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Professional Development & Continuing EducationBusiness Relationship Management

Business Relationship Managers (BRM) are tasked with building bridges between business leaders and support organizations.

Class Location/Format

**The 2024-2025 IT Leaders – Business Relationship Managers Program will be delivered VIRTUALLY*, via Microsoft Teams – with live presenters and facilitators.**

*While we are planning an all-virtual format, there may be a potential opportunity for a few select in-person sessions and/or networking opportunities throughout the program, for those who are able to attend in-person at Harrisburg University. Those who are not local or choose to not attend in-person will still be able to attend all sessions virtually. More information and details will be provided to program participants when/if we are able to hold any “hybrid” sessions during the course of the program.

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About the Course

Business Relationship Management (BRM)

For age and memorial IT has struggled with partnering with its business customers and creating a successful relationship that has yielded business results. To bridge the gap, many organizations have established positions known as Business Relationship Managers (BRM) tasked with building bridges between business leaders and support organizations. The primary purpose of BRM is to better align business needs and IT activities thus increasing the effectiveness of the organization driven from IT delivery performance, as a result improving customer/constituent satisfaction and delivering initiatives that drive positive business outcomes.

Recognizing the increased use of BRM models within IT organizations, Harrisburg University has added a BRM Module to its IT Leaders Program. The IT Leaders Program meets 2 full days each month for 9 months. As part of IT Leaders approximately 18 hours of instruction will be exclusively dedicated to BRM principles and best practices. Those enrolled in the BRM Program will also attend the general IT Leaders Program. This is an excellent opportunity for BRM professional to better understand the challenges and opportunities of IT organizations and operations. It also is a forum for BRM and IT Professionals to discuss how they can improve communications and coordination. Additionally, the IT Leaders program teaches many skills that benefit BRM attendees including communications, relationship building, alignment of business needs and IT activities and many other pertinent topics.

Target Audience

The Business Relationship Management (BRM) Program is specifically designed for current and aspiring BRM professionals as well as other leaders interested in learning the skills necessary to serve as a liaison between business and IT organizations. Successfully bridging these organizations significantly improves business outcomes.

Program Benefits

Designates IT professionals with a recognized credential representing essential qualifications for the role of CIO.
Enhances the skills required to lead at the executive level, by focusing on strategy, communications, policy, finance, personnel and emerging technologies.
Provides senior level IT professionals with a venue for peer learning, network building and brainstorming.
Uses an applied strategic project for candidates to demonstrate mastery and produce a tangible product or service to benefit the organization.
Allows IT Executives to hear from thought-leaders and industry experts with expansive knowledge and experience in topics taught as part of the program.

Featured Presenters from Past Sessions

President & CEO, Unisys
Global Chief Information Office (CIO, Deloitte)
CIO, National Association of Counties (NACo)
CIO, United States Department of General Services
VP, Global Mobility, CISCO
Chief Information Officer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Executive Director, Pennsylvania House of Appropriations
Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Former Deputy Commissioner, Pennsylvania State Police

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to address specific issues or challenges routinely associated with leadership required by the organization’s most senior BRM.

The curriculum is supplemented by a Capstone Project, whereby BRMs have an opportunity to apply what is learned through the curriculum.

Learning Methods

The program is comprised of presentations, group exercises, networking, peer learning, and an individual capstone project.

Schedule and Topics Covered

Classes meet two (2) days per month, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, ET.

Module 1: IT Leader’s Role in the Digital Age
Module 2: Leadership Styles, Emotional Intelligence & Trusting Relationships
Module 3: Business Strategies & Strategic Planning Tools
Module 4: 360 Communications, Negotiation Techniques & Selling Your Ideas
Module 5: Data-Driven Decision Making for Leaders
Module 6: Understanding & Leading Organizational Change / Agile, Lean, & Project Management
Module 7: Continuity of Operations (COOP) / Cybersecurity
Module 8: Digital Organizations, Innovation, & Emerging Technologies
Module 9: Capstone Presentation & Graduation

Pre-Requisites (Qualifications)

To be considered for the Business Relationship Management Program (BRM), applicants must be currently performing this function or aspiring to become an effective BRM Professional. Admission to the Program will be predicated on the approval of a candidate’s sponsor and Harrisburg University. Candidates will be accepted from all levels of government (federal, state, and local), private sector as well as the non-profit community.

Expectations & Class Attendance Policy

Each participant is expected to complete the Capstone project outlined in the “Curriculum” section.

Some sessions will require pre-readings such as articles, case studies, or research. Significant preparation time is not expected, given attendees have a “day job.”

Attendance at a minimum of 90% of the sessions is required.

