The Maryland Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program engages students in leadership experiences that complement academic, co-curricular, career, and community engagement opportunities. Through institutes, conferences, retreats, and peer education the Maryland LEAD Program develops the skills necessary to practice socially responsible leadership.
Our view and philosophy on leadership and leadership development includes:
- Leadership is a skill that can be learned and developed
- Leadership is collaborative
- Leadership is a process, not a position.
- Leadership starts with the individual (purpose, motivation, values)
- Leadership is values-based
- Leadership is inclusive
- Leadership is about working with others for positive change
- Leadership development is a life-long process
Get Involved
Participate
Facilitate
MLEAD Facilitators lead experiential learning activities, guide conversations and synthesize group ideas, effectively shaping experiences for participants. Each semester, we look for facilitators to join our Terrapin Leadership Institute (TLI) and Leadership Conferences.
Facilitator Responsibilities
Facilitators will facilitate for the Terrapin Leadership Institute. You don't have to have previously participated in a program to be selected as a facilitator; however, it is certainly beneficial.
Terrapin Leadership Institute (TLI): 5-week workshop series that takes place on campus. Sessions take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.
- Review and deliver curriculum including experiential activities and discussion for a group of 15-25 participants.
- Work closely with 1 co-facilitator to plan and implement weekly 90-minute sessions, manage session logistics, organize participant communication, and build community among participants
- Provide feedback on program curriculum and structure
- Actively promote MLEAD opportunities and share marketing materials via email, social media, and at least 1 event per semester.
Facilitators should review class, employment, student organization, family, and other commitments to ensure availability. Please see schedule below.
Terrapin Leadership Institute Tracks
Applicants will select a track to co-facilitate within their application. To be a facilitator you must be available for one of the below tracks. If none of the track times work for your schedule you can apply for the TLI To-Go program that facilitates at the request of campus groups and organizations.
Fall Tracks
- Tuesdays, 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Thursdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Spring Tracks
- Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Thursdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Times subject to change in line with facilitator schedules.
Qualifications
- Ability to attend all training and team-specific program events
- General interpersonal and communication skills (small and large groups)
- Willingness to learn about group and leadership development
- Desire to personally grow and develop; Open to feedback
- Ability to work effectively in teams
- Demonstrate dependability and follow-through; responsive to email communication
Schedule
Fall Schedule
- Learning Communities: Mondays, 4 to 6 p.m. starting Sept. 15 (10 weeks)
- LCSL Annual Student Leader Retreat: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Fall TLI: 1 session on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening over 6 weeks (September 30 through November 13) *No sessions will take place the week of Fall Break Oct 12-17*
Spring Schedule
- Learning Communities: Mondays, 4 to 6 p.m. starting Feb 8 (10 weeks)
- LCSL Spring Student Leader Retreat: (February TBD)
- Spring TLI: 1 Session a Week on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening over 5 weeks (March 3 through April 7th). No sessions will take place the week of Spring Break
What do you get as a Facilitator?
- 1 on 1 leadership coaching and development
- Direct leadership experience (to leverage in future professional experiences)
- Skills to navigate complex issues across difference, curriculum delivery, public speaking
- Collaborative community of leaders
- Be a valued part of program development to shape a historic leadership education program
- Support with professional and academic recommendations
- Work with industry leading professionals in leadership education and development
- T-shirt and Quarter-zip
Intern
The Maryland Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program strives to provide transformative leadership learning experiences that complement and enhance the academic, involvement, career, and civic-centered experiences at the University of Maryland. This internship is an integral component in supporting the growth and impact of the Maryland LEAD Program in developing students’ capacities to practice socially responsible leadership. This internship offers a higher-order experience to contribute to the development and direction of a comprehensive leadership program area.
Compensation
This is a year-long appointment beginning Aug 2026 to May 2027. Each intern will receive a stipend of $1,300 per semester completed including the fall and spring for a total of $2,600 in 4 payments of $650 before tax.
Application Process
- Complete the application
- Complete a 30-minute Individual Interview
- Application opens March 25 & closes April 24
Position Responsibilities
- Act as a student ambassador for all of LCSL by building community with other office staff (professional and student).
- Support and manage student facilitators and student participants for the Maryland LEAD programs including:
- Maintain regular communication with staff, facilitators, and participants
- Conduct facilitator interviews
- Participate in Monday Night Learning Community Meetings from 4pm - 6pm
- Engage in professional development through reflective activities like the Intern Learning Agreement and a Presentation of Learning
- Participate in recruitment events
- Conduct program observations and team debriefs and provide feedback for facilitators.
- Commit to the position from August (date to be agreed on by full time coordinator) to May.
- 10 hours a week through the Fall semester
- 10 hours a week through the Spring semester
Position Descriptions
Learning & Development Intern
*Students that have facilitated prior are preferred for this position*
- Lead and Facilitate Monday Night Learning Community Meetings
- Coordinate practice facilitation opportunities, community building activities, and skill building for facilitators in collaboration with full-time staff coordinator and graduate assistant*
- Develop facilitator recognition and celebration opportunities
Communication & Marketing Intern
- Manage MLEAD social media accounts
- Systemize communications to team and potential* participants
- Manage outreach via email and social media
- Relay pertinent information and inquiries to team from external stakeholders
Program Logistics & Management (2 positions)
- Assist in development of program curriculum and structure
- Inventory and prepare materials for program facilitators
- Manage communications with active participants
- Manage program registrations and facilitator program placement
- Coordinate programs such as TLI Networking Mixer and Resume Workshop
- Implement program assessments and evaluations
Qualifications
- Availability for all commitments listed above
- Possess time management, public-speaking, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrate commitment and congruence with the mission, vision, and values of LCSL
- Ability to work well independently and collaboratively
- Takes initiative and demonstrates creativity
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to commit significant and consistent effort and time throughout the entire term of internship
- Experience participating in an MLEAD program (preferred for learning & development intern)
- Demonstrated commitment to the vision and mission of the MLEAD program
Requirements & Important Dates
- Application due April 24
- Interview: Apr. 28–May 8 (Virtual)
- LCSL Student Leader Retreat (Early Fall & Early Spring)
- Monthly/bi-weekly 1:1 meetings with program coordinator
- Weekly staff meetings (determined by team schedules)
- 10 Office Hours (you choose your hours within operating times)
- Terrapin Leadership Institute times are tentative but are typically (Tues, Wed, and/or Thurs after 5 p.m.) must occasionally observe facilitators and provide feedback to staff and facilitators
Connect With Us
- Location: 1110 Stamp Student Union
- Phone: 301-405-2895
- Email: mlead@umd.edu
- Follow us on Instagram