Developing Leaders at Every Level of Youth-Serving Organizations
Level Up Leadership is NSPN’s multi-tiered leadership development series designed specifically for youth-serving organizations. Whether participants are new supervisors, mid-level managers, senior directors, or executive leaders, Level Up Leadership provides a pathway for growth, confidence, and impact. Each tier builds leadership capacity, strengthens organizational practice, and equips professionals to support teams serving youth and families.
About Level Up Leadership
Youth-serving organizations thrive when leaders at every level feel prepared, supported, and confident. Level Up Leadership brings together NSPN’s full suite of leadership training opportunities, offering a progression of learning experiences that mirror the leadership journey—from emerging manager to executive decision-maker.
The series is designed to be flexible:
Participants may begin at the level that aligns with their role or engage in the full pathway for comprehensive leadership development.
Training Format
Most Level Up Leadership offerings are delivered as virtual, instructor-led sessions, allowing participants from across the country to learn together in an accessible, interactive environment. These programs include multiple sessions designed to support learning, reflection, and real-world application.
The Executive Leadership Retreat (ELR) is the exception within the series and is held in person, offering an immersive experience designed for executive-level leaders.
Some offerings may also be available in customized or on-site formats for agencies or communities.
Full schedules, session counts, and delivery details are provided with each training announcement.
What Participants Gain
Across the Leadership Series, participants learn to:
Lead with clarity, confidence,
and purpose
Strengthen communication and build healthy team cultures
Navigate personnel challenges and
day-to-day supervision needs
Understand organizational dynamics and decision-making
Apply ethical and relational approaches to leadership
Equip organizations to deliver stable, consistent, high-quality services for youth and families
Each tier includes interactive practice, practical tools, peer discussion, and real-world application.
Leadership Development Opportunities Within the Level Up Leadership Series
Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI)
For new supervisors, team leads, and emerging leaders
ELI supports professionals transitioning from direct care roles into leadership positions. Participants learn foundational skills for supervision, communication, decision-making, and balancing team needs with organizational expectations.
Focus Areas:
- Understanding leadership styles
- Effective communication & coaching
- Basics of supervision
- Managing role transitions
- Building confidence in new leadership roles
-
Ideal for: First-time supervisors, coordinators, team leads, and staff preparing for leadership positions.
Mid-Level Leadership Institute (MLI)
For current supervisors, managers, and mid-level leaders
This training deepens leadership capacity, strengthens consistency within programs, and provides practical tools for navigating complex personnel and program responsibilities.
Focus Areas:
- Supervising diverse teams
- Conflict navigation & difficult conversations
- Staff performance, accountability, and support
- Leading through organizational change
- Strengthening program operations and quality
-
Ideal for: Program managers, seasoned supervisors, coordinators with increased responsibility, and leaders seeking to strengthen daily management skills.
Executive Edge
For senior leaders preparing for executive roles
Executive Edge supports leaders stepping into high-level roles where strategy, resource development, organizational culture, and external relationships are key.
Focus Areas:
- Executive decision-making
- Managing organizational risk & responsibility
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Board communication and public representation
- Navigating competing priorities
Ideal for: Directors, high-level managers, and leaders preparing for executive responsibilities.
Executive Leadership Retreat (ELR)
For executive directors, CEOs, and senior executives
ELR is NSPN’s invitation-only executive development experience, focused on high-level leadership, organizational health, national trends, and the unique responsibilities of executive roles.
Focus Areas:
- National landscape of youth services
- Organizational sustainability and long-term strategy
- Executive communication, stewardship, and influence
- Peer consultation and high-level problem-solving
Ideal for: Executive leaders seeking renewal, clarity, and connection with a national network of peers.
Why Level Up Leadership Matters
Strong leaders strengthen teams, stabilize organizations, and improve the services youth and families receive.
By investing in leadership development at every organizational level, Level Up Leadership:
- Supports workforce stability
- Strengthens program consistency and quality
- Improves team morale and professional confidence
- Helps organizations navigate change
- Ensures youth receive care grounded in skill, ethics, and professionalism
Pricing
- Emerging Leaders Institute: $300 NSPN Members | $400 Non-Members
- Mid-Level Leadership Institute: watch site for updates
- Executive Edge: watch site for updates
- Executive Leadership Retreat: Pricing varies based on retreat structure
(Prices may vary for group contracts or customized on-site delivery.)
Who Should Participate
This series is ideal for anyone in a youth-serving organization who provides leadership at any level, including:
- New supervisors and team leaders
- Mid-level managers and program directors
- Senior directors and decision-makers
- Executive directors, CEOs, and top-level leaders
- Professionals preparing to move into leadership role
Registration & Details
Upcoming Level Up Leadership sessions will be announced as they are scheduled.
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