City Management Fellow (Part-Time)

City of Corona; Corona (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Corona seeks a part-time City Management Fellow to work directly in the City Manager's Office. You will gain hands-on exposure to municipal operations and contribute to projects supporting organizational priorities.

The role offers mentorship from experienced public-sector leaders, collaboration with city departments, and experiences that prepare you for future leadership in local government.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, political science, public policy, or related field.
• Accepted into, currently enrolled, or graduated within past 12 months from a master's program in public administration, public policy, business administration, or related field.
• Experience in administration, management, research, organizational operations, public policy, or budget analysis is desirable.
• Public service mindset and eagerness to contribute to local government.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and policy analysis to support city initiatives.
• Assist with strategic planning and organizational improvement projects.
• Analyze data and prepare reports and presentations.
• Support special projects aimed at improving city operations and service delivery.
• Collaborate with departments across the City and engage with stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field

Master's program in public administration/public policy or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about public service and eager to build a meaningful career in local government? Are you pursuing or recently completing a graduate degree in public administration, public policy, business administration, or a related field and ready to apply your knowledge in a dynamic, real-world environment? The City of Corona invites motivated, curious, and service-driven emerging professionals to apply for the part‑time City Management Fellow position.

As a Fellow, you will work directly within the City Manager's Office, gaining hands‑on exposure to municipal operations while contributing to projects and initiatives that support the City's organizational priorities. This temporary role offers personalized mentorship from experienced public‑sector leaders, opportunities to collaborate with departments across the City, and meaningful experiences that prepare you for future leadership roles in local government.

Assignments may include conducting research and policy analysis, supporting strategic planning and organizational improvement initiatives, analyzing data, preparing reports and presentations, and assisting with special projects that enhance City operations and service delivery.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal City Management Fellow is an aspiring local government leader who brings initiative, professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and a strong commitment to public service. They have a genuine interest in city management, thrive in a collaborative and fast‑paced environment, and approach new challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

This individual is a motivated self‑starter who possesses strong analytical, research, organizational, and communication skills. They are comfortable evaluating information, developing thoughtful recommendations, managing multiple priorities, and presenting findings clearly and effectively. They demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to build positive working relationships with individuals across all levels of an organization.

Previous public‑sector experience is desirable but not required. Above all, the ideal Fellow is enthusiastic about advancing their career in local government and eager to make a meaningful contribution to the City of Corona.

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of public administration, organizational analysis, and municipal government operations.
• Research methods, data collection, financial and statistical analysis, and reporting techniques.
• Basic principles of public policy, budgeting, and organizational management.
• Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard office software.

Ability To

• Conduct research, analyze data and complex information, and prepare clear, concise reports, presentations, and recommendations.
• Evaluate administrative policies, programs, and operational practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage multiple projects, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines independently.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.
• Interpret and apply administrative policies and procedures.
• Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professionalism when handling sensitive information.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with City leadership, employees, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Adapt to changing priorities, take initiative, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Education

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, political science, public policy, or a closely related field. Candidates must also have been accepted into, be currently enrolled in, or have graduated within the past 12 months from a master's degree program in public administration, public policy, business administration, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Professional, internship, or academic project experience involving administration, management, research, organizational operations, public policy, or budgetary analysis is desirable. Previous experience working or interning in local, state, or federal government, or with another public agency, is desirable but not required. Relevant experience gained through academic projects, nonprofit organizations, private‑sector employment, or volunteer service will also be considered.

Community

A City whose heritage spans more than a century, the City of Corona, located in Riverside County, California, encompasses around 40 square miles and has a vibrant, culturally diverse population of approximately 168,100 residents. Residents of Corona enjoy a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities that provide a first‑rate quality of life for its residents and visitors. Within an hour's travel time, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy such winter activities as snowboarding and skiing and such summer activities as surfing, boating, or simply relaxing on a beach. Corona's economy is strong and getting stronger; more than 84,000 people work here. Our retail, commercial, and housing areas are expanding, and office development continues to be strong.

The Organization

The City of Corona is a General Law city operating under a Council‑Manager form of government. Policy making and legislative authority is vested in the City Council, consisting of a Mayor and four Council Members. Members of the City Council are elected by District to a four‑year term. The Mayor is selected by the Council and serves as the presiding officer for one year.

The City is organized into the following departments/organizational units: Community Services, City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Risk Management, Police, Planning & Development, Public Works, and Utilities. Oversight of these departments is divided between the City Manager and an Assistant City Manager.

The City's total operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $422.7 million with a General Fund operating budget of $231.3 million. Corona enjoys a workforce of 935 dedicated employees who provide high‑quality services to its residents and visitors each day.

Temporary/part‑time employment status does not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law.

The City does not belong to the Social Security system. Therefore, enrollment in the Nationwide PST 457 retirement program is mandatory and requires a contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 1.3% and the employee contributes 6.2% of base earnings.

Most part‑time shifts for temporary/part‑time employees must not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30). If an employee is an active CalPERS member they may work up to 28 hours per week.

There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.