Registration Fees & Policies

2024-2025 TUITION FEES*

For-profit organizations (private-sector):$3,495
Non-profit organizations and government (public-sector): $2,945

*Those accepted into the program or their organizations are responsible for the per-participant cost of the program. Tuition fee is not collected at time of application. Accepted applicants of the program will receive a tuition invoice at a later date.

Application Process

Application Deadline: Friday, September 20, 2024

Candidate Application

Candidates will complete an application form to present their learning goals, past experiences, expertise, and knowledge they will bring to the cohort for consideration. [CLICK ON “APPLY NOW” AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE]

Required: Letter of Support/Recommendation
A letter of support/recommendation is also required from the candidate’s supervisor.

Candidates should provide the following information to their supervisor for letter submission:

The letter should include current position and responsibilities of the applicant, along with skills, knowledge, and any special projects for which the applicant is responsible.

The letter should be addressed to “BRM Directors” and emailed to ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu with the subject line as, “BRM Nomination Letter for [YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME]”

Note: Your application will not be considered complete until your letter of support/recommendation has been received.

Acceptance Notification

Applicants will be notified whether they have or have not been accepted into the program. At that time, accepted applicants will receive full course details and information on Orientation.

See the specific deadlines under “Next Cohort” at the bottom of the page.

All applications and nomination/support letters are due by the Application Deadline date
Applicants will be notified regarding whether they have or have not been accepted into the program.

Recent BRM Graduates

Watch the 2023-2024 IT Leaders Certificate Program Graduation Recording

Applications for the 2024-2025 IT Leaders – Business Relationship Managers (BRM) Cohort are now CLOSED.

If you are interested in applying for a future cohort, please email us at ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu to be added to our email list to receive updates and announcements.

Format & Location:

The 2024-2025 IT Leaders – BRM Program will be delivered VIRTUALLY*, via Microsoft Teams – with live presenters and facilitators.

Class Time:

Class runs from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, EST/EDT

Application deadline:

Friday, September 20, 2024

All applications and nomination letters are due by this date.
See the “Application Process” above for detailed information.

Application Status Notification:

On/By Friday, September 27, 2024

All applicants will be notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program by this date

Class Dates

2024-2025 Business Relationship Manager (BRM) Cohort Schedule

Module #/Topic	Days	Dates
Orientation	Friday	October 4, 2024
Module 1 – IT Leader’s Role in the Digital Age	Tuesday-Wednesday	October 8-9, 2024
Module 2 – Leadership Styles, Emotional Intelligence & Trusting Relationships	Tuesday-Wednesday	October 29-30, 2024
Module 3 – Business Strategies & Strategic Planning Tools	Tuesday-Wednesday	December 3-4, 2024
Module 4 – 360 Communications, Negotiation Techniques and Selling Your Ideas	Tuesday-Wednesday	January 7-8, 2025
Module 5 – Data-Driven Decision Making for Leaders	Tuesday-Wednesday	February 11-12, 2025
Module 6 – Understanding & Leading Organizational Change / Agile, Lean, and Project Management	Tuesday-Wednesday	March 11-12, 2025
Module 7 – Continuity of Operations (COOP) / Cybersecurity	Tuesday-Wednesday	April 15-16, 2025
Module 8 – Digital Organizations, Innovation, and Emerging Technologies	Tuesday-Wednesday	May 20-21, 2025
ITE/BRM Capstone Presentations ITM Class Project Presentation/ITL Year In Review Session/Graduation	Monday-Friday	Week of June 9-13, 2025

Note: Order of Module topics subject to change, based on speaker availability.

Our Centers and Institutes The Government Technology Institute (GTI)

Harrisburg University’s Government Technology Institute is a driving force in educating IT Leaders, empowering them with increased skills to make “Good Government Great Government.” GTI connects government technology leaders with the expertise of its sponsors, as well as Harrisburg University faculty and advisors. Through its education, training, resources, and networking, Government Technology professionals use GTI to explore and collaborate on successful, cost-effective technology solutions.

Under the leadership of GTI Executive Director Charlie Gerhards, the GTI and its affiliated centers support learning, IT innovation, entrepreneurship, and intergovernmental collaboration that enhance the management, and leadership skills of the government workforce involved in information technology.

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ADA Statement: HU is committed to providing equal education opportunity and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is HU’s policy that no qualified person be excluded from participating in any HU program or activity, be denied the benefits of any HU program or activity, or otherwise be subject to discrimination regarding any HU program or activity. Should you potentially require an accommodation under the ADA to participate in this program, please email ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu. Please send your request for an accommodation at least 5 business days in advance of the event or program.