The Opportunity
Purpose
The city of Richmond Fellowship Program is a mayoral initiative to attract recent graduates of master's degree programs in
public administration, public policy, urban planning, and related fields to work in the city of Richmond.
The city of Richmond
Fellowship Program is a group learning experience that focuses on studying city government and community issues while enhancing
the leadership capacities needed for effective government and community problem-solving. Through an intense eleven-month
experience, six Fellows representing the diversity of our country will convene to have a unique experience like no other.
What you will get
In addition to a salary and on-the-job training in their host agencies, city of Richmond fellows are assigned a
mentor, given access to senior-level city officials throughout the program and participate in educational and
professional development seminars.
Through the different avenues of training and learning, the program prepares individuals to develop
skills and talents to prepare for excellent management and leadership skills for the city.
What you will give
City of Richmond Fellows will draw on their acquired knowledge and experience to design a project addressing a particular
challenge or policy issue faced by the city of Richmond and they will present their recommendations to senior officials at the
end of the fellowship. The fellowship projects will be aligned to one or more of the seven focus areas as outlined in the
city of Richmond’s Building a Better Richmond mission.
The Seven Focus Areas include:
- Unique, Healthy and Inclusive Communities and Neighborhoods
- Economic Growth
- Community Safety and Well-Being
- Transportation
- Education and Workforce Development
- Sustainability and the Natural Environment
- Well-Managed Government
City of Richmond Fellows will work hard and learn new perspectives, creating a diverse network of like-minded servant leaders
who are equipped to shape the Richmond region's future.
Where can you go from here?
As a city of Richmond Fellowship Program graduate, you may use your experience in any career field you choose. Some alumni will
choose to continue in public service and may apply for positions with the city of Richmond while others will go on to private,
nonprofit and academic careers.
How to get started
To be considered for fellowship opportunities, applicants will be required to submit an
online application through the city
of Richmond's online database (ROSS). To begin the journey that will change your life, start by completing the online application.
The Selection Process
Selection to the city of Richmond Fellowship Program is a competitive application process that brings together individuals who vary
in race, ethnicity, socio-economic backgrounds (including educational and work experiences), political views, sexual orientation,
geography, and age. Candidates will be evaluated on their academic records, strength of their application materials, character and
commitment to a public service career.
Selected Fellows will demonstrate the following attributes.
- A record of leadership or The capacity for leadership
- Contribution and dedication to ensuring diverse community representation
- Ability to strategically design and execute visionary ideas as demonstrated by career, personal and community achievement
- Desire to achieve significant impact within the community
Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following criteria.
- Earned a graduate degree within two years from an accredited college within two years prior to the start of the July fellowship.
- Be US citizens or have legal non-citizen residence status.
- Be willing to live in the city of Richmond during their appointment period (residency required within 30 days of appointment).
- Pass a substance abuse test (drug screening) prior to the start of employment.
The Commitment
Candidates must be willing to serve as full-time employees of the city of Richmond from July 2 through May 31 and to complete all
assignments, trips, and workshops related to the fellowship.
Benefits
Fellows will receive an initial appointment salary of $32,473. Fellows may be eligible for benefits of permanent employees
including, but not limited to holidays, optional healthcare coverage, pro-rated sick leave, civil leave, funeral leave and military leave. Leave may be
granted under special consideration by the Program Director.
The Application Process
Fellows will be selected through a competitive two-stage process.
Applicants must complete the following steps.
- Complete and attach the online application and submit unofficial transcripts and a résumé.
- Attach three letters of recommendation: one personal, and two professional, to their online application.
- Submit a one-page cover letter explaining why you wish to participate in the city of Richmond's fellowship program.
-
If chosen for a fellowship interview, be willing to participate in an all-day session comprised of an individual
interview, a group exercise and a writing sample.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed application, but may be included for supplemental information.
Please note that the application period for the City of Richmond's 2012-2013 Fellowship program has closed.
Applications for 2013-2014 year will be made available during the fall of 2012.
