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 succeed in the future, managers must develop the resources and capabilities needed to gain and sustain an advantage in competitive markets, both traditional and emerging. The program is ideal for the mid-career professional who formulates and executes business strategies from directors to vice presidents.
- An individual working with C-Suite leaders and their teams to design strategy, align the organization, and transform the organization's impact through its strategy
- Key decision-makers in strategy, product, innovation, or marketing who want to enhance their strategic skills and jumpstart their creativity
- An individual responsible for assessing industries and driving growth for their firms
- This program is open to active NAMIC members and individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds
- A minimum of 7 years of work experience in developing and executing strategy, having attained director, senior director, or vice president level
- 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 integrates a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering leaders to drive strategic initiatives that align with today’s inclusive leadership standards.