Pathways to Public Service Fellowship

City-of-Raleigh-N; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Raleigh invites applications for the Pathways to Public Service Fellowship, a 5-month program that offers hands-on experience in municipal government. Fellows will work 15–30 hours per week from March 1, 2027 through August 6, 2027, across City departments to gain exposure to public service and governance.

Fellows will contribute to meaningful projects, engage in problem solving, and develop professional skills through mentorship and collaboration with City staff.

Qualifications

• Access to a computer and reliable internet; transportation to work.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and databases; able to navigate Microsoft Teams.
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work 15–30 hours per week for the 5‑month duration.

Responsibilities

• Identify and address issues while working on a capstone project for local governance improvements.
• Collaborate with City staff from multiple departments to support program projects.
• Develop professional skills through structured mentorship and cross‑department collaboration.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Databases

Microsoft Teams

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

College student / recent graduate

Job description

Please Note: You MUST include/attach the following to be reviewed. Your application will not be reviewed if these 3 items are not attached:

• Resume
• Two (2) essay-format responses to the supplemental questions of this posting
• One (1) letter of recommendation

The City of Raleigh operates Partnership Raleigh, which is built on collaboration across City of Raleigh departments to provide college and university students with meaningful, introductory professional development opportunities while exploring careers in public service. Through cross-departmental partnerships, students gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and build relationships with public service professionals, preparing them for future careers that make a positive impact in their communities.

Pathways to Public Service Fellowship is a cohort-based paid fellowship program designed for college juniors, seniors, graduate students and recent graduates seeking meaningful, real-world experience in municipal government. Fellows are placed within City of Raleigh departments where they contribute to impactful projects, develop professional skills, and gain firsthand insight into careers in public service. Through structured professional development, mentorship, and cross-departmental collaboration, the program prepares participants for successful careers dedicated to serving their communities.

We are seeking personable and highly motivated fellows to work 15-30 hours a week during a 5-month fellowship from March 1, 2027, through August 6, 2027.

This fellowship will equip undergraduate college juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students who are interested in a public-sector career with the skills to excel in local government roles.

Throughout the fellowship, fellows will identify and address issues while working on a capstone project to provide opportunities for improvement and/or solutions in local governance. Overall, fellows will use problem-solving and critical thinking skills to deepen their understanding of local government operations for effective decision-making.

Fellows will work with City staff from various departments, which could include the City Manager's Office, Community Engagement, Housing and Neighborhoods Department, the Office of Sustainability, Transportation, Stormwater, Planning and Development, Solid Waste Services, Engineering Services, Procurement, IT, and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources.

This internship program has the following requirements:

• Access to a computer and a reliable internet connection, as well as access to reliable transportation for commuting to work
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and databases, with the ability to navigate Microsoft Teams
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills
• Working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work 15-30 hours a week for the duration of the 5-month program

You MUST include/attach the following to be reviewed. Your application will not be reviewed if these 3 items are not attached:

• Resume
• Two (2) essay-format responses to the supplemental questions of this posting
• One (1) letter of recommendation

Essay Prompts (Minimum 200 Words):

1. How will this fellowship program benefit your career aspirations?
2. What strengths, experiences, or perspectives would you bring to your City department and your fellowship cohort?

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to gather, interpret, and present information effectively
• Commitment to professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
• Currently live, work, or attend college/university in the Raleigh and/or Triangle Region (this is not required to apply)

Strong candidates will have academic majors in political science, public administration, business administration, urban planning, policy, economics, sociology, psychology, environmental science, communications, public relations, information technology, social work, criminal justice, geographic Science, earth sciences, sustainability, geographic Information systems, data analytics, engineering, and parks, recreation and tourism, or a related field. ALL majors are encouraged to apply.

Additional interests may include:

• Strong desire to pursue a career in municipal government
• Gaining familiarity with municipal government processes, a passion for public service, and a desire to make a positive impact on the community
• Public affairs, community engagement, leadership, innovation, problem solving, sustainability, technology, public speaking, data analysis, and/or GIS and project management

ADA and Other Requirements:

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.