Visionary business professionals often have their sights set on leadership opportunities that enable them to make a positive impact on their organizations. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Organizational Leadership degree supports the development of a solid, well-rounded business management foundation — simultaneously building operational expertise and preparing graduates for roles across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors.
So, what can you do with an organizational leadership degree? The sections below offer an introduction to common organizational leadership jobs that graduates pursue. Just keep in mind that some roles listed may require additional credentials as well as years of industry-specific experience.
Human Resources Manager
A human resources (HR) manager is responsible for overseeing various functions of an organization’s HR department, such as managing the employment life cycle or working to develop workplace policies that align with organizational goals. Specific job duties vary based on the role or organization but may include:
- Serving as a liaison between employees and leadership.
- Working to resolve disputes as they arise.
- Planning and directing programs related to compensation and benefits.
- Developing a hiring strategy and working to retain top talent within the organization.
A master’s in organizational leadership helps human resources professionals improve their business acumen alongside communication and strategic thinking skills applicable to management-level positions in this field.
Training and Development Manager
With the goal of cultivating talent within an organization, training and development managers work to coordinate educational programs that build skills among employees. The scope of their role varies based on the particular organization or industry, but it may entail:
- Analyzing performance levels and identifying training needs.
- Developing training programs that help reinforce key practical skills and relevant core competencies.
- Collaborating with organizational leaders to create engaging training and onboarding programs.
Throughout the MBA in Organizational Leadership program, students learn to collect and analyze data to inform decision-making as well as analyze problems from different perspectives. These long-term planning skills better equip them for training and development roles.
Management Analyst
Focused on enhancing operational efficiency, management analysts work closely with the executive leadership team at an organization to uncover new and unique ways to reduce costs and drive revenue. Sometimes referred to as management consultants, management analysts may work directly for an organization or independently. Their responsibilities might include:
- Collecting and analyzing organizational data to identify areas where inefficiencies exist.
- Evaluating financial data to understand the health of the organization.
- Recommending new systems and processes based on available data.
Often working in cross-functional environments, management analysts need a firm grasp of organizational structures in corporate environments. The analytical and assessment skills acquired in an organizational leadership degree are well-suited to such roles.
Sales Manager
Serving as a vital point of connection between an organization and its target customers, sales managers strive to develop sales strategies that boost performance and revenue. In this role, professionals may work in an office setting or a retail location, and they might also find themselves traveling frequently for their job. Sales managers generally:
- Evaluate and assess market data to better understand customer needs and preferences.
- Set sales targets and craft strategies to reach those goals.
- Develop sales techniques and approaches for the sales team to utilize.
- Mentor sales team members to help them reach their targets.
An organizational leadership degree not only elevates business acumen and operational understanding; it also hones the soft skills beneficial in sales-focused positions. Graduates with a background in organizational leadership are well-prepared to communicate clearly and work with a diverse range of people.
Social and Community Service Manager
While many organizational leadership careers focus on operational efficiency and revenue growth, social and community service managers aim to improve public well-being. In these roles, professionals may rely on a strong business foundation to develop efficient programming, yet they also must understand the community’s needs in order to create actionable, impactful programming. Some typical job responsibilities of a social and community service manager include:
- Collaborating with key stakeholders to identify areas of need within the community.
- Overseeing program development and implementation.
- Monitoring program impact and making adjustments accordingly.
This data-driven role calls for professionals to have a background in analysis and assessment — which can be built throughout the online MBA in Organizational Leadership program. Graduates are capable of applying leadership models and theories in real-world settings, making them well-suited to positions in social and community service management.
Project Management Specialist
With expertise that is applicable across nearly every sector, project management specialists are able to effectively coordinate and oversee large-scale projects from start to finish. Their work largely involves high-level oversight, as they serve as the point of contact for the project. They may outline the budget, schedule, and timeline for the project itself, then monitor the progress of team members or contractors completing the work. Role responsibilities frequently include:
- Working closely with clients to understand the project’s goals and objectives.
- Developing strategic project plans that are in line with the client’s scope, budget, and deadline expectations.
- Delegating tasks among the team to ensure the project is completed on time and under budget.
- Monitoring project progress and ensuring deliverables are met.
Project management specialists benefit from a foundation in business operations because they may work across disciplines to keep projects moving forward smoothly and efficiently. Management and problem-solving skills gained throughout the organizational leadership degree program prepare them for these project management roles.
Operations Manager or Director of Operations
At the executive level, operations managers and directors of operations provide overall direction within a company. In these contexts, executives may work closely with the rest of the executive team to establish long-term goals and priorities for the organization, often in partnership with a board of directors. Responsibilities of operations executives can differ significantly based on the organization’s size and industry, but they might:
- Evaluate the financial health of the organization to better fund operations and improve efficiency.
- Coordinate activities and resolve issues with other executive team members.
- Prepare and present reports related to organizational health and operational efficiency.
Combining the advanced knowledge acquired throughout the master’s in organizational leadership program with years of professional experience in management and leadership capacities, operations executives are equipped to take on a forward-facing, large-scale oversight role within an organization.
Leadership Development Manager or Executive Coach
Even top-level executives need guidance and personalized advice, which is where executive coaches enter the picture. Executive coaches partner with organizational leaders to identify strengths, uncover areas for improvement, and develop strategies to improve perceptions of the individual leader (both within and outside the organization). The broad scope of this role means that individual job responsibilities vary widely. For instance, they may encompass:
- Helping leaders better understand their strengths so they can unlock their full potential.
- Evaluating and analyzing data related to public perception of a leader.
- Creating and implementing strategic growth strategies to help a leader enhance their performance.
In this high-level, confidential role, executive coaches bring a strong sense of business acumen and an expert understanding of the organizational landscape. The interpersonal skills and leadership abilities developed throughout the online MBA in Organizational Leadership degree may prepare them for this type of position.
What Skills Will You Gain From an Organizational Leadership Degree?
Beyond merely expanding your business foundation, an organizational leadership degree also helps instill the strategic management skills necessary to devise innovative solutions and drive change in corporate settings. These are examples of core competencies emphasized in the MBA in Organizational Leadership program:
- Strategic planning
- Change management
- Team leadership and conflict resolution
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Performance management
- Employee engagement
- Ethics and decision-making
- Data-informed leadership
Ready to Advance Your Career With an Online MBA in Organizational Leadership?
Strategic communication, data-driven decision-making and emotional intelligence are integral to most leadership positions. At Johnson & Wales University (JWU) Online, the Master of Business Administration – Organizational Leadership degree is tailored to working adults looking to move into senior leadership roles while they establish management and operational expertise relevant in today’s business landscape.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].