The Frontline Supervisor Program offered through Duke's Professional Development Academy focuses on developing newly and/or recently appointed Duke staff who are entry-level, frontline supervisors (team leaders, administrative leads, shift supervisors, etc.) and are new to coordinating, directing and planning the work of others. The program provides a structured development program in the areas of business acumen, people management, project management and selected supervisory competencies.
Application Period
Participant Applications will be accepted through July 6, 2026.
Target Audience
- High-performing Duke staff who are newly appointed supervisors with up to two years of experience,
- who have direct responsibility for coordinating, directing and planning the work of other staff, and
- who have been identified by his/her manager as a person who would benefit from structured, ongoing supervisory development.
- 2022 FLS Scholars
- 2023 FLS Scholars
- 2025 FLS Scholars
Goal
To develop and retain high-performing supervisory/management staff at Duke and to enhance intrapersonal, interpersonal and organizational awareness
Program Features
- Classes will include a variety of topics designed to facilitate participants’ knowledge and skill of intrapersonal, groups and teams, and organizational dynamics.
- Coursework with immediate application to the work environment.
- Individual and 360-degree assessment and development planning.
- Manager's Role
- Agree to allow staff to participate as part of their regular work schedule
- Managers actively support training and coaching of participants
- Managers will complete assessments
- Managers will identify and/or create developmental assignments within the department
- Managers will empower self-directed learning
- Manager will partner with participant to identify an appropriate next level up mentor
- Mentor's Role
- Conduct monthly meetings
- Actively provide support throughout the program
Selection Criteria and Process
The Frontline Supervisor program will include a diverse class of up to 25 participants. The following are the minimum requirements to be considered for the program:
- Full-time Duke employee with a minimum of three years continuous service
- Actively serving in an entry-level supervisory role where you have direct responsibility for directing the work of people
- Two or less years of experience in the supervisory role
- Performance, currently in good standing as defined by the department, with "fully achieves or meets standards"
- Nomination and full endorsement from current manager, including the completion of the FLS application and a recommendation letter.
- Full endorsement from department/unit leader, with completion of recommendation letter
- Completed FLS application must be submitted no later than July 6, 2026.