Ecsite Leadership Programme


The Ecsite Leadership Programme is a bespoke programme supporting the next generation of leaders from Ecsite member organisations as they grow and take on greater responsibility.

It empowers new and aspiring leaders to build confidence, strengthen their capabilities, and advance their impact. Designed to support individuals as they transition into leadership roles, it equips them to broaden their influence and lead with confidence.

Applications open on 8th May 2026 on a first come first served basis.

Why the Ecsite Leadership Programme?

Across the Ecsite network, member organisations are facing increasing financial pressure alongside evolving audience expectations, rapid digital change, and more. Responding to these shared challenges requires a generation of leaders who understand the organisation, the sector and its wider context.

The Ecsite Leadership Programme is designed specifically for our community and is delivered in partnership with a university, combining sector insight with academic expertise. It brings together peers from across Europe to learn from one another, build lasting connections, and strengthen the leadership capability that underpins organisational resilience.

Through a balance of practical learning and leadership development, participants benefit from pan-European networking, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on a project directly relevant to their own organisation.

What will participants and their organisations gain?

This programme is designed to strengthen leadership capability while delivering tangible impact for the organisation and creating lasting personal connections across the Ecsite network.

You will gain a clear understanding of your leadership strengths and development areas through a 360° assessment, one-to-one feedback, and a personalised development plan that guides your progress throughout the programme.

Over 18 months, you will build practical knowledge of organisational management and leadership skills through a tailored learning journey that combines in-person modules and interactive online sessions. Grounded in real sector challenges and case studies, this experience equips you to apply learning directly to your day-to-day role.

A core outcome of the programme is the delivery of a self-directed project that addresses a real organisational challenge. With support from an experienced mentor and exposure to different organisational contexts, you will develop solutions that create meaningful impact beyond the programme itself.

You will also become part of a strong European peer network, building relationships that support collaboration, perspective-sharing, and professional growth. Structured networking moments, a dedicated buddy, and ongoing alumni engagement ensure these connections continue long after the programme ends.

Alongside this, you will benefit from continuous access to online learning resources and, on successful completion, gain certification and a graduate at the Ecsite Conference.

Who is it for?

The Ecsite Leadership Programme has been developed for Ecsite members and is suitable for a range of profiles either new to a leadership role, looking to take the next step, or looking to gain a broader organisational perspective.

This could include the following profiles:

  • New Directors who have recently stepped up
  • Directors who have come from outside our field
  • Deputy Directors looking to take the next step
  • Heads of Department (any department) – either with team or without – looking to gain a broader organisational perspective

Applicants must have a sufficient level of English to attend as the whole programme will be run in English.

What does the Leadership Programme consist of?

The Ecsite Leadership programme is a balance of Learning, Leadership & Networking

Please watch our member briefing presentation to find out all the details about the programme.


Who is Ecsite's learning partner?

Following a rigorous selection process, Ecsite is delighted to be working with Aalto University Executive Education to design and deliver the learning and leadership content of the Programme.

What are the key timings for the Leadership programme?

Applications open 8th May and will be accepted on a first come first served basis.

There will be 2x in person modules of 3 days each and 4 x ½ day online learning moments. The kick off will take place online in November 2027 with the first in person module at Heureka, Finland in January 2027. Three online modules will take place in 2027 and the last in person module will take place at a member science centre/museum in January 2028.

Participants are expected to attend all modules and coursework in order to graduate from the Programme.

Graduation will take place at the Ecsite Conference in June 2028.

Where will the Leadership programme take place?

The in-person modules will take place at member organisations, the first being Heureka in Finland in January 2027. The second in person module location is to be confirmed.

The online modules will be delivered through Teams or similar and participants will have access to materials through the online learning platform throughout.

What does the Programme include in detail?

  • All training and education both in person and online. This includes 2x in person modules of 3 days each. 4x online modules of 1/2 day each.
  • Access to the online learning platform throughout the Programme containing materials to support and enhance the programme content.
  • A 360⁰ leadership analysis with one to one feedback and a personalised development plan
  • 1x full cohort networking dinner at each in person training moment
  • Allocation of a buddy from your cohort
  • Allocation of a mentor from within the Ecsite network relevant to participants project area
  • Leadership programme networking event & drink at 2027 Ecsite Conference
  • Graduation ceremony at the 2028 Ecsite Conference
  • Attendance at the CEO Focus lunch at 2028 Ecsite Conference
  • Free first year access to alumni scheme (€75 per year thereafter)
  • Certificate of completion – based on attendance in the modules and completion of the required program elements/assignments
  • Lunches & coffee during in person trainings

How much does the Ecsite Leadership Programme cost?

Exclusively for Ecsite members, the Programme costs €11,000 (special pilot price), payable in 2 instalments of €5,500 according to the following schedule:

• Payment 1 (September 2026)

• Payment 2 (January 2027)

The fee does not cover travel and accommodation to the in-person modules not the Ecsite Conference. Ecsite Conference tickets are also not included.

How to apply for the Leadership Programme

The following items are required to apply for the Ecsite Leadership programme

  1. Letter of recommendation and support from your CEO
  2. Completed application form including personal details & your project outline
  3. Motivation video explaining why you want to take part in the Ecsite Leadership programme
  4. Agreement to the Ecsite Leadership Programme Terms & Conditions

The Application Form will be live 5 May

The details of the application items can be found below:


Letter of recommendation and support

The letter should be from the CEO or where the CEO is the applicant, a letter should be provided from the board.

The letter should confirm the candidates suitability, the organisations ability to financially support the candidate and agreement to give sufficient time to complete the Programme including attending the in-person modules.

Completed application form including personal details & project outline

The application form requires standard information about the candidate and the organsation including invoicing.

The following questions about the candidates proposed project should be completed.

  1. What is the project you would like to develop during the programme?
  2. What challenge or opportunity does this project address within your organisation?
  3. What would success look like for your project?
  4. How will this project benefit your organisation?
  5. How will working on this project support your development as a leader?

We understand that AI is useful to answer such questions, but please ensure you discuss the project and desired outcomes with your CEO to ensure it has valuable outcomes for both you and the organisation.

When submitting the application, the candidate must agree to the Terms & Conditions.


Motivation video explaining why you want to take part in the Ecsite Leadership programme

Please answer the following questions on the vdieo platform

  1. Why are you applying for the Ecsite Leadership Programme at this stage in your career?
  2. What do you hope to gain from learning alongside peers across the Ecsite network?
  3. How do you hope this programme will influence your future career or impact?
  4. What would make this programme a meaningful success for you personally?

Again we understand that AI is useful to answer such questions, but a key elelment of success on a leadership programme is self reflection. Please take time to consider these questions, there are no right or wrong answers, just what you are looking to achieve from the Programme.

How will candidates be selected?

Applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis from 8th May 2026

The Ecsite Team will review the applications for completeness and request additional confirmation where necessary.

The submission time of the application form and the video submission (whichever is latest) will be used to determine the ‘official’ submission time.

If multiple applications are received from the same organisation and one cohort cannot accommodate them all, the CEO of the organisation will be asked to prioritise the candidates.

Candidates & their CEO will be notified when a place on the Programme is confirmed.


We hope to hear from you soon

If you have any questions, please email us at members@ecsite.eu


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Ecsite, 89/7, Avenue Louise, Louizalaan, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium

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