How to Apply
Welcome to the Virginia Management Fellows Program!
We are currently preparing for VMF Cohort 7!
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The Commonwealth of Virginia is and has long been a national leader in good management and governance. This program extends our current professional and executive talent pool through the proper training and preparation of Virginia’s next-generation leaders.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is and has long been a national leader in good management and governance. This program extends our current professional and executive talent pool through the proper training and preparation of Virginia’s next-generation leaders.
About the Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) position
The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Management Fellows (VMF) program seeks emerging leaders with the desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and a willingness to commit to a 2-year fellowship of state-level service and learning. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in public service and volunteerism, and the capacity to work as both a leader and a participant in team efforts. Critical thinking is a sought-after skill.
Fellows participate in multiple seminars during the 2-year program, where reading of journal articles and government reports is required. Seminars focus on 4 themes: customer service; operations; legislation, regulation and compliance; and, analytics. These seminars culminate in small group presentations of knowledge and skills built. Fellows also participate in the Virginia Public Sector Leadership program of Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs and complete one 3-credit hour graduate course from Virginia Tech (paid by the program) on Public and Nonprofit Financial Management during the 2-year fellowship. Learning state government in “real-time”, Fellows work at three state agencies for 8-month periods. Rotations are supervised by highly motivated and trained agency mentors.
Agency rotation assignments carry specialized job descriptions where fellows develop new skills in hands-on agency roles in the provision of state services and meaningful connection points with agency executive leadership. During each of the three rotations, Fellows are required to complete an independent research project – including a detailed report and presentation – to address agency challenges and possible solutions. Fellows are placed in the first agency rotation based on educational, volunteer, and professional experience.
Fellows provide inputs for preferences regarding the other two agency rotation placements. Fellows are expected to continue their state service at the end of their two-year Fellowship. VMF program leaders will support job search activities throughout the two-year program to assist Fellows in finding permanent roles to continue their state employment.
Minimum Qualifications:
- >To be eligible for the VMF Program, applicants must have graduated on or after December 2022 with a bachelor's or advanced degree or be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate-level program.
- Education in Business, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Planning, Program Management, Public Health, Emergency Management, Project Management, Finance, Human Resources, or related fields.
- Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills with attention to detail; possess strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficient office software skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Candidates must demonstrate an interest in state service with the Commonwealth of Virginia
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience working in state, local, or federal government including prior internships or similar roles.