Six Departments That Benefit From Organizational Leadership Expertise

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, job descriptions overflow with buzzwords like “data-driven” and “technologically proficient.” While digital skills are essential, a timeless truth remains: The heart of any organization is its people.

Growing Need for People Skills

The demand for exceptional people skills at work isn’t resigned to those who work in management — it’s valued in entry-level roles and more experienced positions. Organizational leadership skills can be applied across all industries and throughout multiple company departments, as well. Best of all, you don’t need a managerial role to make a leaderlike impact at work.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) Online offers a distinctive Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Organizational Leadership program to address the increased demand for leadership-oriented individuals in the workplace. Led by experienced faculty, this fully online program provides skills-focused coursework for immediate job readiness or career progression for those with experience.

A BA in organizational leadership degree is ideal preparation for many positions in an organization, whether the company is a government entity, a large corporation, a small business, or a nonprofit association.

Here are six departments where an organizational leadership bachelor’s degree can help you stand out and excel at work while helping your employer (and your organization’s people) succeed.

1. Talent Development (TD)

This area specializes in cultivating an organization’s human potential, with a primary focus on nurturing employee skills, growth, and development.

In larger companies, TD may encompass specialized branches dedicated to skills enhancement, career development, and employee performance optimization. In smaller organizations, it often represents a multifaceted approach, encompassing continuing education and talent nurturing.

The TD area is where the organization’s commitment to fostering talent shines, as it concentrates on skill cultivation, career advancement, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Career roles in TD include:

• Recruitment Manager: Oversee the process of identifying, attracting, and selecting qualified candidates.
• Talent Development Coordinator: Partner with recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations areas.
• Talent Acquisition Specialist: Evaluate and recommend top-tier candidates to the business.
• Benefits Administrator: Manage employee benefits programs, like health care and retirement.

UC Online’s BA in Organizational Leadership program equips you with the leadership, communication, and team dynamics skills that enable you to excel in employee-focused roles. You’ll learn the techniques and strategies that improve employee-centered programs and build engagement and understand the broader context of TD’s purpose in the organization.

2. Learning & Development (L&D)

The L&D department enhances employee skills, knowledge, and performance through training, programs, and leadership initiatives.

In smaller companies, L&D is often part of Talent Development. Larger companies may have specialized L&D teams for talent development and technical training. No matter how this function is organized, L&D team members are people-focused by design, nurturing skill acquisition, personal growth, and leadership capabilities.

Career roles in L&D include:

• Training Coordinator: Assist in the planning, execution, and evaluation of training programs.
• L&D Associate: Support various initiatives with programs that nurture business leaders.
• eLearning Coordinator: Manage logistics of online learning programs, including scheduling and tracking.
• Learning Specialist: Assist with developing, delivering, and accessing training content and resources.

Your organizational leadership degree studies at UC will grow your understanding of employee education and engagement, team dynamics, and more. You’ll find techniques to help you design, implement and evaluate initiatives, facilitate leadership development, and align learning programs with business goals.

3. Sales & Marketing

The Sales & Marketing department promotes a company’s products or services, generates leads, and closes sales to drive revenue and growth.

In smaller organizations, sales and marketing roles may be integrated into other business areas or require team members to wear multiple hats. In larger companies, Sales & Marketing may be subdivided into specialized sales teams (e.g., inside and outside sales), digital marketing, internal communications, brand management, etc. As a company grows, these teams often function as stand-alone departments.

No matter where the Sales & Marketing function appears on an organizational chart, professionals in this area are inherently people-focused. They require a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to build trusting relationships.

Sales & Marketing roles benefiting from organizational leadership expertise include:

• Sales Representative: Meet sales goals by attracting new and retaining current customers.
• Marketing Coordinator: Assist in marketing campaigns and communications.
• Brand Ambassador: Promote and represent the company’s brand through strategic outreach efforts.
• Sales Support Lead: Ensure the sales process runs smoothly by supporting Sales’ needs.

As an organizational leadership graduate, you will bring your leadership, communication, and strategic thinking to this area, supporting the sales function, understanding human behavior, and aligning marketing strategies with the business’ mission, goals, and vision.

4. Customer Service

This department oversees incoming inquiries to ensure a positive customer experience and cultivate loyalty.

Smaller companies may blend the Customer Service function with Marketing. In larger companies, Customer Service may be divided into teams that support incoming phone calls, website inquiries, and call escalations.

Because customer service activities involve direct interactions with the public, individuals working in this area must demonstrate empathy, active listening, and effective problem-solving; key roles include:

• Customer Service Representative: Handle customer inquiries and resolve issues.
• Customer Experience Manager: Develop and oversee initiatives to enhance the customer journey.
• Customer Success Coordinator: Manage customer accounts to meet their needs.
• Customer Analyst: Gather data to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences.

With an organizational leadership degree in hand, you’re equipped with essential interpersonal skills, conflict-resolution abilities, and a customer-centric mindset. You know how to effectively manage customer interactions, enhance customer satisfaction, and be the face of your organization to external stakeholders.

5. Operations

The Operations department oversees a business’ day-to-day activities to ensure efficiency, resource allocation, and process improvement. In many industries, Operations is responsible for quality assurance, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring compliance.

While smaller companies may have a more generalized Operations area, larger companies tend to focus their operational roles in areas that include supply chain management, logistics, risk management, and quality control.

Operations requires people who are adept at improving processes, allocating resources, hitting quality targets, and interacting with others across the organization, with roles that include:

• Process Improvement Analyst: Assess operational processes and recommend needed changes.
• Project Management Associate: Assist in planning, executing, and monitoring projects.
• Compliance Officer: Ensure adherence to industry and local regulations and company policies.
• Safety Coordinator: Communicate with teams to facilitate safety training and implement policies.

The leadership, team dynamics, and critical thinking skills you develop while completing your organizational leadership degree coursework will help you excel in Operations. You’ll be ready to streamline processes, communicate effectively, and contribute to operational efficiency.

6. Organizational Development (OD)

OD departments enhance organizational effectiveness through change management and strategic planning. This department is often tasked with ensuring the success of critical initiatives like diversity and inclusion.

Smaller organizations may take a more integrated approach to OD where other departments fulfill these tasks. Dedicated OD departments in larger companies may have specialized teams for leadership development, culture enhancement, and process improvement.

OD is especially people-focused, with an emphasis on nurturing employee growth, leadership development, and fostering a positive culture; roles in this area include:

• Change Management Lead: Oversee initiatives to boost awareness and acceptance of company changes.
• Leadership Development Manager: Focus on training and development initiatives.
• Culture Coordinator: Cultivate the desired environment and communicate how employees play a role.
• Employee Engagement Specialist: Deliver programs to enhance engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

As an organizational leadership graduate, you’ll be well-suited for roles in this area with your leadership, communication, and strategic thinking abilities. You can facilitate change, enhance team dynamics, and align OD initiatives with business objectives.

Every Business Benefits from Better Leaders at Work

From the companies themselves to the people who fill the roles within them, businesses of all sizes and types benefit from the people-focused skills taught in UC Online’s BA in Organizational Leadership program. The roles highlighted in these six departments only scratch the surface of jobs that prioritize keen people and leadership skills.

Whatever path you choose, your UC degree will be a valuable stepping stone that provides a well-rounded foundation for a fulfilling career — now and into your future.

If you’re ready to learn more about this bachelor’s program, contact an Enrollment Services Advisors online. To speak with someone immediately, call (833) 347-5495 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern. Your future in organizational leadership awaits.