East Tower Toronto Dominion Centre 
Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership
Preparing Municipal Leaders for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges
Canada’s municipalities are operating in an environment shaped by aging infrastructure, rising community expectations, and ongoing economic uncertainty. These conditions place increased demands on local government leaders to make informed decisions, manage competing priorities, and guide organizations through sustained change. This flagship program is designed to support municipal leaders in developing the strategic capabilities required in this evolving context.
September 22, 2027
Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership
- Programs
-
- Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership
A Comprehensive Program for Municipal Leadership Development
As disruption continues to reshape the role of government in Canada, municipal leaders are increasingly expected to move beyond day-to-day operations and consider longer-term community and organizational outcomes. This requires a leadership approach grounded in sound judgment, strategic thinking, and an understanding of complex stakeholder environments.
Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership supports participants in strengthening the skills needed to lead through change. The program focuses on developing capability in areas such as coaching and mentoring, political acuity, strategic decision-making, negotiation, cross-functional leadership, and cultivating psychological capital. These competencies support more effective leadership in complex municipal settings and help participants approach their roles with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Who is this Program For?
Supplement In-Class Instruction: To supplement in-class instruction, participants will apply program learnings and insights to coursework and readings outside the classroom.
Disclaimer: Schulich ExecEd requires a non-refundable deposit from all students as part of the enrolment process. Domestic students are required to submit a $1,000 deposit, while international students are required to submit a 50% deposit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our advisors for assistance.
Convince Your Supervisor: Here’s a justification letter for you to edit and send to your supervisor to provide reasoning for attending this program. Our expert advisory team can assist with customizing the letter to suit your needs!
Program Overview
-
This module builds the foundation of transformative leadership across two connected sessions, equipping municipal managers to lead change with confidence and clarity. Participants then develop coaching and mentoring skills to strengthen how they guide and develop their teams. The module closes with a simulation that holds up a mirror to each leader’s own style and impact.
-
This module challenges leaders to drive innovation within municipal operations while navigating the disruption of smart city technologies. It builds fluency in using big data to inform sharper, more strategic decision-making. A forward-looking simulation, set in the year 2040, tests participants’ ability to lead a municipality through long-term strategic change.
-
This module strengthens leaders’ presence and composure when navigating crises. It sharpens the ability to manage public perception and optics under scrutiny. The module ends with a high-pressure simulation briefing a mayor, testing leaders’ judgment and communication when stakes are highest.
-
Spring 2027
Essential Skills for Municipal Managers
Course Dates Time The Art of Transformative Leadership I (Hybrid) 4/12/2027 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Art of Transformative Leadership II (Online) 4/13/2027 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Coaching & Mentoring (Online) 4/13/2027 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Simulation: The Leadership Mirror (Online) 4/14/2027 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Strategic Municipal Leadership
Course Dates Time Municipal Innovation (Hybrid) 6/14/2027 9:00 am - 4:00 pm SMART Cities & Tech Disruption (Online) 6/15/2027 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Using Big Data & Decision Making (Online) 6/15/2027 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Simulation: The 2040 Commission (Online) 6/16/2027 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Future Proofing Municipalities
Course Dates Time Crisis & Leadership Presence (Hybrid) 9/20/2027 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Managing Optics (Online) 9/21/2027 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Simulation: Mayor Briefing Under Pressure (Online) 9/22/2027 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Get Training in Marketable Skills
Strategic Thinking
Leadership Skills
Coaching and Mentoring
Employee Engagement
Communication Skills
Who Will Benefit
Mid-Career Leaders
Managers and supervisors in government and public service positions, especially those with at least 3 years of work experience, will gain comprehensive leadership strategies and prepare for a more senior position in the public sector. Target job positions include department managers, city managers and public health managers.
Senior Leaders
Senior leaders and officials in the public sector—including chief administration officers, chief financial officers, chief librarians, commissioners, directors, fire chiefs and police chiefs—will develop advanced skills in municipal management and create a new vision for public sector reform.
6 Reasons to Enrol
Amazing Education for Busy Professionals
Earn a Masters Certificate without putting your life on pause. This program spreads modules across non-consecutive weeks. Choose a hybrid learning option for additional flexibility.
Stand Out from the Crowd
Designed in cooperation with the Municipal Advisory Council of Municipal Executives, this is the definitive program in Canada for municipal leaders and professionals looking to advance their career in the public sector.
Learn from the Pros
Train with renowned Schulich ExecEd instructors, not-for-profit experts and leaders in public policy and administration.
Tackle Exciting Challenges
Explore new trends in municipal management with hands-on and peer-to-peer learning during in-class exercises and case studies.
Build a Meaningful Network
Connect with peers in the public sector and learn from an expert advisory board of current municipal executives.
Earn Higher Pay
Schulich ExecEd students gain the confidence, skills and perspective to attain better roles, launch new ventures, and lead their teams to new heights.
What Difference Will You Make?
Faculty
What You Get
After completing a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize.
As more and more companies look for candidates with specific skills, this badge on your CV will be a credible assurance of your achievements and expertise, allowing the right roles to find you faster.
Masters Certificate
Awarded when a series of more extensive programs are completed and a greater skill set achieved.
Suggested Programs Based on
Your Interest in Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership
We handpicked the following programs based on
time, cost and relevant skills.
Custom Programs for Organizations
Use this program as we designed it, or alter it to fit your company’s needs. Either way, we can help you improve your organization's talent pipeline. Get in touch with our custom programs team today.
Make the Right Choice. Try Our Advisory Services.
The next step of your career matters. A Schulich ExecEd program advisor can help you choose a course that fits your budget and schedule. Get in touch with us today.
Talk to an Advisor