Graduate City Management Fellowship

The city of Royal Oak, Michigan is looking for a Graduate Management Fellow to join the team. The Royal Oak Graduate City Management Fellowship Program is designed to provide talented individuals with an interest in local government management the opportunity to gain practical real-world experience in local government. The Fellow will be given the opportunity to learn about the inner­workings of the council/manager form of government, make a difference in the community through meaningful projects, and programs while building new skills. Our fellows are given the opportunity to participate in high­ impact projects in areas like the arts, boards and commissions, community engagement, project, and program research. They will be given the opportunity to interact with department heads and attend high level meetings, exposing them to the responsibilities of each department and current local government issues. The fellow will also perform tasks and daily activities in support of the City Manager's Office. The fellow's interests and goals will be considered for projects.

Below is a list of responsibilities intended to illustrate the tasks the Fellow will work on. At the discretion of the Assistant to the City Manager, or City Manager, these items may change or be eliminated.

The fellow will research policy issues as they arise and make recommendations based on findings. May develop new procedures or review existing procedures against best practices. In the upcoming year, this might include policy issues related to the Human Rights Commission, Strategic Plan, Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and Aging in Place Plan.

The fellow may assist different boards and commissions as necessary including in the production of minutes, agenda setting, posting notices, and set up. The fellow will work with the Assistant to the City Manager to serve as a staff liaison for boards as directed. This may include the Commission for the Arts, Environmental Advisory Board, and the Human Rights Commission.

The fellow will learn the fundamental skills of program management including budgeting, evaluation, contracts, goal development, and process/user experience. They will have hands-on experience with the Commissions for the Arts programs focusing primarily on the Art Explored, Artist Laureate, permanent collections and others as needed. The fellow may also work on the Royal Oak Residents Academy, and any mini academies held.

The fellow will have the opportunity to learn about community engagement theories, and opportunities to conduct different types of community engagement. This may include opportunities to assist with engagement efforts around the new master plan, planning the Royal Oak Residents Academy, and

The fellow will be expected to provide excellent customer service to residents, staff, and visitors. The fellow will assist with answering phones in the City Manager’s Office, providing assistance to residents on a variety of different issues. Additionally, this position may help in setting up, operating, and tearing down special events.

Fellow must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a MPA or related Master’s program such as Public Administration, Community Development, Urban Planning.