriented, naturally curious, and someone who produces results?

Longwood Gardens is now accepting applications and nominations for our 2019–20 Fellows Program—a 13-month residential working and learning experience designed to further develop and refine high-potential individuals’ leadership skills. Our tuition-free program offers a monthly stipend, housing, pragmatic and individualized leader development opportunities, and immersion into the business of public horticulture as a part of the arts and cultural communities.

Program content is grounded in the disciplines of leadership, organizational behavior, and nonprofit management and begins with an introspective onboarding process that heightens participants’ self-awareness. The Program is designed similarly to the highest-quality leader development programs available today with 25% of the focus spent on text and case-based discussions, 35% spent on learning from regional and global public horticulture and cultural leaders, and 40% spent on pragmatic experiences gained via departmental immersion, a two-month field placement, and a collective cohort project.

The Fellows Program is guided by the legacy of visionary business leader Pierre S. du Pont and is grounded in the literature of experts within the disciplines of leadership, organizational behavior, and nonprofit management.

The ideal candidate is someone who has a bachelor’s degree and wants to serve—or is currently serving—in a leadership capacity within the public horticulture and/or cultural industry. Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate a high potential for professional growth, be readily endorsed by other professionals in their field, be proficient at reading and writing in English, and embody the following characteristics: Is committed to professional excellence; Demonstrates leadership competencies; Has deep intellectual curiosity; Is a collaborator; Possesses strong communication skills; Demonstrates adaptive interpersonal skills; Is intrinsically motivated; Works for the greater good; Represents diverse perspectives and backgrounds; Is visionary and innovative; Continuously develops oneself and others; Demonstrates commitment to public horticulture and the arts and cultural sector; Has 5+ years of work experience in public horticulture, arts and culture, or closely related field. Although not required, applicants may possess or be working toward a master’s or doctoral degree. Those individuals who meet the criteria listed above and find themselves transitioning between careers are also encouraged to apply.

The 2019–20 Fellows Program begins in June 2019. Cohort applications remain open through October 1, 2018 and can be accessed via longwoodgardens.fluidreview.com. If nominating someone, all nominations must be in by September 1, 2018 and sent to fellows [​at​] longwoodgardens.org.

“Since 1967, thousands of students from all over the world have participated in our education programs and have gone on to leadership roles in many of the world’s top horticultural institutions. The Fellows Program carries with it the legacy of its beginnings, with a consciousness of the fast-growing demands on leaders in our industry.” 
–Paul B. Redman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Longwood Gardens