Fellowship for Leadership Development Overview

The Fellowship for Leadership Development is a two-year program that combines on-the-job experience with formal management training.  Fellows are blind individuals who demonstrate leadership competence and a high potential to succeed and prosper in a management position. At the completion of the fellowship, successful fellows will find professional managerial positions within NIB and the network of NIB associated agencies.

How Does the Fellowship for Leadership Development Work?

Both the experienced-based learning and formal training will provide opportunities in the area of business management and leadership. The foundation for the fellows’ professional development is the ten business leader competencies which serve as the basis for the fellows’ professional development.  Fellows can expect to have up to three consecutive job assignments, each lasting eight months. The assignments will be varied management-related positions for hands-on work experience.  During the two-year fellowship, there will be a number of training workshops which will focus on such topics as budgeting and financial management, human resources, marketing, business law, quality assurance, business technology, operations management, planning, communications and risk management.  Also, fellows will attend professional and trade conferences. 

Who Can Participate in the Fellowship?

Legally blind individuals who have an undergraduate degree, work experience, desire to travel, and a passion to become a business leader.

Why Participate?

·        Advance your career through a variety of challenging and rewarding assignments at progressive agencies and organizations within the blindness community;

·        Learn business management skills with a group of motivated and talented peers;

·        Build a personal and professional network of managers and professionals throughout the blindness, business, and government communities;

·        Earn a competitive salary—with insurance and benefits—from NIB for the duration of the fellowship; and

·        Secure a responsible position within NIB or an NIB associated agency at the successful completion of the fellowship.

How are Candidates Chosen?

Fellows were selected by a committee based on academic achievement, experience, motivation, references, personal interviews and other supporting data. 

Will There Be a New Group of Fellows?

Nationwide recruitment for the 2008 Fellowship for Leadership Development will begin Spring 2007.  Check the NIB website for the announcement, including the application form and more detailed information about the application process.

NIB Associated Agencies Can Participate Now

If NIB Agencies are interested in partnering with us and serving as a host agency for the Fellowship, please let us know.  The success of the NIB Fellowship will continue only with quality training and development opportunities, and the host organizations play a critically important role.

Host application for NIB associated agencies

NIB Fellowship summary of host guidelines

For more information, contact Karen Pal, Manager, Business Leaders Program by phone at (703) 310-0515 or by email at kpal@nib.org.

National Industries for the Blind is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.