City Manager Emerging Leaders Academy (City of Savannah Employees Only)

City Manager’s Emerging Leaders Academy Cohort IV

Team Savannah, are you ready for more? Have you been wondering how to become competitive for leadership roles in the city and|or considered how to grow as a leader in your current role? The City Manager’s Emerging Leaders academy invites citywide employees to apply to be a member of the CMELA Cohort IV 2025. 

Eligibility:

-Employed with the City of Savannah one full calendar year.

-Hold any role up to and including Manager | Lieutenant | Advanced Fire Fighter.

Application Process:

Step 1: April 1, 2025 thru April 30, 2025:

Complete: Online application available under promotional openings. 

Attach: Letter of Recommendation from Supervisor & 2 others, Current Resume

Answer: 3 Questions

Write: 1 Paragraph Essay

Step 2: May 12, 2025 thru May 23, 2025

Complete a Spark Hire Interview.

Step 3: June 30, 2025

Citywide announcement of Cohort IV, Class of 2025 is sent from CM’s Office.

Learning Outcomes:

Employees will be able to:

1. Identify personal professional leadership values, styles, and priorities
2. Understand and apply the competencies of leadership in:
a. Managing and leading teams
b. Developing and achieving individual and strategic goals
c. Understanding City of Savannah policies and procedures
d. Communicating effectively internally and externally
e. Managing projects and programs
f. Leading change
g. Interviewing and applying for supervisory and leadership positions
h. Budget and operational processes
3. Develop and present powerful presentations regarding program improvement

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Employed with the City of Savannah one full year.
2. Supervisor recommendation and approval.
3. Hold a position of Manager|Advanced Firefighter|Lieutenant or below.

CMELA Completion Requirements:

*Attend 80% of all sessions. 

*Attend opening session and graduation.

*Active participation in class activities.

*Mentor meetings at least once a month from September thru December.

*Complete and present capstone project.

*Attend 1 Council meeting (virtual or in person) and submit attendance.

Selections will be announced June 30, 2025
Program requirements for those selected:

Program Dates 2025:

Program Kick-Off Friday, August 22^nd, 2025   9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Session 1   Friday, August 29^th, 2025   9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 2  Friday, September 5^th, 2025   9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 3  Friday, September 12^th, 2025   9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 4  Friday, September 19^th, 2025   9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 5  Friday, September 26^th, 2025  9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 6  Friday, October 10^th, 2025  9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 7  Friday, October 17^th, 2025  9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 8  Friday, October 24^th, 2025  9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 9  Friday, November 7^th, 2025  9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 10  Friday, November 14^th, 2025  9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 11**  Friday, November 21^st, 2025  9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Graduation Friday, December 12^th, 2025  9:00 am to 4:00 pm

**If needed.

Questions? Email:jblalock@savannahga.gov