2025 AAJA Executive Leadership Program (ELP) Application

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The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is for journalists and media professionals who are interested in advancing their careers and developing the skills necessary to achieve their professional and personal goals. ELP offers a challenging, practical, and life-changing experience.

This is not a typical program about how to become a better manager; it is a transformational journey designed to develop emerging journalism leaders capable of navigating unpredictable challenges and building a sustainable future for the industry.

The program explores the responsibilities and challenges within a media workplace, how to lead in a changing landscape, and how cultural values influence leadership. Experienced career coaches and senior news executives guide participants as they delve into a variety of topics in a small, supportive environment.

The trainings are highly-interactive and participants will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects and questions such as:
 

  • How do leadership styles across various cultures affect our work?
  • How can we deconstruct corporate culture to find paths to success and overcome barriers?
  • In what ways do my background and passion impact my work?
  • How does digital media impact the industry and what is my role in it?
  • How can I meaningfully contribute to the industry and my community?
  • What lessons can be learned from established and emerging media markets? 


    Participants will also explore perspectives on and gain concrete approaches to:
 

  • Diversity and culture in the workplace
  • Leadership skills, styles, and opportunities 
  • Power, politics, and influence
  • Professional and career goal setting
  • Personal branding and confidence
  • Negotiation tactics 


QUALIFICATIONS

Individuals with four to seven years of experience are encouraged to apply. Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Acceptance into the program may be contingent upon an interview.
 

LOGISTICS

The 2025 ELP sessions will be held both in person and virtually. Participants are required to attend all live and virtual sessions. They are also responsible for having all the technology needed to attend the virtual trainings, including a computer, webcam, and a strong internet connection.
 

2025 Sessions (all times are for the Eastern Time Zone)

In-person Opening Session: Wednesday through Saturday, April 23-26, in Washington, D.C.
Virtual Sessions: Monthly two-hour sessions from May through July. Times and dates TBD.  
In-person Closing Session: Wednesday, July 30, during AAJA's National Convention in Seattle, Washington.

TUITION AND PAYMENT

Tuition for ELP is $1,750 for AAJA members and $2,250 for non-members. It includes the costs of training materials, meals during in-person sessions, and basic registration for the 2025 AAJA National Convention.
 

Applicants accepted to ELP must pay for the program by April 15. For those who need it, there will be an option to pay the tuition in two payments. Applicants who cancel their registration after April 15 will not receive a refund.

Those in need of financial assistance may reach out to their employers or local AAJA chapter leadership (AAJA members only).
 

HOW TO APPLY

You must be a professional working actively in the journalism and media industry to apply for the program.

Fill out the application below for the U.S. ELP Cohort.
 

Applications are due by Friday, February 28 at 11:59 PM PT. Please note that space is very limited.

Attach the following documents to the form:
    • A résumé or link to your LinkedIn profile
    • A professional, high-resolution color photo
    • A letter of recommendation from a supervisor (OPTIONAL)
    • A short 40-word biography

    Contact AAJA HQ at https://www.aaja.org/about/contact/ with any questions.

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.