Skip to main content

JTA University Leadership Development Program

Preparing Future Leaders

The JTA University Leadership Development Program (LDP) is an 18-month program where participants learn skills necessary to support the needs of the Authority and the communities we serve in preparation for the future. The goal of LDP is to prepare leaders who are in an Assistant Manager and above position to exemplify the character and integrity expected of JTA professionals, while examining the various components necessary to become efficient and effective leaders.

Engagement

Participants will gain new insights in the Authority’s strategies and goals, increase effectiveness of working relationships, improve communication skills, create and lead innovative processes, and discover how to better contribute to the Authority’s success. They will engage in activities and discussion that embody the core values of Team Excellence, Equity, Affordability, Collaboration, and Agile Innovation to meet the goals of the Authority.

While in the program, participants are expected to attend essential meetings, engage in mentoring and coaching, shadow EVP, Senior VPs, and VPs, participate in other activities that are assigned, and complete a Capstone Project.

LDP Cohort Meet Greet with CEO 09-web.jpg

Program Eligibility

JTA employees must meet ALL of the following criteria in order to be eligible for the review process.

Specific Employment Level

Must currently be an Assistant Manager or above with direct reports (Grade 3 and up).

Full Participation

Must be committed to invest the necessary time to participate in the program.

Fully Engaged

Must be willing to participate in monthly meetings and events.

Collaboration & Implementation

Must be willing to meet regularly with direct leadership to reflect and apply leadership learning developed in the program.

Be in good employee standing

Meet and exceeds performance standards without any formal disciplinary action.

Positive Attitude

Have an encouraging and optimistic approach.

Complete the Application

To apply, complete the following:

  • JTA University Leadership Development Program Application (get started below)

  • Leadership essay

  • Letters of Recommendation​ (one from a Manager/Director/AVP/VP/SVP/EVP and one from a peer within the Authority)

  • A copy of the most recent Annual Performance Appraisal

The submission window will close April 11, 2025 at 11:59 pm for the 2025 JTA Leadership Development Program Cohort.

Note: Employees must have at least 2 years of employment with JTA and cannot be on a performance corrective action plan ​nor have any disciplinary actions within the last year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The length of the program is 18 months. It begins in January and ends in June.

The application period opens annually in January. ​The deadline to apply is the end of March of the same year at 11:59 p.m. to be considered for the Leadership Development Program.

All candidates will be notified in May following the closure of the application period if they were selected to be a part of the Program.

The minimum hours dedicated to the program is 30-35 (on the job hours) this does not include personal volunteered hours spent on assignments and development.

No additional pay will be granted for personal hours spent on your professional development outside of the JTA’s working hours.

Yes, there is an appeal process. If you do not get in the program, you can request a meeting with the Leadership Development Program Review Board to discuss your application, presentation, and interview.

The program is designed to be delivered face to face.

Anyone who meets ALL criteria below:

  • An Assistant Manager or above with direct reports (Grade 3 and up)

  • Employed a minimum of 2 years with the organization

  • Employee cannot be on a performance improvement plan nor have any other disciplinary actions within the last 12 months

  • Anyone who is committed to invest the necessary time to participate in the program

  • Anyone who is willing to participate in monthly coaching calls and site visits

  • Anyone willing to meet regularly with their leader to reflect and apply leadership knowledge developed in the program

Note: Employees must have at least 2 years of employment with JTA and cannot be on a performance corrective action plan ​nor have any disciplinary actions within the last year.

  • JTA University Leadership Development Program Application

  • Leadership Essay

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • A copy of the most recent Annual Performance Appraisal

Note: An In-person interview and a presentation with SVPs is required as a part of the selection process.

Examples of meeting and conferences that will be required:

  • American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

  • JTA Board Meetings and JAX Chamber Events

  • Director and Assistant Vice Presidents (AVP) Cohort Meetings

  • American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)

  • American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  • Florida Department of Transportation

  • COMTO Jacksonville

  • Transportation Research Board

  • International Transportation Service

Contact Dr. Sandy Beaumont at sbeaumont@jtafla.com or 904-776-5764.

Selection Process

The selection process includes a review of your application, supporting documents, and a presentation. Guidelines for the presentation will be provided after application submission.

Essay

A review of the Leadership Essay

Recommendations

A review of the Recommendation Letters

Performance Appraisal

A review of your Annual Performance Appraisal

Presentation

An interview and presentation with SVPs