FUSE Executive Fellow General Application

Gilder Search Group; United States; On-site; USD 85,500 - 104,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance benefits

Job summary

The FUSE Executive Fellowship, powered by Gilder Search Group, invites experienced professionals to lead impactful projects in local governments across the United States. This one-year position offers a salary of $95,000, alongside health benefits.

Applicants should have at least 15 years of professional experience and demonstrate effective project management and communication skills. Join a national nonprofit dedicated to community enhancement and government effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in relevant fields.
• Ability to synthesize information into actionable plans.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects within city and county agencies.
• Collaborate with government partners to improve public services.
• Develop data-driven strategies and operational plans.

Skills

Data-driven decision making

Strategic project management

Effective communication

Stakeholder relationship management

Data synthesis

Job description

The FUSE Executive Fellowship is an opportunity to do transformational work addressing pressing challenges in communities. For 12 months, FUSE Executive Fellows work within local government to bring diverse perspectives and new approaches to a specific project. Each fellowship is designed to leverage private sector experience to deliver results that have a lasting impact.

Multiple fellowships exist in cities and counties across the United States.

Fellowship Dates:

• October 26, 2026 – October 22, 2027 (One year Fellowships)
• October 26, 2026 – October 27, 2028 (Two year Fellowships)

Salary: Executive Fellows are FUSE employees and receive an annual salary of $95,000. Fellows can also access various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. This amount is not representative of market-rate salaries for the experienced professionals in our program but is intended as compensation for a year of public service.

ABOUT THE FUSE EXECUTIVE FELLOWSHIP

FUSE is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the capacity of local governments to work more effectively for communities. We embed private sector executives in city and county agencies to lead projects that improve public services and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 400 projects in 58 governments across 26 states, impacting a total population equivalent to 1 in 10 Americans.

When designing each fellowship project, FUSE works closely with government partners and community stakeholders to define a scope of work that will achieve substantive progress toward high-priority local needs. Projects address today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, including affordable housing, economic mobility, climate resilience, public safety, infrastructure, technology, and more.

FUSE conducts a full executive search for each individual project to ensure that the selected candidate has at least 15 years of professional experience, the required competencies for the role, and deep connections to the community being served.

Executive Fellows are embedded in government agencies working with senior leaders for at least one year of full-time work. Prospective responsibilities may include thorough data analytics and research, developing enhanced operations and financial models, building change management and strategic planning processes, and/or building broad coalitions to support project implementation efforts. Executive Fellows are data-driven and results-oriented and able to effectively manage complex projects. They build strong relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, foster alignment within and across various layers of government, and build partnerships between governments and communities.

Throughout the fellowships, Executive Fellows receive training, coaching, and professional support to help achieve their project goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Synthesizes complex information into clear and concise recommendations and action-oriented implementation plans.
• Develops and effectively implements both strategic and operational project management plans.
• Generates innovative, data-driven, and result-oriented solutions to complex challenges.
• Responds quickly to changing ideas, responsibilities, expectations, trends, strategies, and other processes.
• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing and excels in active listening and conversing.
• Fosters collaboration across multiple constituencies to support more effective decision-making.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, both inside and outside of government, particularly community-based relationships.
• Embraces differing viewpoints and implements strategies to find common ground. Demonstrates confidence and professional diplomacy while effectively interacting with individuals at all levels of various organizations.

FUSE is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position.