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JTA University Leadership Development Program

Preparing Future Leaders

The JTA University Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a 12-month program where participants learn skills necessary to support the needs of the Authority and the communities we serve in preparation for the future. The goal of the LDP is to prepare leaders who is in an Assistant Manager and above position to exemplify the character and integrity expected of JTA professionals, while examining the various components necessary to become efficient and effective leaders.

Leadership Development Program Graduation

Engagement

Participants will gain new insights in the Authority’s strategies and goals, increase effectiveness of working relationships, improve communication skills, create and lead innovative processes, and discover how to better contribute to the Authority’s success. They will engage in activities and discussion that embody the core values of Team Excellence, Equity, Affordability, Collaboration, and Agile Innovation to meet the goals of the Authority.

LDP Photo2

While in the program, participants are expected to attend essential meetings, engage in mentoring and coaching, shadow EVP and Senior VPs, participate in other activities that are assigned, and complete a Capstone Project.

Program Eligibility

JTA employees must meet all of the following criteria in order to be eligible for the review process.

  • Specific Employment Level

    Must currently be an Assistant Manager or above (Grade 3 and up).

  • Full Participation

    Must be committed to invest the necessary time to participate in the program.

  • Fully Engaged

    Must be willing to participate in monthly meetings and events.

  • Collaboration & Implementation

    Must be willing to meet regularly with direct leadership to reflect and apply leadership learning developed in the program.

  • Be in good employee standing

    Meet and exceeds performance standards without any formal disciplinary action.

  • Positive Attitude

    Have an encouraging and optimistic approach.

Get Started

Learn More About LDP

JTA University presents the Leadership Development Program. You may have questions about the best place to start, take a look at the "Frequently Asked Questions".

  • Who is eligible for the program?
  • Which divisions and departments will be a part of the rotation?
  • What is the length of the program? 
  • How will I know I was selected?
FAQ

Complete the Application

To apply, complete the following:

  • JTA University Leadership Development Program Application (get started below)
  • Leadership essay
  • Letters of Recommendation​ (one from a Manager/Director/AVP/VP/SVP/EVP and one from a peer within the Authority)
  • A copy of the most recent Annual Performance Appraisal

The submission window will close November 30 at 11:59 pm for the 2025 JTA Leadership Development Program Cohort.

Note: Employees must have at least 2 years of employment with JTA and cannot be on a performance corrective action plan ​nor have any disciplinary actions within the last year.

Selection Process

The selection process includes a review of your application, supporting documents, and a presentation. Guidelines for the presentation will be provided after application submission.

  1. Essay

    A review of the Leadership Essay.

  2. Recommendations

    A review of the Recommendation Letters.

  3. Performance Appraisal

    A review of the your Annual Performance Appraisal of the current year.

  4. Presentation

    An interview and presentation with SVPs.

2025 JTA University Leadership Development Program Application

 

About the Program

The JTA University Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a 12-month program where participants learn skills necessary to support the needs of the Authority and the communities we serve in preparation for the future.

Participants will engage in activities and discussion that embody the core values of Team Excellence, Equity, Affordability, Collaboration, and Agile Innovation to meet the goals of the Authority.

Personal Data
Recommendations

Upload a recommendation letter from each of the following:
1.) Manager/Director/AVP/VP/SVP/EVP
2.) A peer at JTA

Leadership Essay

Please describe your leadership qualities or capabilities, including your strengths and areas that need improvement. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you hope to gain from participating in the JTA Leadership Development Program? How do your leadership capabilities align with the JTA MOVE2027 Plan, and why should you be selected?

The leadership essay must be a minimum of 500 words using Times New Roman, 12-Point font, and double-spaced.

Annual Performance Appraisal

Please upload a copy of the most recent Annual Performance Appraisal.

Acknowledgement
Declaration of Commitment

I understand the requirements of the JTA Leadership Development Program and If I am selected, I will devout my time and resources necessary to complete the program. I also understand that I will be required to complete alternative assignments where necessary even using unpaid personal time. I acknowledge that if I miss two sessions, I may be asked to withdraw from the Program. I understand that the attire is business unless otherwise stated and travel may be required.


Manager’s/Director’s/AVP’s/VP's/SVP’s/EVP's Acknowledgement

I acknowledge I have informed my Manager/Director/AVP/VP/SVP/EVP and have been given their full support.


Consent