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The National Association of State Foresters Foundation (NASFF), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, is offering fellowships for State Foresters or their senior staff to attend the 2021 Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government: Leading Resilient Communities at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. While historically a three week in person program, the 2021 program will be an online two week Zoom Session (June 21 to July 2) for four hours per day. While the in-person program has unique attributes, the 2021 online course will allow more access and less time commitment for NASF members.
We encourage all State Foresters and their senior staff to consider this opportunity to participate. Participation in this program will allow natural resources professionals to interact with a uniquely innovative, diverse and dedicated group of people from a wide range of public sectors – both elected and career. Previous State Forester attendees testify to this program’s benefits and positive impacts to their career development and leadership skills.
In a time of crisis and upheaval, state and local governments have never been more pivotal or more strained. States and municipalities – already pushed to their limits and facing enormous challenges – have been on the front lines of COVID-response, while facing historic budget crises. And after a season of urgent response, leaders of state and local governments must plan for recovery in the face of a highly uncertain future. Over two weeks, led by Harvard professor, author, and political consultant David King, participants will analyze and discuss cases and frameworks spanning a variety of topics, including crisis management, rebuilding communities, and leveraging connections – within government and beyond.
Each session is designed to provoke, illuminate, and define challenges and emerging solutions. You will be challenged by a rigorous curriculum and cutting-edge content focused on:
- Developing new conceptual frameworks for addressing policy issues.
- Honing your crisis management skills and planning for future challenges
- Understanding and leveraging connections – across and within governments, with NGOs, and with the private sector – to maximize crisis response and recovery
- Creating a network of peers from around the country
Attaching is a draft schedule for the program. Please visit their website which has some general information on content plus a new video from David King, giving an overview of the online program.
Who Should Apply?
Applicants are restricted to State Foresters and their senior staff. State Foresters will have priority. Applicants should have significant experience with the analysis of complex public policy issues, management and allocation of public resources, and oversight of personnel and performance as well as responsibility for interaction with other agencies, organizations and elected officials.
Application Process
Applicants should submit a completed application, current resume and letter of recommendation to the NASF Foundation by May 21, 2021. The application form is attached.
The NASF Foundation Fellow will be chosen by a selection committee designated by the NASF Foundation Board of Directors and a representative from the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry. The Harvard Director of the State and Local Program will review the applicant's information and verify their eligibility to participate prior to final selection. The successful applicant will be notified by June 4th, 2021.
For More Information: Michael Buck - NASF Foundation Vice Chairman for Investments
mbuck@hawaii.rr.com
Mailing Address for Applications: (Do Not Mail to Harvard!)
National Association of State Foresters Foundation
RE: Senior Executives in State and Local Government Fellowship
444 North Capitol Street NW Suite 387
Washington, D.C. 20001
Application Instructions
There are two parts to the Harvard Fellowship Executive Education application:
o Part One asks for general contact information (see attached).
o Part Two asks questions on your education and employment, professional training, and organizational information. Part Two also includes three short essay questions.
Questions in Part Two of the Executive Education application (answers may be taken from a current resume or Curriculum Vitae):
o List the last five positions you have held, beginning with the most recent. Treat different assignments in the same organization as separate positions. Please include the name of the organization, position, starting date and ending date for each.
o Please list all degrees earned, beginning with the most recent. Include the granting college/university, degree, year granted and major for each.
o Please list all relevant formal professional training you have had over the last ten years. Please include program title, institution, and dates attended for each course.
o In regard to your current organization, please specify:
o the number of employees in organization
o the number of employees under your direct supervision
o the annual operating budget of organization (if applicable)
o what portion of the budget you are responsible for
Essay questions in Part Two of the Executive Education application:
Please respond carefully and completely to the essay questions below. Our programs tend to have more applicants than can be accommodated, and the following questions are a key component in the selection process. Please limit your response to each of the essay questions below to 250 words.
o At your current position, what are your specific duties and responsibilities? Describe the functions or services provided by your organization. If you are an elected official, please describe your committee assignments or size of jurisdiction.
o Please describe the most significant strategic challenges in your work.
o Please describe your immediate and long-term career goals. How will attending this program help you to achieve them?