Leadership Development
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Launched in 2016, the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship immerses talented, emerging leaders from across the country in Cleveland’s public sector, providing them an opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their networks and jumpstart a career in public service.
The Cleveland Foundation exists to make the lives of Greater Clevelanders better, now and for generations to come. The ability to carry out our mission and to foster a commitment to excellence can best be pursued if our workforce, grantees, donors, partners and governing body include individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives. The foundation, in partnership with the fellowship host sites, is committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion across Cleveland’s public sector by using this fellowship as a catalyst to develop a pipeline of future leaders for Northeast Ohio.
About the Fellowship
The Program Includes
- A 12-month, full-time paid placement at a selected public sector agency or a nonprofit partner in Cleveland, providing meaningful career-related work experience
- A $47,000 salary with health benefits and a taxable $1,000 signing bonus
- Participation in professional development that prepares fellows for public service, administered by Cleveland Foundation staff and professionals with expertise in their fields
- A small cohort with individualized coaching, supervision and support
- Immersion in the rich civic and cultural life of Cleveland, with first-hand opportunities to network and connect with a diverse array of senior leaders, organizations and community members
Program Goals
- Networking and mentorship
- Community building
- Career advancement
- Exposure to different sectors with a focus on public service and Cleveland
- Personal and professional growth
Facts & Figures
10th
Anniversary in the 2025-2026 fellowship year
117
Fellows since the program's inception in 2016
90%
Of alumni cite meaningful connections and friendships with fellow Cleveland Foundation alumni as a key program benefit
+50%
More than half of fellows remain in Cleveland post program
How to Apply
Eligibility
- College graduates who earned undergraduate degrees in the past four years or their graduate degree in spring of the current year are eligible to apply. A wide range of degrees, including liberal arts and those pertaining to specialized areas of study, are welcomed.
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents or individuals eligible to work in the U.S. for the duration of this program can apply.
- Applicants cannot be a relative of a member of Cleveland Foundation staff or the foundation’s board of directors.
- Should you be selected as a semi-finalist, you must agree to reference checks and a criminal background check. Finalists may also be required to undergo additional hiring screenings such as a drug screening or a physical, depending on the hiring policies of the host agency.
Application
- Applications are accepted via the application gateway. Those who have an account can sign in. New users should follow the prompts to create an account.
- The application requires a resume and up to two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic work, employment experience or community/volunteer activities.
Host Organizations
Through a competitive application and interview process, recent college graduates are selected from across the country to participate in the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship program.
Each fellow is matched with a public sector agency with a supportive corporate culture and a commitment to providing opportunities to develop leadership and innovation.
In addition to placements within the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, selected public service agencies and nonprofit organizations may also include those which provide a range of public goods and services, such as education, healthcare, housing, transportation and more.
Eligibility
- Host organizations must have a process for developing and advancing early-career professionals and have a well-defined project or scope of work.
- Public sector agencies or nonprofit organizations working in close partnership with the public sector may be eligible to apply.
Consider applying if your organization:
- Is able to hire the fellow as a full-time employee subject to regular rights and responsibilities of the agency/organization, providing the workspace, equipment, and resources required for the fellow to complete their work assignments
- Understands that the fellowship requires 14 hours per month for training and professional development with the cohort
- Has a vision for mentoring an emerging leader and a senior staff member available to serve as the fellow’s supervisor
- Is able to develop a plan and provide access to leadership within the organization
- Is open to providing feedback and engaging in ongoing communication with the Cleveland Foundation and/or other supervisors
Application
Contact the program manager to confirm your eligibility and an application will be emailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits and opportunities are included with the fellowship?
Over their program year, Public Service Fellows receive compensation and access to insurance, retirement and PTO/sick days, as aligned with full-time employment at their host organization.
Training and professional development days are coordinated for the entire cohort, totaling an average of 14 hours per month. Session topics include communications, network management, racial equity and inclusion, leadership and more. Fellows also work individually with an executive coach for five sessions.
Informally, there are opportunities to network, attend local forums and events, meet with alumni and conduct informational interviews.
What is the selection process for fellows?
There are three general steps in the selection process for applicants:
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Candidates submit an application that is screened for eligibility requirements, commitment to public service, indicated skills and writing.
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Candidates are interviewed to learn more about their individual goals, prior experiences and the host organizations that they believe are best aligned with their skills and interests. These interviews are facilitated by Cleveland Foundation staff, program alumni and/or community leaders.
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Finalist interviews are coordinated by host organizations. This stage allows candidates to meet directly with the organization staff they may be working with, learn more about the project(s) for the year and ask specific questions related to the position and workplace. Each finalist candidate is guaranteed an interview with at least one host organization.
Are the host agencies different every year? How are they selected?
Yes, the host agencies vary annually following an application, screening and selection process. Organizations need a meaningful and robust project that a fellow could move forward over a year and offer ongoing supervision, mentoring and access to leadership.
What characterizes the most successful fellowship experiences?
Generally, fellows maximize their engagement with the program when they are open to new opportunities – even those that are slightly outside their comfort zone, invest in meeting and building relationships with new people, and remain committed to learning and growth.
What are some examples of fellows’ transitions at the end of their program year?
Please reach out to alumni on LinkedIn to ask this question directly as paths vary widely! At least 50 percent of fellows transition to full-time employment either at their host organization or within another agency in Cleveland.
Fellows may also pursue graduate studies or law school, move on to other fellowship programs and pursue public service career opportunities in Cleveland and across the U.S.