The Impact Center’s
Peace and Security Executive Leadership Program
We are currently accepting applications for our 2026 cohorts!
The Peace and Security Executive Leadership Program aims to strengthen the leadership capacity of leaders in the peace and security field. At its core, the program seeks to support a strong, values-driven leadership pipeline that is resilient and responsive to the sector’s unique demands.
The program is designed to help participants:
Develop a supportive and sustained Community of Practice;
Deepen confidence in their authentic leadership identity;
Enhance core executive leadership competencies; and
Build ongoing peer-to-peer relationships for professional learning and support.
Our skilled facilitators will lead sessions on a variety of highly relevant leadership topics to support participants’ growth and development, all while leveraging the wealth of experience among participants to encourage peer support and learning.
In 2026, the Program will convene two cohorts of talented senior leaders in the peace and security field—one beginning in February 2026 and the other in September 2026.
The Peace and Security Executive Leadership Program is made possible through the generous support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Program Highlights
Participants of the Peace and Security Executive Leadership Program can look forward to the following program elements:
2 in-person Executive Retreats occurring at the start and end of the program, to strengthen learning and create a space for deep reflection. The first retreat will pay special attention to exploring each leader’s personal leadership identity and values, while the second retreat will focus on reflection and integration of the program’s learnings, culminating in Capstone presentations.
6 Virtual Sessions that take place in between retreats focused on strengthening organizational leadership skills, ongoing problem-solving, and skill-building, including:
Facilitated peer discussions;
Guest speakers;
“Solution Circles” (peer-based problem-solving groups).
6 one-hour one-on-one executive coaching sessions tailored to each participant’s goals and areas for improvement.
A personalized Development Action Plan to structure goal setting, featuring small group peer cohorts for support and accountability throughout the program.
The Impact Center’s meticulously crafted leadership curriculum, further refined to meet each cohort’s unique needs (informed by participant input in our pre-program Needs Assessments).
Executive-level peers across roles, organizations, and backgrounds.
Facilitators and coaches with extensive experience working with high-profile executives from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Peer-Based Learning
Our peer-based model fosters meaningful connections among program participants. Our cohorts are curated to ensure that participating leaders experience a supportive and collaborative environment. Programming is designed to encourage peer interactions that lead to strong relationships, constructive feedback, and accountability.
This model empowers participants to deeply engage with leaders beyond their personal networks. Through these interactions, they are challenged to consider multiple perspectives and refine their leadership style, resulting in richer insights, innovative solutions, and a more holistic understanding of what it means to be a leader.
2026 Cohorts
Leaders may choose to apply to one of the following cohorts. In-person retreats will all take place in the Washington, DC area.
Cohort 2
Virtual Launch: September 2
First Executive Retreat (in-person): September 30 - October 2
Virtual Executive Coaching Orientation: October 9
Virtual Peer Learning Sessions:
October 16
October 23
October 30
November 6
November 13
Second Executive Retreat (in-person): November 18 - 20
Cohort 1
Virtual Launch: February 10
First Executive Retreat (in-person): February 25 - 27
Virtual Executive Coaching Orientation: March 6
Virtual Peer Learning Sessions:
March 17
April 1
April 16
April 28
May 20
Second Executive Retreat (in-person): June 10 - 12
In 2027, we will introduce a third cohort, which will convene 20 emerging leaders from the peace and security field. This new track will also span six months and offer a leadership development experience tailored to earlier career stages. Participants of the Program will have the opportunity to nominate candidates for this third cohort.
Apply Today!
Application
We encourage you to apply today at this link. To ensure that the Peace and Security Executive Leadership Program is grounded in the needs of program participants and those of you working in the field, applicants will also be asked to complete a needs assessment to inform curriculum development.
Candidates who advance to the next stage of the application process will be invited to a brief interview with several members of The Impact Center team.
Have Questions?
Interested in learning more about the Peace and Security Executive Leadership Program? Schedule a brief informational call with us or contact us here.
The Impact Center’s Executive Leadership Programs
We have leveraged our extensive experience working with high-impact professionals, public institutions, and mission-driven organizations over the last twenty years to design and deliver transformative leadership programming for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
Our Executive Leadership Programs convene cross-sector and industry-specific cohorts, including in national security, aerospace, homelessness, and peace and security. Each cohort is carefully curated to provide significant peer engagement, expanding perspectives and enhancing growth. Our programs are thoughtfully designed, delivered, and tailored to participating leaders’ backgrounds and needs.
View our other cohort-based executive leadership programs here.