Management Fellowship Program
The Downers Grove Management Fellowship (DGMF) Program offers a unique opportunity for a well-qualified and highly motivated professional to play a key role in the Village's efforts to further develop a high-performing, fiscally responsible and innovative local government organization. In this role, you'll become be a part of a team that operates on a daily basis with the following principles in mind:
- Communication makes us better
- Great ideas come from anywhere and everywhere
- Let's be tough on issues and easy on people
The Downers Grove Management Fellow Program is one of the Village's tools to build the next generation of local government leadership. In the spirit of succession planning, the Management Fellowship seeks to attract, develop, and retain talented individuals committed to leading local government organizations. Toward this goal, the Village provides a diverse series of work experiences that allow the Fellow to learn and develop skills in dynamic professional environments. During their experience, Fellows will be challenged as they work on high-level special projects with senior-level and professional staff. The fellowship program is intended to inspire and foster growth and continued success in local government by providing Fellows with professional experience in a municipality with a Council-Manager form of government.
The successful DGMF candidate will have the following qualifications:
- Master's Degree in an accredited program of Public Administration, Public Policy or related field, or current enrollment in such a program.
- Possess advanced research, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with a variety of people, including staff members from across the organization, elected officials and board/commission members, residents and key representatives from other organizations
- Possess strong written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrate a commitment to developing a career in effective local government management
- Adhere to the ICMA Code of Ethics and be dedicated to rigorous professional development
The successful DGMF candidate will have the opportunity to develop professional skills and credentials by:
- Managing high-level projects of substantial responsibility across the organization
- Meeting in weekly one-on-one discussions with supervisors
- Actively participating in discussions and decision-making with senior-level staff on a regular basis
- Receiving regular coaching and career development guidance by experienced professionals in the Manager's Office and Village's leadership team
- Making presentations to Village staff, elected officials and community groups
- Facilitating meetings and refining skills at working effectively among groups
- Actively participating as a key Village representative to the Alliance for Innovation, ICMA and related professional associations
- Attending professional conferences and networking events
The DGMF program offers temporary full-time (40 hours/week) employment. The successful Fellow is asked to make an 18-month commitment to the Village, and the duration of the Fellowship may be extended up to 24 months based on mutual agreement of the Fellow and the Village. Upon completion of the program, opportunities may exist for fellows to compete for permanent positions at the Village.
Management Fellows enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, career development opportunities, and mentoring by senior staff. In addition, the Program provides valuable work experience, offers the opportunity to contribute creative and innovative ideas, and provides an ideal setting to learn about important issues and emerging trends. Below is a snapshot of the salary and benefits available to Management Fellow:
- Starting salary of approximately $42,500
- Comprehensive health benefits for the Fellow and their dependents
- Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
- Accrued sick and vacation leave along with paid holidays
- Professional development stipend of $1,000 per year
Village-sponsored membership with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and Illinois Association of Municipal Management Assistants (IAMMA) Complete the online application at: Publicjobline.com. Only online applications will be accepted. First review 11/6/12. E.O.E.