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Leadership Coaching

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) Leadership Coaching Pilot Program is a tailored digital coaching experience aimed at empowering leaders to reach their fullest potential.

As part of the university's strategic commitment to investing in people and communities, this initiative represents a key investment in our leadership talent. Offering six months of personalized one-on-one coaching, the program focuses on nurturing essential leadership skills, behaviors, and capabilities to optimize the performance of staff leaders across various roles.

Blending traditional coaching techniques with dynamic digital experiences, the program is engineered to facilitate lasting behavioral change and make a meaningful impact. The DSA Leadership Coaching Pilot Program provides a customized and scalable approach to leadership development, designed to enhance performance, support well-being, and boost resilience and effectiveness in an ever-changing landscape. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic priorities, setting the stage for ongoing success and sustained growth where our staff can flourish.

Selection Criteria 

  • Position: The program is open to anyone with a vice president or director title and supervisors with full-time direct reports.
  • Time of Service: Have at least one full year of service in the Division of Student Affairs
  • Commitment: Applicants must be committed to personal and professional growth and demonstrate a willingness to engage in the coaching process actively.
  • Potential for Impact: Leaders should have a track record of positive contributions and a potential for making a significant impact on the organization.
  • Openness to Feedback: Applicants should be open to receiving constructive feedback and be willing to work on areas of improvement.
  • Time Availability: Participants should have sufficient time to engage in regular coaching sessions and implement insights from the coaching program.
  • Self-Motivated: Leaders should demonstrate a proactive approach to their development and a desire to enhance their leadership skills.

Coaching FAQs

For more information and questions, contact Earl Cabellon (ecabell@umd.edu), Interim Director for Staff Experience & Culture.

DSA has partnered with SoundingBoard, LLC to deliver world class coaching services through their platform. SoundingBoard, LLC uses technology and evidence based framework to enrich the coaching experience and provide a personalized path to growth.

SoundingBoard, LLC has a robust global network of coaches who are ICF (International Coaching Federation) certified, and trained. Participants will select a coach that matches their preferences based on experience, capabilities, and qualifications that feel right for them.

  • Provides 6-months (2 sessions a month) of personalized, confidential, 1-1 leadership coaching to DSA leaders with at least one full-time direct report.
  • Combines coaching with dynamic and personalized digital experiences to accelerate leaders' development and growth through a virtual leadership development platform.
  • develops leadership skills, built for lasting behavior change and impact.
  • Offers an individualized and scalable solution to develop strong leaders, support overall well-being, increase resilience and effectiveness to thrive and lead through change and ambiguity.
  • Gives DSA Leaders access to:
    • World-class expert coaching
    • Personalized continuous learning and development
    • Actionable insights and measurable results

Through participation in the program, DSA leaders will:

  • Gain support from a coach that guides and empowers them to thrive as individuals and inspire as leaders
  • Develop mindsets for growth and transformation
  • Foster self-awareness and introspection
  • Reduce stress levels, increase resilience, increase social connections
  • Increasing self-awareness and empathy
  • Developing better decision-making skills
  • Improving prioritization and goal setting
  • Improving ability to navigate conflict and workplace relationships
  • Expanding their impact and amplify their leadership skills through open communication, feedback, listening, and driving influence
  • Creating work-life balance that helps them feel more balanced
  • Building resilience while learning how to navigate challenges
  • Week of September 11 - Applications are open
  • Thursday, September 21 at 10 a.m. - Information session for those interested. RSVP
  • Friday, September 22 at 11 a.m. - Information session for those interested. RSVP
  • Monday, September 25 at 2 p.m. - Information session for those interested. RSVP
  • Friday, September 29 - Applications are due
  • Week of October 2  - Selection of coachees completed
  • Week of October 9 - Coachee onboarding
  • Week of October 23 - Coaching begins

No, you are not required to have approval from your direct supervisor, however, you should have a conversation with them. As a supervisor, they will be asked to provide their feedback during your coaching engagement. But, your coach will not be sharing your experience or conversation with your supervisor.  The coaching relationship is between you and your coach.

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