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Applications open for Aurora Leadership Development Programme

19 Oct 2022

We are looking for nominations for the national Aurora Leadership Development Programme for colleagues who identify as women (Advance HE)

Since its launch in 2013, we have supported 92 talented women from our University through the programme.

This year we are inviting applications for our maximum institutional allocation of 16 places.

We welcome applications from women from all staff groups (academic and PS), and from all functions and Faculties. The Aurora programme is designed to support women into leadership roles rather than for those who are already in a leadership role. Therefore, we welcome applications up to senior lecturer level or professional services equivalent who wish to develop their leadership skills and potential. We will prioritise applicants with limited leadership development.

Aurora is a key initiative to address the under-representation of women leaders in higher education. The Aurora programme aims to enable a wider range of women to think of themselves as future leaders, providing a positive experience of leadership and encouraging participants to recognise their talent and capabilities, develop the skills they will need and to ‘step-up’ to future leadership posts.

What Aurora covers

The Aurora programme focuses on core areas associated with leadership success:

  • Understanding organisations and the sector
  • Developing leadership behaviours, skills and knowledge
  • Identifying and overcoming barriers and obstacles
  • Growing confidence and a leadership identity
  • Building networks, coalitions, and support processes

Aurora participants will attend four development days (at approximately monthly intervals); peer support through action learning sets (ALS’s) organised and delivered locally, and will be paired with a senior Manchester mentor, many of whom are Aurora Alumni themselves.

Aurora Champion and Aurora Alumna, Professor Rachel Cowen (University Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), who champions the programme, says: "Aurora was a powerful and career-enhancing experience for me affirming my beliefs in my leadership potential and giving me the confidence as a part-time academic to apply for a senior leadership role.

"It’s a privilege to champion the programme so that it can enable a diverse range of women to step up to leadership."

Find out more