Launched in 1994, the Professional Development Program (PDP) was created to strengthen UCLA’s leadership pipeline by preparing talented staff to step into future leadership roles. This one-year leadership development experience offers participants meaningful opportunities to grow professionally, expand leadership capabilities, build cross-campus networks and gain deeper insight into UCLA’s structure, operations and culture.
By investing in the development of emerging leaders, PDP supports UCLA’s succession-planning efforts and helps ensure the University’s continued success. Participants apply what they learn within their current roles, bringing enhanced skills, broader perspective and the ability to contribute more strategically to their teams and departments.
A strong partnership among participants, supervisors and the PDP manager is central to the program’s success. Supervisors can expect participants to dedicate approximately 10–12 hours of paid release time per month to program activities. There is no cost to either the department or the participant.
PDP is offered in a hybrid format, with meetings, workshops and events conducted both virtually via Zoom and in person on campus. Participants must be able to engage online and travel to campus for select sessions and events.
Program Components
Leadership Retreats
Held at the beginning and end of the program year, retreats provide a foundation for leadership development while fostering strong professional networks among participants.
Monthly Seminars
Interactive, skill-building workshops are held on the third Thursday of each month. Seminars support successful completion of program requirements and build readiness for leadership roles at UCLA.
Mentoring
Each participant is paired with a senior UCLA leader and meets with their mentor for at least one hour per month over a six-month period beginning in November.
Capstone Project
Participants complete an individual capstone project focused on improving a process, solving a problem or delivering a meaningful benefit to their department.
Consultation Teams
Participants are assigned to small consultation teams of five to six peers. Teams provide ongoing support, consultation and feedback throughout the program and deliver a final group presentation highlighting capstone project outcomes.
Leadership & Performance Coaching
Participants meet with the program manager at least three times during the year to receive individualized leadership development and performance coaching.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The Professional Development Program is committed to providing development opportunities that reflect and support individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities and experiences. We acknowledge that bias, discrimination and oppression can impact professional and career development. We are committed to reviewing and assessing our program curriculum, content and facilitation, as well as administration and management, to continually work toward a more equitable, diverse and inclusive learning environment that supports dignity and advancement for all.
The program information folder includes descriptions of the program components and expectations for participants, supervisors and the program PDP manager. The program is dynamic and responsive to university and participant needs, consequently, program components and details may change in 2026-2027.
Eligibility Requirements
- Full-time career employment at UCLA in the following payroll title levels:
- Professional & Support Staff (PSS) Grades 2-6
- Career Tracks titles in the Professional categories 3-5
- Career Tracks titles in the Supervisory 2 category
- A list of (many, not all) eligible titles can be found HERE. If you are unsure if your title is eligible for PDP, please reach out to the program manager to confirm.
- At least one year of service at UCLA as of August 1, 2026, is required. At least one year of service in current role is preferred.
- Departmental support for participation (direct supervisor and department head).
- Selected participants must have access to Zoom, a computer with a camera and microphone, and a private space to participate in remote meetings.
- Selected participants must be able to travel to and attend workshops and other events on campus and in person.
- Applications from ineligible staff will not be considered.
Program Timeline
- Recruitment begins March 2, 2026. The selection committee reviews applications and recommends selected staff for in-person interviews. A final cohort is selected and notified in June.
- Orientation and the opening retreats are held in August.
- Program activities and events are attended throughout the year and a final celebration is held in June 2027.
Application Submission Process
The PDP application includes the participant application, (applicant’s information, a number of personal response questions and resume), and a supervisor recommendation.
The Professional Development Program application can be accessed HERE. The application period closes on April 3, 2026.
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- In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, PDP will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Requests can be fulfilled more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the application deadline. Direct accommodation requests to the PDP manager.
For additional information contact:
Kelsey Duff
Professional & Career Development Portfolio Manager
Campus Human Resources, Learning & Organizational Development
Email: kduff@chr.ucla.edu
