Develop Purpose-Driven Strategies for Sustainable Public Impact
Formulate strategies that align with organizational goals and stakeholder priorities. Apply structured frameworks to translate strategy into actionable plans and measurable objectives.
Individual Course
Course Length
4 weeks
4–5 hours per week
Featuring faculty from:
Harvard Kennedy School
Certificate Price:
$ 1,600
Apply by Sep 8, 2025
Apply NowCertificate Price:
$ 1,600
Apply by Sep 8, 2025
Apply NowJoin Harvard Kennedy School faculty and former Pentagon Chief of Staff Eric Rosenbach to learn how to develop strategies for public leadership success.
How do you execute a strategic initiative that has a long-lasting impact? Do you know how to effectively communicate your strategic approach, gathering input and support from key stakeholders? How will you anticipate and respond to scrutiny from shareholders, news media, and the public?
Leaders in government, non-profit, and education organizations face unique challenges when it comes to making strategic, business-oriented decisions. If not thoroughly planned and executed, these decisions have real consequences with high-stakes outcomes. What can we learn from world leaders and experts who have faced these monumental decisions? How can you build a high performing team to successfully execute strategic ideas?
In Strategy Execution for Public Leadership, former United States Pentagon Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security Eric Rosenbach will lead you through real-life public sector challenges, showing you how a purpose-driven strategy execution framework can lead to long-term adoption and success.
Instructor-Paced
HBS Online
Industries:
Harvard Case Method Premium Learning
Develop Purpose-Driven Strategies for Sustainable Public Impact
Formulate strategies that align with organizational goals and stakeholder priorities. Apply structured frameworks to translate strategy into actionable plans and measurable objectives.
Lead High-Performing Teams and Navigate Complex Challenges
Build leadership skills to inspire teams and manage resources under pressure. Assess risks and develop contingency plans to respond confidently to crises.
Communicate Strategically for Public Trust and Support
Develop compelling messages to engage stakeholders, media, and the public. Use feedback loops to optimize strategies and reinforce transparency.
This public leadership training course will help executives, managers, and rising managers in the nonprofit, government, and education sectors develop and implement actionable plans and strategies that will have a lasting impact on their organizations and communities they serve. Online Course requirements: There are no prerequisites needed to take this online course. In order to earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Online, participants must thoughtfully complete all 8 modules, including satisfactory completion of the associated quizzes, by stated deadlines.
Your Instructor
Director of the Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy Program at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Eric Rosenbach is a Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and is the Director of the Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy Program at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Rosenbach teaches graduate courses in policy development, strategy execution, and national security. As Pentagon Chief of Staff from 2015–2017, Rosenbach led and managed the execution of dozens of high-profile strategic initiatives for the largest public sector organization in the world. As Assistant Secretary of Defense, Rosenbach was responsible for developing and executing the strategy for all aspects of the Department’s cyber activities and other key areas of defense policy. In the private sector, he led the cybersecurity practice of a global management consulting firm, advising the executives of Fortune 500 companies on strategic risk mitigation strategies.
Industry Expert
Leadership is a valuable skill that can be cultivated and strengthened. Hear from the Executive Director of The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas to discover what it takes to become an effective leader at any level.
Affiliations are listed for identification purposes only.
Industry Expert
Communication errors are often cited as the primary reason that initiatives fail. Learn the best strategies for effective communications and media relations from a former United States Secretary of Defense.
Industry Expert
Risk prevention and mitigation is everyone’s responsibility. Explore how to assess and mitigate risks by learning about international events, including the Ebola Endemic, BP Oil Spill, and more.
Affiliations are listed for identification purposes only.
Upskill your team
Engaging learning experiences and high-quality online content that can be delivered at scale
Solutions that focus on today’s in-demand skill areas to help attract, retain and future-proof your workforce
A variety of formats, from long-form courses that replicate an on-campus classroom experience to short-form content
Interaction with a global community of learners and leaders looking to develop their workforce, grow their business, and change the world
Learners who have enrolled in at least one qualifying Harvard Online program can receive a 30% discount, automatically applied to the Program Fee upon time of payment.
Learners who have earned a verified certificate for a HarvardX course hosted on the edX platform are eligible to receive a 30% discount using a discount code. Please check your email for a code or contact us.
Eligibility is determined by a prospective learner’s email address, ending in .org, .gov, .mil, or .edu. Interested learners can apply below for the discount and, if eligible, will receive a promo code to enter when completing payment information to enroll in a Harvard Online program.
Technology & Innovation
Leadership & Communication • 6 min read
Business & Management • 7 min read
Leadership & Communication • 5 min read
Leadership & Communication • 5 min read
Leadership & Communication • 5 min read