The Wildlife Society (TWS) is currently accepting applications for its Leadership Institute. The Institute’s goal is to facilitate development of new leaders within TWS and the wildlife profession. The Institute will recruit 10-15 promising early-career professionals for a series of intensive activities and mentoring relationships. The focus will be on exposing the participants to the inner workings of TWS and increasing the number of active leaders in TWS and the wildlife profession.

From May until October, participants will engage in a series of activities to develop and expand their leadership skills. Institute members will also attend the TWS Annual Conference in Portland (October 12-17, 2012) and participate in various activities, including mentoring and leadership workshop sessions. The Institute is free, and participants also receive free registration and a travel grant for the conference.

Participation in the Institute is geared toward early-career professionals, individuals 2 to 3 years out of school (either undergraduate or graduate school), currently working full-time in a wildlife professional position, and with demonstrated evidence of their leadership potential. A small number of slots may also be available for (1) more recent graduates who have shown strong evidence of their leadership potential or (2) those who are working while concurrently pursuing a graduate degree. All applicants must be members of TWS and a Chapter or Section of TWS. The selection committee will be seeking to create a diverse group, with participants of varying gender, ethnic, and regional diversity. Selection will be based upon:

• An excellent academic record
• Demonstrated leadership capability or potential
• Demonstrated level of excellence in current position
• Commitment to and involvement in TWS

Preference will be given to individuals who are certified as Associate Wildlife Biologists® or Certified Wildlife Biologists®, or who have submitted such an application to TWS.

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Application form (available at http://joomla.wildlife.org/leadershipinstitute/)
• Cover letter with evidence of leadership capacity or potential, such as previous leadership positions held in TWS Chapters or Student Chapters or in other organizations
• Résumé including a list of publications, awards, etc.

• Academic transcript/s (scanned copy)
• 2 letters of recommendation from supervisors, academic advisors, professors, or others in leadership positions with whom you have worked and who are familiar with your leadership potential, commitment to TWS, and commitment to wildlife management and conservation
  • Letters should be e-mailed directly to: Christine Carmichael (ccarmichael@wildlife.org), subject line “Leadership Institute Recommendation for [applicant last name]”
• An essay (1000 word limit), which succinctly summarizes (1) your concept of leadership, (2) your aspiration for your role within TWS in 5 to 10 years, and (3) why you are an ideal candidate for the Institute