Community Conversation: Leading Through Ambiguity

Community Conversation: Leading Through Ambiguity

Recent federal policy shifts are imposing serious challenges to universities. While leaders evaluate the risks and potential responses, the immediate impact on current and planned strategic initiatives is already evident. With many university initiatives relying on a strong talent pool and research infrastructure to drive global impact, the future of the Strategic Initiatives landscape is uncertain.

At the same time, this is not the first time significant external shifts have required rapid innovation within universities in order to adapt. An essential set of skills for leading initiatives - in both the best and most challenging times - includes balancing short and longterm objectives, focusing teams, communicating well, and inspiring confidence while acknowledging the challenges.

This session will provide a space for the SIGAP community to share insights and peer advice on navigating our work with university leaders, philanthropists, collaborators, and teams as we sustain fundraising for strategic initiatives.

Topics will include:

• Supporting teams and maintaining morale during institutional uncertainty

• Aligning fundraising efforts with leadership’s strategic response to challenges

• Sustaining long-term strategy while weighing near and longterm risks