Chair
Announcements
The application period for the 2024-2025 session was paused as the program was retooled. Please consider application beginning in March 2025 for the 2025-2026 session.
Program Details
Program Details
Dates
Overview
Eligibility
Application Information
SMS Alumni
Dates for 2025-2026 session are as follows:
Virtual kick-off (synchronous):
- October 2, 2025
Module 1. Strategic Analysis.
- October 8, 2025 – December 4, 2025 (asynchronous)
- Virtual Workshop 1: December 4, 2025 (synchronous)
Module 2. Growth Strategy.
- December 5, 2025 – January 29, 2026 (asynchronous)
- Virtual check-in (synchronous): January 8, 2026 (synchronous)
- Virtual Workshop 2: January 29, 2026 (synchronous)
Module 3. Strategy Planning.
- January 30, 2026 – March 26, 2026 (asynchronous)
- Virtual Workshop 3: March 23, 2026 (synchronous)
In-Person Capstone Event and Graduation (Rosslyn, VA):
- March 25-26, 2026
The NAMIC Strategic Management Series Program is designed to cultivate essential leadership competencies critical to driving organizational success in today's competitive landscape. Through a structured approach, participants will develop skills in three core areas:
- Strategic Thinking. Â In Module 1, Strategy Analysis, participants learn to evaluate and leverage organizational strengths, manage stakeholder relationships effectively, and identify market opportunities. This foundational module empowers leaders to align objectives with stakeholder needs, strengthening their ability to position the organization competitively.
- Growth Orientation. Â Module 2, Growth Strategy, provides a deep dive into the dynamics of sustainable growth and risk management. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of growth alternatives and learn to evaluate associated risks, equipping them to drive expansion without overextending resources.
- Decision-Making and Innovation. Â Module 3, Strategy Planning, introduces leaders to agile methodologies, such as rapid prototyping and the business model canvas. These tools support innovative problem-solving and quick adaptation, helping leaders test, refine, and implement ideas swiftly to meet evolving market demands.
Through this program, participants will gain the ability to think strategically, manage complex stakeholder relationships, prioritize sustainable growth, and foster an environment of innovation. Graduates of the NAMIC Strategic Management Series Program will be well-prepared to navigate complex business environments, make informed decisions, and lead forward-thinking strategies that ensure organizational resilience and long-term success.
To thrive in today’s evolving business landscape, leaders must cultivate the resources and capabilities necessary to gain and sustain a competitive edge in both traditional and emerging markets. This program is designed to support leaders who are ready to refine their strategic approach, broaden their perspective, and drive sustainable growth in their organizations.
Ideal candidates include:
- Professionals working closely with top organizational leadership and their teams to shape strategy, align key objectives, and drive transformative impact.
- Leaders in strategy, product development, innovation, or marketing seeking to enhance their strategic thinking and spark innovative solutions.
- Individuals responsible for assessing industry trends and spearheading growth initiatives within their organizations.
- Active NAMIC membership (open to individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds).
- A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in developing and executing business strategies.
- Current or previous experience at the director, senior director, or vice president level (or equivalent roles demonstrating significant strategic responsibility).
- Please complete the online application in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Acceptance into any of NAMIC's professional development programs is competitive; thus, submitting an application form does not necessarily guarantee admission into any NAMIC program.
- All applications undergo a review process. Attention is given to every aspect of an application. The evaluation of current and past achievements, letters of recommendation, and your statement of purpose are all taken into consideration.
- All of the information collected is strictly confidential and will be used exclusively in making program enrollment decisions.
- Upon acceptance into the program, the applicant is required to settle the fee upon receipt of the billing. Cancellations made less than 30 days before the program commences will incur a 50% charge of the total tuition fee. The organization/applicant will be liable for the entire program fee if a written cancellation request (submitted to programs@namic.com) is received within 14 days of the program's start. No refunds will be issued for partial participation.
- Participation in the kickoff webinar is mandatory and critical to your success in the program.
Program Description
The NAMIC Strategic Management Series is a premier program designed specifically for leaders in the media, entertainment, and technology sectors. This series equips participants with practical tools to navigate and assess the industry's evolving business landscape, formulate growth strategies, and craft impactful business plans. Leveraging exclusive insights from NAMIC and UVA Darden, the program harnesses the power of diverse thought and inclusion, equipping leaders with the perspectives and strategies needed to drive innovation and inclusive decision-making in today’s evolving business landscape.