Executive Fellow

JOB SUMMARY:

Are you curious about how a city is actually run? Are you looking for meaningful public sector experience that connects strategy, service, and leadership? The City of Frederick is seeking an ambitious and civic-minded Executive Fellow to join the Office of Public Affairs. This position offers a unique opportunity to work alongside executive leadership on high-priority initiatives that promote equity, community engagement, and cross-departmental collaboration.

This is a paid, part-time fellowship designed for current students or recent graduates interested in public administration, local government, or community development. Fellows will be exposed to the day-to-day operations of municipal leadership and contribute to real-time problem-solving and decision-making processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Executive Fellowship offers hands-on experience in local government, community relations, and neighborhood-level civic engagement within the City of Frederick. The Executive Fellow will work with the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) Program to support communication between residents, City departments, elected officials, and community partners. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in planning, coordinating, and facilitating NAC meetings, workshops, and community forums
• Supporting outreach strategies to increase resident engagement, including door-to-door canvassing, email communications, social media support, and neighborhood outreach campaigns
• Conducting research on neighborhood concerns, community trends, and policy topics relevant to NAC areas
• Compiling meeting summaries, tracing resident inquiries, and assisting in preparing reports for City staff and leadership
• Providing logistical support such as meeting setup, technology assistance, materials preparation, and follow-up communication
• Helping maintain the NAC database, participant lists, and communication channels
• Collaborating with City departments to address resident concerns and support timely issue resolution
• Attending City events, public meetings, and community activities as a representative of the NAC program
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QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Current enrollment in, or recent graduation from a college or graduate program (fields of study may include Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Studies, Communications, or related areas)
• Demonstrated interest in local government, operations, or public service

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES:

• Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

REQUIRED SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.):

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competence with Microsoft Office, and basic digital communication tools
• Ability to work some evenings for community meetings and events
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OTHER DESIRABLES:

• Prior internship, volunteer, or leadership experience in a public-facing or mission-driven organization
• Interest in local government, public administration, community development, or public policy
• Ability to work with diverse communities and maintain professionalism in public-facing environments
• Comfort preparing professional-level writing, briefings, or presentations
• Adaptability, initiative, and a commitment to learning

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.